Govt launches new centre to develop ‘citizen-centric’ apps

SINGAPORE — The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) will be launching a new Software Design and Development Centre of Excellence by mid-July, to develop citizen-centric digital applications.

Announcing this during the Ministry of Communication and Information (MCI) Workplan Seminar today (April 9), MCI Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said: "Government agencies will be able to tap on the centre's expertise in research and data analytics to design and develop their dutiful services to better meet citizens' diverse needs and expectations."

Beyond project management, the centre will also allow IDA to develop a small but strong core of coders and engineers capable of creating IT solutions within the government, Dr Yaacob added.

Noting that demand for cyber security professionals will only rise as cyber threats becoming increasingly common and complex, Dr Yaacob said the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) aims promote cyber security schools to establish a sustainable pool of talent in the field.

"The CSA will also collaborate with institutes of higher learning to offer cyber security courses, and build partnership with cyber security companies to provide internships and job opportunities," he said.

"We will also cultivate the cyber security business by focusing on drawing cyber security business to Singapore, and encouraging the growth of cyber research and development," he added.