About 40 government agencies authenticate public users with SingPass for access to  about 370 e-services.

Singaporeans who have forgotten their Singapore Personal Access (or SingPass) password can now have it reset almost immediately, thanks to new features introduced in response to user feedback. The enhanced SingPass system will also have a single login page compared to the previous two-step process.

SingPass, developed by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, is a common online ID and password for public users to transact with the Government online. About 40 government agencies authenticate public users with SingPass for access to about 370 e-services requiring secure user identification.

Previously, users who had forgotten their passwords had to go to a SingPass counter to have it reset, or submit their request online for a new password to arrive by post four working days later. Now they can reset their password online almost immediately. For added security, users are required to first answer questions about themselves correctly, before receiving a code on their pre-registered mobile phones and another code on the online screen. Users can then use these codes together to reset their password.

The new features were introduced from 25 November, together with a new hotline (6887 7377) and email address (singpass-helpdesk@crimsonlogic.com) for users who have queries or require assistance in using SingPass.

Commenting on the enhancements, Ms Pauline Tan, Senior Director, Government Chief Information Office of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, said, “With increased online connectivity and mobility among infocomm users, the Government has to ensure that SingPass continues to serve users effectively and efficiently when they access government e-services.”

Since the launch of SingPass in March 2003, the total volume of SingPass authentication transactions has grown from 4.5 million in 2003 to 18.9 million in 2006, representing an increase of over three-fold in usage over four years. The SingPass system today has three million registered users.

The new hotline, SingPass website and system administration will be managed by CrimsonLogic, which was appointed by the Government through a competitive tender to develop, operate and maintain SingPass in April 2006. SingPass was previously managed by the CPF Board.

“The SingPass system is still owned by the Government. Safeguards will be put in place to ensure the continued smooth management of the system as well as maintain the strict confidentiality of user information,” said Mr Fong Yong Kian, Director (Managing for Excellence) of the MOF.