SNDGG and MCI to merge from October 2023

Smart Nation and Digital Government Group and Ministry of Communications and Information to merge from October 2023

Singapore, 12 September 2023

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) will merge with the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI)’s digital development functions to form an enlarged Smart Nation group. This merged entity will be part of the Prime Minister’s Office and administered by MCI. The merger will better position the Government to advance the full range of the digital agenda. The announcement was shared with SNDGG and MCI staff on 12 September 2023.

Today, SNDGG oversees the Smart Nation strategy, digitalisation of government services, and the development and application of digital technologies and capabilities across Singapore. MCI has been leading the development of the digital economy, digital readiness and inclusion, regulation of digital infrastructure and data, online regulation, and digital and cyber security. This is in addition to MCI’s role of coordinating Whole-of-Government information policy and public communications efforts.

Given the cross-cutting nature of digital developments, SNDGG and MCI have already been working closely together to design and implement our national and government digital strategies. The merged entity strengthens our capabilities and better positions Singapore to respond effectively to new opportunities and challenges in digital developments.

Notwithstanding the merger, the status and structures of the statutory boards and agencies under MCI and SNDGG remain unchanged. There will be also no change to the political office holders. Mrs Josephine Teo will continue to serve as the Minister for Communications and Information, and Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity. Dr Janil Puthucheary and Mr Tan Kiat How will remain as the Senior Ministers of State for Communications and Information, with Dr Janil Puthucheary continuing as Minister-in-charge of GovTech. Likewise, there is no change to appointments to the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), the National Library Board Singapore (NLB), and the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech).

The merger will be effected in phases, with MCI commencing the administration of the Smart Nation group from 23 October 2023. Other details will be worked out over the coming months and shared when ready.

For media queries, please contact:

Ms Nazrana Zainuddin
Deputy Director (Public and International Comms), Adoption and Engagement Directorate
Smart Nation and Digital Government Group
Tel: 9272 3135
Email: Nazrana_ZAINUDDIN@pmo.gov.sg

Ms Dawn Tay
Deputy Director (Media Relations) & Press Secretary to Minister
Communications and Engagement Division
Ministry of Communications and Information
Tel: 9366 1302
Email: Dawn_TAY@mci.gov.sg

About the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) was set up under the Singapore Prime Minister’s Office in May 2017, to drive and coordinate Smart Nation and digitalisation efforts across the Singapore Government.

SNDGG is made up of the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO), which plans and prioritises key Strategic National Projects, drives the digital transformation of government, builds long-term ICT capabilities for the public sector, and promotes adoption and participation from the public and industry, to take a collective approach in building a Smart Nation. SNDGG also comprises the Government Technology Agency (GovTech), as the implementing agency of SNDGO.

About the Ministry of Communications and Information

The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) oversees the development of the infocomm technology, cyber security, and media sectors; the national library, national archives and public libraries; as well as the Government’s information and public communication policies. MCI’s mission is to engage hearts and minds to achieve a thriving digital future for all.