Singapore (1 June 2010) - Connecting the public with the government takes on an improved interactive experience with the launch of the newly revamped Singapore Government www.gov.sg portal that offers a refreshing layout and enhanced features for easy navigation.
Together with the launch of the new portal, the new www.gov.sg app for iPhone was also unveiled to the public.
As part of the Singapore Government’s efforts to enhance its online presence and connect with the public more effectively, via the internet, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) commissioned leading homegrown provider of mission-critical government infrastructure and solutions, Ecquaria Technologies Pte Ltd (www.ecquaria.com) to revamp thewww.gov.sg portal and develop the iPhone app.
Commenting on the launch of the www.gov.sg portal, Rear Admiral (NS) SIM Gim Guan, Deputy Secretary (Information and Corporate Management) MICA, said: “Over the years, with the rapid changes in infocomm technology, our people have become more sophisticated users of the internet. The government should therefore go beyond delivering electronic-services and information online, to also providing a more holistic online experience. The revamp positions thewww.gov.sg portal as the electronic communications platform for the public to connect with the Singapore Government. The public can now have an integrated and seamless access to the latest news updates and services across all government agencies from a single platform.”
With an increasing number of people accessing news and information using mobile devices, RADM Sim added, “We are also continuously exploring new ways to reach out to the public, particularly the increasingly mobile and younger generation. We are therefore pleased to provide this new government-centric application on the App Store. This will enable iPhone users to get the latest government news and updates anywhere, anytime.” Moving forward, MICA will work on providing similar applications to make the www.gov.sg website accessible to more users on other mobile channels.
Besides providing news, events, feedback and search features, the new www.gov.sg portal is updated throughout the day. The portal also offers dynamic user-friendly features such as new media interactive tools to better engage and involve the users. For example, a Twitter account and RSS feeds are set up to allow users to easily share news with their friends. In addition, through improved design and usability, the revamped portal allows users with different Internet browsers and devices to enjoy a consistent, quality experience.
"Ecquaria is pleased to be given the opportunity to participate in this landmark project of the Singapore Government to help transform and define the electronic communications platform for the government," said Dr Foong Wai Keong, President & CEO of Ecquaria Technologies.
Noting the company’s relentless focus on offering innovation and creating value for customers, "We are excited about today’s launch and are looking forward to work closely with MICA to add some of the latest ideas and innovation along with creative design to make www.gov.sg succeed as the preferred Singapore Government online news and communications platform. The addition of the www.gov.sg app for iPhone is one of the ways to demonstrate our commitment to our customer to help the Singapore Government reach out to more segments of the public." Dr Foong added.
The public can download the free www.gov.sg app from App Store. |
