The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has been conferred the Digital Transformer (Singapore) award by International Data Corporation (IDC) Asia/Pacific at this year’s IDC Digital Transformation (DX) Summit.

2.         The IDC DX Awards recognise and celebrate organisations that have successfully planned and executed digital transformation in one or multiple areas of their business through the use of digital and disruptive technologies. All projects were judged on various aspects such as key technologies used and business areas transformed, impacted and their benefits. Every nomination was reviewed and validated using a multi-tiered assessment by IDC analysts and a panel of independent judges comprising industry leaders and academia in the region.

3.         The ICA’s “Singapore Passport Story” was a winner in the Digital Transformer category. The “Singapore Passport Story” was one of the 600 high-quality entries from the Asia/Pacific region. It is a testimony to ICA’s push for continuous improvements through innovation and bold use of technology to revolutionise passport application and collection processes, from a manual-based model into a seamless digital experience for Singaporeans.

4.         ICA was one of the earliest adopters of internet transactions among Government agencies when it introduced an online passport application service, known as the Application for Passport Online Electronic Service (APPLES) in 2002. In 2008, the online platform was linked to an electronic appointment booking system for passport collection. In 2013, ICA deployed biometrics technology with robotics and automation to develop an automated self-help kiosk, known as the iCollect, for the collection of passports. These digital technologies have brought great convenience to Singaporeans who can submit their passport applications in a few simple steps, in the comfort of their home, at any time of the day. Today, passport collection waiting time for those who made an appointment has dropped significantly to within 15 minutes as compared to two hours in the past.

5.         Assistant Commissioner (AC) Chui Wai Cheng, Deputy Director of the Citizen Services Centre, ICA said “Digital transformation has helped to actualise our ideas to meet increasing demand and challenges with better services and greater security. The Singapore Passport Story is a continuous journey of improvement and innovation as ICA seeks to offer greater value to Singapore citizens. The Singapore passport is recognised as one of the most powerful passports allowing Singaporeans visa-free access to most countries in the world.”

6.         AC Chui added, “Digital transformation has also enabled us to overcome our limited manpower resources by providing technological and innovative solutions that help ICA to efficiently and securely clear an increasing number of travellers and also meet the enhanced demand for ICA’s services. This has contributed to ICA’s delivery of service and operational excellence. In the process, our staff also derive job satisfaction and pride, in being able to utilise technology and deliver higher value work in keeping Singapore safe and secure. This is also part of Singapore’s Smart Nation drive.”

7.         Sandra Ng, IDC Asia/Pacific GVP for Practice Team said, “Digital Transformation is a must-do for any organization with the hunger to compete well in the digital economy. A Digital Transformer is one with the determination to lead in all aspects of its externally- and internally-facing operations. The Singapore Passport Story is transformative and deserves the IDC Digital Transformer of the Year (Singapore) recognition because of its unique nature, showing the continuous process of innovative thinking combined with bold use of technology to keep reforming the passport experience.”

8.         For more information about the award, visit www.IDCDXawards.com.

<Photo credits to IDC: IDC’s SVP for Software, Services, Insights and End-User Research Meredith Whalen presenting the Digital Transformer of the Year (Singapore) award to AC Chui Wai Cheng, Deputy Director of Citizen Services Centre, ICA at the Regional Awarding Ceremony on 25 October 2018 at JW Marriott Singapore.>

<Graphic credits to IDC>

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
9 NOVEMBER 2018