Singapore tests chatbot to help citizens cut through govt red tape

Singapore is testing a new chatbot to help users find official government information through everyday language. — Unsplash pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Saturday, 22 Aug 2026 9:42 AM MYT

SINGAPORE, Aug 22 — Singapore is testing a new government chatbot that aims to make finding official information as easy as asking a question in everyday language.

Chat.gov.sg entered its final pre-release phase on July 3, with the Public Service Division’s ServiceSG promoting it earlier this month, local news outlet CNA reported.

The chatbot is meant to simplify the often “hard work” of navigating information spread across different government agencies, GovTech Singapore and PSD said on Friday.

“We wanted to make that simpler. Now there is one place where members of public can ask questions in everyday language, and in any of our four official languages, and get clear answers drawn from official sources,” the agencies said.

ServiceSG, which describes itself as a “first-stop concierge” for government services, oversees the chatbot’s strategy and creation, while GovTech builds and operates the technology.

The chatbot draws information from official government websites and provides source links, while using existing government tools alongside commercial AI services.

But it is not intended to replace helplines or public officers, especially when questions are complicated or personal.

“What the chatbot does well is handle many of the common questions that come in every day. That gives public officers more time — time to listen properly, to understand what someone actually needs, and to give the personal support that only a person can,” they said.

The agencies said conversations remain within government systems, while the AI tools used do not retain chat histories or use them for training.

They added that early response to the chatbot had been encouraging as they continue monitoring how people use it and improving its answers.