Josephine Teo on accessibility of Government services for non-digitally savvy Singaporeans

People who have difficulty transacting with the Government online can turn to in-person and contact centre services provided by many Government agencies, or head to five ServiceSG centres where officers can guide them through digital transactions and help them complete frequently used Government services across 20 agencies. While the Government is increasingly using digital communication channels, offline channels remain “critical” - including the mass media as well as hard copy letters, digital display panels at HDB blocks and even house visits to inform residents of key policy announcements. Communications and Information Minister Josephine Teo said this in Parliament on Wednesday (Nov 30) in response to an MP’s question. She said SG Digital community hubs have been set up at selected libraries and community centres to offer one-to-one or small group training on skills such as how to use a smartphone, make e-payments and stay safe online. More than 210,000 seniors have been engaged under the Seniors Go Digital programme. Mrs Teo said that even as more services digitalise, the Government is committed to ensuring that everyone can communicate and transact with it, regardless of their digital ability.