Statistics Singapore - Co-ordination of Statistical Activities

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Co-Ordination of Statistical Activities

With the adoption of a decentralised statistical system in the public sector, there is a need for a strong, central co-ordinating agency. Co-ordination is essential to minimise duplication of efforts in data collection, facilitate optimal allocation of resources, ensure a high standard of statistical work and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of statistical activities and projects. As national statistical co-ordinator designated under the Statistics Act, the Singapore Department of Statistics achieves these objectives in several ways.

Monitoring of Statistical Activities

Regular surveys of public sector organisations are conducted by the Singapore Department of Statistics to monitor their statistical activities. Information collected in these surveys include the types, frequency and output of projects planned, in progress or completed in each period. Through these surveys, the Department is able to work with the producers of statistics as well as advise users of statistics on availability and sources of data.

The Department holds meetings and discussions with relevant RSUs on various issues and statistical matters. These include better co ordination of statistical inquiries launched by different organisations for the same survey populations, provision of consultancy and advisory services on survey process and methodology, and evaluation of the techniques used in compilation and quality of the data complied.

Through the half-yearly news bulletin, the Statistics Singapore Newsletter, the Department provides readers in both the public and private sectors with news of recent survey findings and the latest statistical activities in the Singapore statistical service.

Promotion of National Statistical Standards

As part of the concerted efforts to ensure integrity and comparability of data and facilitate data sharing in the public sector, active steps are taken to develop national statistical standards and promote the adoption of such standards. Singapore’s national statistical standards conform to the basic principles and guidelines provided in international frameworks and conventions.

The Singapore Department of Statistics has published the following statistical standards and classifications :

Singapore Standard Industrial Classification.
Singapore Standard Occupational Classification.
Singapore Standard Educational Classification.
Singapore Classification of Household Living Arrangements.
Singapore Statistical Standard for Age.

The first three classifications are updated periodically to take into account changes in Singapore's economic structure, occupational upgrading of the workforce, as well as changes in the education structure and educational upgrading in Singapore. The other statistical classifications are reviewed and updated, where necessary.

Last updated: 21 Aug 2007