Memorandum of Cooperation with the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Singapore
- Published:
On May 25, 2022, Minister for Digital Transformation Makishima held discussions with Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Minister-in-charge of GovTech of the Republic of Singapore, who was visiting Japan, at the Digital Agency. The two ministers also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the Digital Agency of Japan and the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Singapore in the area of digital government.
1. Overview
(1) Opening
Minister Makishima welcomed Minister Puthucheary to the Digital Agency. She noted that Singapore is a digitally advanced country that ranks highly in various international evaluations of digitalization, and stated that Japan has much to learn from Singapore’s experience in promoting digital transformation through the Digital Agency. She also expressed her desire to build a close cooperative relationship in the digital field by learning from the example of GovTech.
In response, Minister Puthucheary stated that the two countries share a long history of cooperation and that he hopes to further strengthen bilateral relations in the future. In the digital field, he emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge, exchanging information, promoting best practices, ensuring interoperability, and contributing to international standards. He added that the two countries share common values such as openness and the use of technology to improve society, and that greater value can be created by involving a wide range of stakeholders in initiatives such as smart cities and the Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation.
(2) Exchange of Views
The two ministers exchanged views on the use of digital technology as a measure against the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of digital IDs, the development and exchange of digital human resources, smart cities, the Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation, and the concept of Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT). They shared the view that cooperation in these areas should be further promoted.
(3) Future Cooperation
The two ministers shared the view that, based on their exchange of views and the MoC, Japan and Singapore would further strengthen cooperation in the digital field.
Furthermore, on May 26, 2022, they attended the Japan–Singapore Summit Meeting at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence. At the document exchange ceremony held afterward, the conclusion of this Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was announced in the presence of the two leaders.
Japan-Singapore Summit Meeting and Document Exchange Ceremony (Prime Minister's Official Residence)
2. Details of MoC
Main areas of Cooperation
Cooperation will cover the following areas.
- Sharing their respective experiences in the development of digital government, such as AI, cloud service, cybersecurity, digital identity, inclusive design, Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT), and Web3
- Capacity building through skills sharing, co-hosting training courses, action plans and workshops
- Promotion of cooperation by holding meetings between the executives of the two parties and jointly publishing a report on digital government between Japan and Singapore
- Support for holding events related to respective digital governments
Duration
- This MoC begins on the date of signature and cooperation under this MoC will continue for a period of three (3) years from the date of signature (renewable by mutual written consent).
Signatories
- Signed: May 25, 2022
- Location: The Digital Agency of Japan
- Signatories:
・Minister for Digital Transformation MAKISHIMA Karen (for Japan)
・Minister-in-charge of GovTech Janil PUTHUCHEARY (for Singapore)