LIVE FROM GSMA MOBILE 360 ASIA PACIFIC, SINGAPORE: The GSMA called for additional collaboration to encourage a consistent approach to integrating digital government services into every sector, to build on progress deploying essential e-government services in the Asia-Pacific region to date.

In its seventh annual Digital Societies report for Asia Pacific, released yesterday (2 August), the GSMA argued nations seeking to bolster digital service should focus on infrastructure, innovation, data governance, security and people.

GSMA head of Asia Pacific Julian Gorman noted in a related statement the region “is bold and diverse in its approach to connectivity”.

“As we approach this new era of widescale immersive technology, it’s critical that we continue to foster industry collaboration so that our digital nations prosper in a safe and sustainable way.”

The GSMA placed Singapore at the vanguard of digital nation ambitions, citing the Singpass identity service, which has 4.5 million users, 97 per cent of people aged 15 and over.

South Korea ranked top for digital citizenship in an index, with the GSMA noting use of e-government services rose from less than 50 per cent in 2011 to 90 per cent in 2021.

Gorman noted events like Mobile360 APAC are important opportunities to “convene and discuss the opportunities ahead”.