Centralized e-platform for all public services to be launched next year

Spokesperson of the Executive Council, Leong Heng Teng

The Executive Council has concluded the discussion on the draft of the administrative regulation for public e-services.
The draft proposes the establishment of a centralized website or system through which users can access online services from all governmental departments.

The website will include more than 700 functions related to public services, such as making appointments, requesting information, submitting applications for civil servants’ exams, and registering for voting.

The main change under the new system is that residents will have a singular user account. This specific account can be used across the entirety of the centralized website, allowing users to access all e-services provided therein. That means residents will no longer need to use different accounts for different governmental department websites as is currently the case.

The Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau (SAFP) will announce the website’s launch later this year, according to SAFP Director Kou Peng Kuan.
In its initial stages, the platform will make over 70 of the most frequently used public services available.

“Within two years [after launching], all services will be integrated into the website, including making appointments and submitting applications,” said Kou, explaining that, at the beginning, the most needed services, as well as domestic helper recruitment application, will be provided.

“In two to three years, the platform will include services that will cover areas involving a person’s entire relationship with public services,” said Kou.

From January 1, local residents can apply for an account with the centralized system at self-service kiosks.

Kou explained that in the first phase, the platform will offer services related to six governmental departments: the Identification Service Bureau; the Financial Services Bureau; the Legal Affairs Bureau; the Social Security Fund; the Transport Bureau; and, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau. 

During this phase, the platform will be open for the submission of applications to recruit domestic helpers, and restaurant licensing.

There will be a transition period for both governmental departments and residents so they can familiarize themselves with the platform.

Spokesperson of the Executive Council, Leong Heng Teng, said that the system aims to make the public administration more convenient for residents.

The local government claims that this e-service is an achievement for the SAR government in “smart administration” with the help of the Alibaba Group.

In addition, in 2019, the government will review its five-year plan concerning the 2015-2019 Macau SAR E-administration Plan, and will launch the new plan for 2020-2024.

One-stop restaurants license bill amended

The Executive Council completed the discussion on the draft bill of the amendment of the One-stop Licensing Service for Food and Beverage Establishments. The draft concerns only category 4 (coffee shops, ice-cream parlours, tea rooms) and category 5 (congee and noodle shops) food and beverage establishments. The bill proposes to shorten the license period, and, in particular, to require an immediate issuing of inspection dates for the locations once the license-issuing department receives the applicant’s notification for the completion of the refurbishment.