In the past 10 years, countries around the world have invested more than US$24 billion to launch smart ID card programs. This investment is due to increase as another 15 countries have indicated the replacement of earlier technologies with biometric-based systems. Other technology programs being implemented by governments are eGovernment systems, which help streamline governance systems.
In the past 10 years, countries around the world have invested more than US$24 billion to launch smart ID card programs. This investment is due to increase as another 15 countries have indicated the replacement of earlier technologies with biometric-based systems. Other technology programs being implemented by governments are eGovernment systems, which help streamline governance systems.
Asia-Pacific is one of the global hotbeds in eGovernment delivery. South Korea emerged not only as the region leader, but also globally in terms of online service delivery, according to the 2012 UN E-government Survey rankings. Singapore is the only other Asian country in the top 10. The study confirms a steady advance in all the indicators of the eGovernment development index across the globe, with Eastern Asia trailing only Europe in the regional level. The report noted, though, the gains are not spread evenly, as most countries in the region are still offering low levels of engagement possibilities.
Smart card technologies are also penetrating all aspects of modern life, including gambling establishments and hospitals. Casino tokens in Macao are now embedded with RFID chips for high-level security. In the Philippines, the rate of hospital-acquired infections are being reduced through the implementation of RFID real-time location system that ensure personnel wash their hands before and after visiting patients.
“The eID revolution is here and the stakes are high,” said Anton Fischer, Director of Key Accounts for HID Global (an Assa Abloy company). “The good news is that as an industry, we now have the advanced technologies and expertise to help governments achieve a balance of security, functionality, convenience and return on investment in a single program.”