The framework consists of implementing technologies that will read through various government data, extract pertinent information such as names and relations, and create structured information out of it.

The proposed framework can be applied to areas in government concerning safety and security, tax and revenue management, social services and security, metro, transport and roads, and in establishing an integrated urban infrastructure.

"The framework suggests that it's not anymore about developing solutions," said Sayaji Shinde, public sector solution sales executive for ASEAN, IBM software group, "but providing a common way for government to adopt existing models and projects."

Shinde said the framework will act as a technology blueprint which will establish standards where governments can pick and choose which is applicable for their nations, and will provide a foundation to allow users to build on top of.

Annie Cheung, vice president for smarter planet initiatives -- ASEAN, IBM, highlighted the example of a recent food safety incident in Japan, where contaminated products sourced from Vietnam penetrated the market.