Malaysia, Singapore to strengthen ties in govtech, housing and public sector reforms

HDB flats house 80% of the city state’s resident population, of which about 90% own their homes. (Photo from Facebook/Housing & Development Board)

PUTRAJAYA (July 20): Malaysia and Singapore are now exploring strategic cooperation in three main areas—govtech, public housing and public sector reform—to strengthen public service delivery.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said these were the main areas of collaboration identified during his three-day official working visit to Singapore, beginning Friday (July 18).

“We want to learn from Singapore. Firstly, in regard to govtech, as they have already implemented it, while we are in the process of launching our own.

“Secondly, their affordable housing through the Singapore Housing Board. And thirdly, we want to learn about reforms in the public service,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the Sports Carnival of the Alumni Association of MRSM Malaysia (Ansara Malaysia), here on Sunday.

Shamsul Azri said Singapore welcomed the cooperation and exchange of best practices between the two countries, to improve the quality of public service.

“Singapore welcomed our proposals… we also had sessions with them to discuss strategic cooperation between the Malaysian government and the Singaporean government,” he added.

Earlier, in his speech, he urged Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle through sports and good nutrition.

Citing Singapore as an example, he said their average life expectancy is 83.5 years, compared to about 75 years in Malaysia.

“We must remember that prevention is better than cure. To care is better than to cure,” he said. Credits: Edgeprop.my - Published Jul 21st 2025 - Bernama