This was stated by Professor Jim Tam, who was speaking during an ICT seminar on the issues of implementation of e-Government at ICTC, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday. Dr Jim Tam, an Associate Prof of School of IT Management Ryerson Polytechnic University in Ontario, Canada was instrumental insetting up a number of computer standard working committees for the government of Canada.
The seminar was attended by several personnel from government agencies, private corporations and also students.
According to the professor, Brunei's geographical position, its political stability and other aspects enable the country to implement e-government "in a unique position" that many countries do not possess.
With e-Government projects are high on the government's agenda; it is possible to establish what Professor Jim Tam called "Virtual Brunei Online".
He said that this would eventually promote the country, thus attracting benefits such as foreign investments.
The e-Government directly supports good governance, which may promote progress, he said.
The democratic, business, and governmental aspects of governance are simplified and improved, cutting costs and providing better services to citizens and businesses. The government would be able to interact with all citizens at all levels, therefore promoting e-Democracy.
An informed citizenry would promote transparency and accountability within the government. Citizens would be better equipped to participate in government policy and decision making.
They would also have proper channels to express their ideas to a government that would pay attention.
E-Government also delivers services to businesses. Furthermore, e-Procurement, or an online supplier exchange, is among the services that could be included in G2G and G2B services.
This will allow transparency in for example the bidding process and give opportunities to smaller businesses, which otherwise are not able to bid on mega government procurement projects.
Also, once the e-Government strategy has been formulated, agencies, bureaucracies and public services will be aligned towards promoting those sectors which have been pinpointed for growth.
Redundancies in procedures and emphasis on immediate and efficient delivery of service attract investments.
G2G services are enhanced particularly in information transaction. Government processes and procedures are simplified to cut red tape, facilitate delivery of services, increase productivity of the bureaucracy, and increase savings.
However, in his presentation, the professor also stated many aspects that could not be taken lightly and have been high on the agendas of other governments in their own e-Government projects.
In light of these many benefits, security and privacy, said the professor, are high on the list of agendas in the e-Government implementation in other countries, especially against "hostility", such as criminal hacking activities.
Autor: Azaraimy HH
Quelle: Brunei Direct
