Transactional AI agents

Intelligent agents capable of executing complex, end-to-end government transactions directly within a chat interface.

Key Service Principle

This case demonstrates the frontier of AI-powered services. Unlike generative AI, which creates text or images, Agentic AI performs actions. This example shows how an AI-Powered service can move beyond "answering FAQs" to actually "doing the work," executing complex workflows on behalf of the user while maintaining strict security protocols and ease of use.

Case study: VICA (Virutal Intelligent Chat Assistant)

The evolution

Traditional government chatbots are informational—they provide links to forms. VICA (used by agencies like the CPF Board for retirement funds) acts as a transactional agent.

The agentic workflow

  1. Intent Recognition: The user types, "I want to top up my retirement account."

  2. Action & Auth: The AI Agent triggers a secure Singpass login directly within the chat window to verify identity.

  3. Execution: The Agent accesses backend APIs to check the current balance, asks the user for the top-up amount, and confirms the bank details.

  4. Transaction: The Agent executes the payment transaction securely via the payment gateway API.

  5. Completion: The user receives a confirmation receipt and sees their updated balance immediately, without ever leaving the chat interface.

Why is this a best-in-class example

Action-oriented

It shows AI acting as a “doer” rather than just a “talker”, significantly reducing the cognitive load and steps required for the citizen.

Deep integration

It demonstrates how AI agents can securely hook into critical infrastructure (payment gateways and identify systems) tp perform official business.

Simplicity

It turns a multi-page, complex web from process into a simple, linear conversational dialogue.

Achievements

Adoption: Used by 60+ government agencies with over 800,000 monthly queries

Award: Best use of GenAI in Government Services at World Government Summit 2025, Recognition of Excellence 2023 at OpenGov Asia

"VICA doesn't just talk; it acts. From answering queries to executing payments, it enables end-to-end transactions within a single window." — GovTech Singapore