S'pore's goal is to have technologically strong govt, not just strong tech agency: Lawrence Wong at GovTech's 10th anniversary

GovTech will renew its capabilities and play a critical role in leading the Singapore government's digital transformation, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said at the agency's 10th anniversary dinner on Nov. 5, 2026. GovTech's expertise should be extended to rest of public service In order for GovTech to do so, it has to remain a place where people with deep expertise and a strong sense of purpose can deepen their craft, take on challenges and do meaningful work, PM Wong said. Part of its renewal is the recent restructuring exercise, which has been "a difficult period" for some officers, he added. "We will continue to support the affected officers as they acquire new skills and prepare for new opportunities, whether within GovTech or outside," he said. However, the expertise developed in GovTech has to be embedded across the wider public service. This is why GovTech has been bringing its product and engineering capabilities closer to frontline agencies and the effort to extend GovTech's expertise and capabilities to the rest of the government will continue. PM Wong said: "Ultimately, our goal is not simply to have a strong tech agency. It is to have a technologically strong government. A government where technology is integral to policymaking; where policymakers understand what technology can enable; where technologists understand the policy objectives and operational realities; and where both can work together to deliver better outcomes for Singaporeans." Thanked past and present GovTech officers for hard work At the dinner, PM Wong also thanked past and present GovTech officers for their contribution and hard work. Useful digital products, such as TraceTogether, SafeEntry and the vaccination booking system, helped the nation tide through the Covid-19 pandemic, PM Wong recalled. However, what stayed with him the most was the dedication of the officers who worked on these products under high pressure: "We saw the value of these capabilities during the Covid pandemic. It all sounds like a bad dream now, or even a nightmare, but many may still remember digital products like Trace Together, Safe Entry or the vaccination booking system. But what stayed with me most was the people behind them – the teams working under tremendous pressure, solving problems quickly and doing whatever was needed to support our national response. It showed what we can achieve when we combine technological expertise with a strong sense of mission and the determination to get things done." Integrating technology and policymaking PM Wong also said technology cannot be an afterthought in policymaking. He encouraged GovTech officers to not only go beyond implementing what policy makers want, but to become active partners in solving public policy problems. This means that GovTech officers need to understand the policy intent, and not be afraid to challenge assumptions or suggest different approaches. "Sometimes, the best solution is not more sophisticated technology, but a simpler policy," PM Wong said. Policymakers have to develop a better understanding of what technology can or cannot do as well. "The aim is not to master all the technical details. It is to develop the instincts to ask the right questions, appreciate the possibilities and constraints, and understand how technology can help shape better policy choices," PM Wong added.