The Whole of Nation approach is characterised by the involvement of multiple stakeholders across society, including government bodies, businesses, academia, civil society and the community. It aims to harness the collective capabilities, resources, and insights of various groups to drive national priorities. The approach is rooted in the principles of shared responsibility, co-creation, and collaboration, ensuring that policies are not only created for the people but also with the people.

According to Hsieh et al. (2021), the WoN strategy is critical in building social cohesion and trust among stakeholders, as it fosters a culture of inclusivity and dialogue. This approach is particularly valuable for tackling multifaceted issues like sustainability and digitalisation, which cut across economic, social, and environmental domains. By aligning diverse interests and capabilities, the WoN approach enhances policy coherence, facilitates innovation, and builds resilience against disruptive changes.

Singapore’s WoN strategy is grounded in four key themes: regulation, coordination, incentives, and partnerships. These pillars serve as the backbone of both its sustainable development and digitalisation efforts, providing a clear pathway to achieving national objectives.

1. Regulation: Setting the Rules for Change

Regulation in Singapore is not just about control—it’s about creating an environment that nurtures sustainable and digital growth. For example, Singapore’s carbon tax, introduced in 2019, was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Unlike many regulatory measures, it wasn’t designed merely to penalise emissions but to send a clear signal: the future is low-carbon, and businesses need to transform (NEA, 2022). This policy has encouraged firms to innovate and explore low-carbon technologies, making sustainability a core part of business strategy.

In the digital realm, regulations have been crafted to safeguard citizens while promoting technological advancement. Policies around data privacy and cybersecurity are not only about protection but also about fostering trust, making Singapore a preferred destination for tech innovation. The balance of enabling innovation while ensuring security shows how regulation can be a strategic tool for growth.

2. Coordination: Harmonising Efforts for Greater Impact 

Policies alone don’t create change; it’s the harmonisation of efforts that turns plans into reality. In Singapore, coordination is the key driver that ensures everyone—ministries, businesses, and communities—moves in harmony. One of the best examples is the Singapore Green Plan 2030. This isn’t just a top-down initiative; it’s a cohesive framework that connects various ministries and agencies to work towards shared sustainability goals (MSE, 2021). The Green Plan aligns government policies across energy, transportation, and waste management, ensuring that every action contributes to a larger, integrated vision.

On the digital side, the Smart Nation initiative embodies this principle perfectly. Launched in 2014, it aims to transform Singapore into a fully digital society, where technology enhances the quality of life across all sectors (Smart Nation Singapore, 2018). This isn’t just a government effort; it’s a coordinated push that involves public agencies, private tech firms, and academia to co-create solutions that benefit everyone—from smart urban planning to AI-driven public services.

3. Incentives: Motivating Change

Incentives are the lifeblood of the WoN strategy, ensuring that regulations and coordination efforts are backed by tangible support. For sustainability, Singapore has rolled out a variety of financial incentives to support green investments. Programs like the Green Mark Incentive Scheme and the Energy Efficiency Fund help businesses offset the upfront costs of adopting sustainable technologies, turning environmental responsibility into a financially sound decision (NEA, 2018). This approach transforms what might otherwise be a burden into an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Digitalisation, too, benefits from targeted support. The SMEs Go Digital program, for instance, provides grants and advisory support tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises. This ensures that even smaller businesses can integrate digital technologies, enhancing their competitiveness and contributing to a broader digital ecosystem.

4. Partnerships: Expanding the Impact 

Singapore’s WoN strategy thrives on partnerships. Whether it’s collaborating with multinational corporations on cutting-edge research or partnering with local communities to promote green citizenry, partnerships extend the reach and impact of national initiatives. For example, the Green Plan emphasizes the role of partnerships in achieving its ambitious targets, highlighting collaboration with businesses and international organisations to drive innovation and green growth​.

Similarly, the Smart Nation initiative thrives on collaborative efforts. From partnering with global tech firms to engaging local startups, the government co-creates digital solutions that address real-world challenges (Woo, 2017). These partnerships are not just enablers—they are engines of innovation, making it possible for Singapore to lead in areas such as smart urban solutions and autonomous technology.

The Whole of Nation strategy is more than a policy—it is critical for resilience and long-term success. By engaging diverse stakeholders under the four key themes, Singapore ensures that every voice is heard, every resource is leveraged, and every effort is aligned. This collective approach is crucial for two main reasons:

1. Addressing Complex Challenges Holistically: Climate change and digital disruption are multi-dimensional problems that require multi-faceted solutions. The WoN strategy’s inclusivity allows for a comprehensive approach, balancing economic, social, and environmental priorities.
2. Building a Culture of Shared Responsibility: The WoN approach fosters a culture of collaboration and co-ownership. By democratising policymaking, it creates a sense of shared responsibility that transcends government mandates. This buy-in is vital for the resilience of Singapore’s sustainability and digitalisation efforts.

As Singapore continues its journey toward becoming a Sustainable Smart Nation, the Whole of Nation strategy will remain its guiding principle, ensuring that progress is not just achieved but sustained and expanded for future generations. By weaving together regulation, coordination, incentives, and partnerships, Singapore is crafting a model that other nations might find valuable.

This unique blend of structured planning, community engagement, and innovative thinking is what makes the Whole of Nation strategy more than just a policy—it’s a powerful story of a nation’s collective drive to shape its future.

Hsieh, C.-W., Wang, M., Wong, N. W., & Ho, L. K. (2021). A whole-of-nation approach to COVID-19: Taiwan’s National Epidemic Prevention Team. International Political Science Review, 42(3), 300–315.

Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE). (2021). Singapore Green Plan 2030. Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.

National Environment Agency (NEA). (2018). Singapore’s Fourth National Communication and Third Biennial Update Report Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). National Environment Agency.

National Environment Agency (NEA). (2022). Singapore’s Second National Communication: Report Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). National Environment Agency.

Smart Nation Singapore. (2018). Smart Nation Initiative: Singapore’s Smart City Vision. Retrieved from https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/.

Woo, J. (2017). Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative: A policy and organisational perspective. Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.