Singapore's OASIS Project Wins UN Accolade

Singapore's e-government efforts received yet another pat on the back when one of its online services was recently awarded the distinguished 2005 United Nations Public Service Award.

Specifically, the United Nations (UN) lauded Singapore for its Online Application for System for Integrated Services (OASIS). The project covers three areas, namely licence review, Business Re-engineering (BPR) and development of Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS). OBLS represents an inter-agency effort to streamline business licensing services with the aim of allowing businesses to sign up, renew and pay for their business licences over the Internet. This year, Singapore is the only country in Asia-Pacific to receive the UN award in this category, with Mexico and Canada being the other two winners.

This project was led by MTI as well as the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and project-managed by IDA. It was launched in 2001 and involved the participation of more than 30 government agencies.

Mr Peter Ong, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said: "We are delighted and honoured to receive this prestigious award, which recognises the effective application of InfoComm Technology in government services. The OASIS project has delivered a one-stop integrated e-service that allows businesses to apply for licences with ease and convenience. This award represents a significant milestone in the government's journey towards the 'many agencies, one government' vision". The commendation recognises Singapore for being one of the forerunners in the category of "Application of Information and Communication Technology in government". Mr Chan Yeng Kit, CEO, IDA, received the award on behalf of the Singapore government at the fifth annual City Informatisation in the Asia-Pacific Region (CIAPR) forum held in Shanghai last month.

"This award is a testimony of our agencies' efforts to collaborate and integrate services to create a seamless experience for businesses and citizens when they transact with the Government," said Mr Chan. "The government, however, cannot do everything on its own. We need to work closely with industry partners, who are at the forefront of technological developments, to achieve our e-Government objective of offering innovative and more convenient ways to deliver government services using ICT."

"Every agency involved in this project played a significant part in making this award possible. The MTI, together with MOF and IDA, wish to thank all OASIS agencies for their contributions towards achieving the award," added Mr Ho Suu Wei, Deputy Director of MTI's Enterprise Division.