OVERWORKED counter staff and rising operational bills pushed the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to look for a solution.

It found it in technology.

The e-visitor program on its website, which allows those planning a visit here to apply for and obtain visas, among other services, has clinched a regional award for service innovation.

The Government Technology Award, which is into its second instalment, is handed out by FutureGov, a regional magazine and conference organiser for public-sector officials.

ICA beat three other shortlisted finalists in its category, including a pensions project from India and a tele-health one from the Philippines.

More than 450 public-sector nominations were submitted this year.

The ICA's e-visitor programme, targeted at tourists, saves the Singapore Government about $1.2 million a year.

It also saves what would otherwise have been a million hours of waiting time for the people the program serves.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.