SINGAPORE has come out ahead of more than 30 countries in a list that compares the strength of e-government initiatives.

The global study of 34 nations saw the Government here ranked highest for optimising productivity of ministries and departments through the use of infocomm technology. It was also singled out for 'big progress' on its government online portals.

What it did not do so well in: promoting itself via cyberspace. Its worst rating was for this indicator. It ranked seventh behind Sweden, which took first place.

Into its fifth year, the study was conducted by Japan's Waseda University Institute of e-government - which is also in charge of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's e-government research centre.

The governments were measured on six key areas with 28 indicators: Strength of broadband, cellular and PC networks, electronic service delivery, computerisation of government pro-

cesses, national portal, the chief information officer and e-government promotional activities. Singapore moved up in almost every indicator this year. For instance, it moved into the top 10 for the first time for the indicator on national portals, ranking first.

The report by Dr Toshio Obi also noted several shifts in trends. 'From merely providing services, governments have established virtual spaces for citizens to have their voice.'

However, the report noted 'only a few countries have recorded satisfying use of their online services', saying further 'marketing' is required.

It recommended that cyber laws and digital authentication be put in place as governments move online. 'In the near future, both Web 2.0 and mobile government will be the hottest issues in e-government,'said Dr Obi.

TAN WEIZHEN

This article was first published in The Straits Times.