Dr Ahmad Magad, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC
Opening Speech
At the Launch of CitizenConnect @ Pasir Ris East CC
Singapore, 1 October 2005

1.  Good evening to Pasir Ris East CCC Chairman, Mr Chua Chee Seng, PBM, Pasir Ris East CCMC Chairman, Mr Neo Kim Her, PBM, Organising Chairman, Mr Ace Ang, patrons, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. I am very pleased to be here this evening to join all of you in the Pasir Ris East Family Day cum Launch of CitizenConnect @ Pasir Ris East CC.

2.  Today is a very special day, especially for all children as it is Children’s Day.  Hence, let me take this opportunity to wish all our children here – Happy Children’s Day. Today also marks the official launch of the CitizenConnect@Pasir Ris East CC, your one-stop centre for easy and convenient access to government e-services.

3.  Some of you might not have heard of the CitizenConnect concept yet.  Let me briefly explain what it is about and what it can do for you.  Currently, more than 98% of all public services that can be delivered online are already available on Singapore Government Online portal.  Given the very high availability of public services on the Internet in Singapore, the CitizenConnect project aims to go a further step by bringing the services closer to you. 

4.  I am pleased to announce that Pasir Ris East CC is one of the first two CCs in Singapore to introduce the CitizenConnect concept to residents. With the CitizenConnect located at the CC, transacting electronically with the government will no longer be confined to those who are Internet savvy.  At the CitizenConnect, an official staff will be available to assist residents who want to transact with or find information about the government electronically.

5.  You can now check your CPF account balance, e-file tax returns and even register for a marriage at the CitizenConnect Centers. With these services available at CitizenConnect, residents will be able to cut down on unnecessary traveling and waiting time at the various government service counters.   I encourage you to make use of the services available at CitizenConnect and enjoy the full benefits which it brings along. 

6.  Besides the launch of CitizenConnect at this centre, I am also excited to be part of the celebration of its Family Day.  It is indeed a heart warming experience for me to see such a large turnout of residents participating in the evening walk earlier with their family members and spending quality time together.  The Organisers have especially planned a series of “family-entertaining” programme for all to enjoy this evening. Thus, my deepest appreciation to the Organising Chairman, Mr Ace Ang and his team for all the hard work and efforts put in for today’s event. Special thanks to all sponsors as well for making this event possible.

7.  Last but not least, my sincere thanks to all residents present for taking time out to witness the launch of CitizenConnect and to participate in the Pasir Ris East Family Day with us this evening. I wish all a pleasant evening and once again to all our children here – Happy Children’s Day.

8.  Thank you.