Net-savvy Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo

Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo (杨荣文) has a very strong online presence – probably the most net-savvy among the current batch of PAP Ministers and MPs.

I find it interesting that he is responding directly to queries on his facebook account, willing to engage Singaporeans online, even if the topics might appear sensitive and precarious. Check out Jaslyn Go and Ravi Philemon‘s blogs for more background information on this. Below is a screengrab via Ravi’s blog showing George’s reply on Facebook:

The Minister also writes as a guest blogger on my friend, Ephraim Loy’s blog. Recently, he has started to explore Twitter too.

If this is the way to go for all Ministers and MPs in future, I applaud the effort. Communications is increasingly moving online, especially among the younger generation. Failure to make use of new media communication tools to engage the citizenry will widen the social disconnect between a government and its people.

One need not look further than the success of current US President, Barack Obama’s online campaign efforts during the last presidential election as testimony of the importance the Internet plays in politics and government.

Way to go George! I just added you on facebook and twitter. 🙂

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