Solving the right problems: Five minutes with Wei Boon Goh, chief executive of Singapore’s Government Technology Agency
In this sister series to our ‘Five minutes with’ interviews, we share insights from the civil and public service leaders who will speak at our Innovation 2025 conference. Taking place in London on 25 and 26 March, attendees will hear about how their peers are developing new approaches to policymaking and service delivery.
In this interview, Wei Boon Goh, chief executive of the Government Technology Agency, Singapore – who will speak in the session on creating space for experimentation in government – tells GGF about removing red tape, failing fast, and what he’d be if he weren’t a civil servant.
Click here to find out more and register for Innovation 2025
What are you most interested in discussing at Innovation 2025?
Innovation is key to any digital government. I am keen to share Singapore’s approach to innovation in digital government and the outcomes we have achieved. At the same time, I am excited to hear from fellow panellists about other countries’ approaches to innovation, so that we can draw upon these ideas and incorporate them in our evolving approach to innovation in digital government.
What drew you to a career in the civil service?
As a citizen who has benefited from a well-run country and a good education system, I feel that I need to contribute directly to the country. The public service offered me the chance to work on nationwide digital initiatives that directly benefit citizens and businesses. The ability to make a difference at scale, combined with the challenge of solving complex problems, is what keeps me engaged.
What barriers or challenges have you overcome in your career?
One of the biggest challenges in digital transformation within the government is removing red tape and breaking down silos. Technology needs to work across agencies, but government structures and policies can sometimes slow digital transformation. Being able to help ensure that a policy is not too onerous yet fulfils its intent is important. And we have managed to achieve some of that by streamlining our security policies.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your working life?
“Solve the right problems”. It’s easy to get caught up in technological complexity, but the real challenge is making sure we focus on what truly delivers impact. Another great piece of advice is to be adaptable and keep learning. Technology evolves constantly, and the best solutions often come from those willing to experiment, fail fast, and iterate.
What do you like most about working in the civil service?
The sense of purpose. Every project we work on has a direct impact on citizens and businesses – whether it’s simplifying public services, strengthening digital security, or empowering agencies with better tools. The work is challenging but knowing that we are improving lives makes it incredibly fulfilling.
Can you name one lesson or idea from abroad that has helped you and your colleagues?
One way for any digital government to fail is to think that they have arrived. One important lesson is that we have to keep innovating and keep learning so that we can continue to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technology environment. And having interacted with many governments, we know that governments across the world face similar challenges and there are often alternative and better ways to solve a problem.
What attributes do you most value in people?
Integrity, candour, and being direct.
If you weren’t a civil servant, what would you be?
A sportsman.
What is your favourite thing to do at the weekends?
Getting out to exercise, to clear and refresh the mind.
Click here to find out more and register for Innovation 2025
Read more: Good risk and brain food: Five minutes with Clive Martin, head of the UK Government Risk Profession
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