Singapore Statistical System
Structure of the System
Singapore has adopted a decentralised statistical system since 1973. Official statistics are collected and compiled by the Singapore Department of Statistics (DOS) as well as Research and Statistics Units (RSUs) in government ministries and statutory boards.
DOS has the widest scope of responsibility in the Singapore statistical system, being responsible for official statistics on the Singapore economy and population.
In some ministries and statutory boards, RSUs have been gazetted under the Statistics Act to conduct surveys. RSUs in other ministries and statutory boards compile statistics mainly as a by-product of the administrative and operational functions of the parent organisations.
The key responsibilities of DOS and the gazetted and non-gazetted RSUs are summarised in the table below.
Singapore Statistical System
DOS
National statistical authority responsible for official statistics on the Singapore economy and population
Gazetted RSUs
Responsible for statistics on specific subject matters under the parent ministry’s purview;
Empowered to issue requisition for data under Statistics Act
Non-Gazetted RSUs
Responsible for statistics on specific subject matters under the parent ministry’s purview;
Collect data under administrative regulations or other Acts
Benefits of the Decentralised Statistical System
The decentralised statistical system meets users’ needs for comprehensive economic and social statistics. It fosters closer contact and greater interaction between statistical personnel and data users, leading to more relevant statistics being collected and analysed.
Through leveraging administrative records, a larger range of statistics can be compiled on a more timely and cost-effective basis.
With statistical personnel specialised in subject matters, DOS and the RSUs can focus on providing quality statistics, contributing to the high standard of professionalism in the Singapore statistical system.
The decentralised system is complemented by greater coordination of statistical activities and adoption of common standards, through the co-ordinating role played by DOS to minimise duplication of work and reduce respondent burden, frequent discussions with relevant agencies on statistical matters, and legislative and administrative changes which promote the adoption of national statistical standards.
- See more at: http://www.singstat.gov.sg/about-us/sg-stats-system#sthash.OzxYoAw1.dpuf