Japan and Singapore have reached a consensus to strengthen their collaborative efforts in the field of digitization, as Tokyo seeks to learn from Singapore’s exemplary experience in digital identity implementation.
According to a report by the Japanese news agency “Kyodo” on Saturday, Japanese Digital Transformation Minister, Taro Kono, and his Singaporean counterpart, Josephine Teo, discussed the matter during a two-day visit by the Japanese Minister to Singapore.
Singapore, a Southeast Asian nation, has established itself as a pioneer in the launch of a national digital identity system, using it extensively to deliver government services. The country started distributing digital identities to its citizens and foreign residents as early as 2003.
Officials stated that users can access over 2700 services from more than 800 government agencies and companies through online platforms and smartphone apps. This includes passport applications, tax payments, issuance of COVID-19 vaccination certificates, among other services.
Singapore’s Minister for Digital Transformation mentioned that Singapore and Japan are like-minded partners with many common interests. She pointed out that a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed last year concerning the exchange of knowledge and experience in fields such as digital identity, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud services.
