Challenge May - June 2009 by Challenge Online

SPEC I AL PUBLI C SE RVI CE WEEK E DITI ON

W W W.CH A LL ENGE.GOV.SG

MAY-JUNE 2009

OUR STORIES PERSPECTIVES FROM FIVE DECADES

OUR ENDEAVOURS

OUR ASPIRATIONS

PUTTING WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT

THREE WISHES FOR A BETTER PUBLIC SERVICE

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Contents

MayJune2009 Foreword THE TIES THAT BIND

Over the years, the Public Service has worked with the Government to build Singapore into what it is today.

Short Takes

Public Service Week

I Say

My three wishes for a better Public Service. Challenge polls public ofﬁcers for their views. Feature WORLD•SINGAPORE

global hub in services, knowledge and ideas.

OUR STORIES

WOG THE TALK

Putting Wholeof-Government into practice.

ONE GOVERNMENT, ONE BILL

Volunteerism HEARTWARE ZONE

Three public ofﬁcers who take time to make a difference.

Lifestyle KEBAYAS, SPICE AND ALL THINGS NICE

Celebrating “nonya mania”.

Feedback SUGGESTION BOX

Public opinion on what the Public Service is good at, and the areas for improvement.

Feature

Opinion

What are the limits of the Whole-ofGovernment initiative?

Hub creation – enhancing Singapore’s position as a regional and

Public Service news and happenings at a glance.

Capturing ﬁve decades of Public Service.

THE LAST PAGE

Trivia Quiz PUBLIC SERVICE WEEK SPECIAL

Are you Public Service savvy?

Feedback INSIGHTS FROM THE OUTSIDE

Find out how public sector leaders from other countries view Singapore.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY WONG WEILIANG

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Foreword

TheTiesThatBind This month we celebrate Public Service Week. But the mood is more sombre this year. The global economic downturn looks set to continue for some time, and we are bracing for what might be the worst recession since independence. In such challenging times, the mission of the Public Service remains unchanged – to build a peaceful, progressive and vibrant Singapore. But in the face of the challenges of the downturn, expectations of the Public Service are higher. All of us will have to put in that extra effort to help Singapore and Singaporeans ride out this downturn and achieve an early and strong recovery.

Our values – Integrity, Service, Excellence – are as relevant as ever. Integrity means being committed to act in the national interest and being true to the citizens we have pledged to serve. It does not mean we rigidly apply principles, precedents and rules. We should be open to new ideas, new perspectives and new possibilities – to help our nation overcome the challenges and to position Singapore for the future. We are committed to serve our country. To this end, we must understand the needs, concerns and aspirations of the people we serve. We cannot satisfy every request, as we serve the collective interest – but we must show a caring face and demonstrate genuine empathy

OVER THE YEARS, THE PUBLIC SERVICE HAS WORKED WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD SINGAPORE INTO WHAT IT IS TODAY. THIS IS SOMETHING ALL OF US CAN BE PROUD OF, REGARDLESS OF THE ORGANISATION WE BELONG TO AND THE ROLE WE PLAY. THIS IS WHAT BINDS US TOGETHER – BEING A FIRST-CLASS PUBLIC SERVICE, WORTHY OF SINGAPORE. with the difficulties that some fellow citizens are facing. Through empathy and hard work, we can maintain Singaporeans’ trust in the Public Service. Singapore is an extraordinary country. It demands and deserves a Public Service that strives for excellence. The Public Service can excel only if each of us does our best. The Public Service must also perform better than the sum of its parts. That can happen only when we work together towards the common purpose of creating and sustaining a better future for Singapore and Singaporeans. Over the years, the Public Service has worked with the Government to build Singapore into what it is today. This is something all of us can be proud of, regardless of the organisation we belong to and the role we play. This is what binds us together: being a first-class Public Service, worthy of Singapore. As we celebrate the 2nd Public Service Week, let us renew our commitment to public service and reaffirm our adherence to Public Service values. I wish you a meaningful Public Service Week.

Peter Ho PHOTO: VERONICA TAY

HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE

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PEOPLE • PERSPECTIVES • POSSIBILITIES ⁄ WWW.CHALLENGE.GOV.SG ⁄ MAY-JUNE 2009

PUBLISHER

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The Treasury, 100 High Street #02-03 Singapore 179434 Tel: 6332-7251 Fax: 6333-4010 E-mail: psd_challenge@psd.gov.sg Website: www.challenge.gov.sg EDITOR

Tay Li Shing ASSISTANT EDITORS

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Calvin Phua PS21 OFFICE EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

Joann Lau, Ng Shu Zheng and Amy Sum For enquiries or feedback on Challenge, Please write to the Editor at PS21 Ofﬁce, The Treasury, 100 High Street, #02-03, Singapore 179434. Tel: 6332-7251 Fax: 6333-4010 E-mail: psd_challenge@psd.gov.sg

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SPH Magazines Pte Ltd MANAGING DIRECTOR

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SENIOR EXECUTIVE, PUBLISHING SERVICES

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TopInAsia

CONTRIBUTORS

A former journalist with The Straits Times, Tan Ee Sze has extensive experience in developing and managing publications. She is also the author of several commemorative books and children’s publications.

Anna Yap has been using the Internet since she was given a copy of the ﬁrst browser – Mosaic – in 1993. Since then, she has been writing about IT and Internetrelated topics. She’s also held the position of senior associate with a leading PR agency.

Previously a journalist with The Straits Times and The Business Times, Susan Tsang was also news editor for technology news portal Singapore. CNET.com. She was also one of the writers behind Singapore: The Encyclopedia.

Lianne Tan is a freelance writer and Singapore Tourism Board-licensed guide. Prior to this, she spent more than 14 years as a marketing communications professional in the technology sector.

James Gerard Foo, Ye Dejing Challenge is published bimonthly by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd (Registration No: 196900476M) for PS21 Offi ce, Prime Minister’s Office (Public Service Division). Copyright of the materials contained in this magazine belongs to PS21 Office. Nothing in here shall be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written consent of PS21 Office. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of PS21 Offi ce nor SPH Magazines Pte Ltd and no liabilities shall be attached thereto. All rights reserved. Editorial enquiries should be directed to the Editor, PS21 Office, The Treasury, 100 High Street, #02-03, Singapore 179434. Tel: +65-6332-7251, Fax: +65-6333-4010, E-mail: psd_challenge@psd.gov.sg Unsolicited material will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and suffi cient return postage. While every reasonable care will be taken by the Editor, no responsibility is assumed for the return of unsolicited material. All information correct at time of printing. Printed in Singapore by Times Printers (Registration No: 196700328H).

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Singapore was the highest-ranked country in Asia, and 10th out of 133 countries measured for the attractiveness of their environments in developing the travel and tourism industry, according to the World Economic Forum’s latest Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009. Improving six places from its overall ranking in the 2008 report, Singapore placed first for its policy environment, indicating that its rules and regulations are highly conducive to the development of its travel and tourism industry. Such policies include those that facilitate foreign ownership and Foreign Direct Investment, well-protected property rights, few visa restrictions and transparency of policy making. Singapore also came in first in human resources, scoring high in the quality of its education system, extent of staff training, ease of hiring foreign labour, as well as hiring and firing practices.

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Short Takes

BCA

GreenAndGraciousBuildersAward

NLB

TheLibraryShop Ever wanted a memento to relive your memorable experiences at NLB’s libraries? Souvenirs can now be purchased online from The Library Shop (http://shop.nlb.gov. sg), which offers a wide range of unique gifts such as publications, collectibles, accessories, apparel and stationery. One of the latest products available online is the book Singapore: The First Ten Years of Independence, which includes rarely seen photographs of the ﬁrst Cabinet Ministers. The selection of souvenirs also includes pewter name card holders, coasters, postcards, pixel print ties and scarves, and framed woodcrafted art pieces. The online mall offers a delivery service at attractive rates, which also covers most overseas destinations.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is ramping up efforts to encourage sustainability and environmental protection during the construction phase of buildings with the new Green and Gracious Builders Award. The award recognises the efforts of builders in addressing environmental and public concerns arising from construction works. “Given the high visibility and impact of construction works, it is important for builders to go green and adopt ‘friendlier’ construction site management and practices,” said Dr John Keung, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of BCA. “Together with the BCA Green Mark Scheme, the Green and Gracious Builders Award will form part of the holistic framework to shape a sustainable built environment.”

CAAS

RecognisingServiceExcellence At the Annual Airport Reception organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in March, airport staff from the entire airport community were recognised for their efforts in delivering excellent service and contributing to Changi Airport’s success. Twenty awards were presented to airport staff who had provided exemplary service. The event was graced by Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs. The “Service Personality of the Year” accolade went to CAAS’ Customer Service Ofﬁcer under P-Serv, Ms Sarah Jane Casama, for providing over three days of assistance to a Tagalogspeaking passenger who had missed his ﬂight due to a medical condition.

MTI

SUPREME COURT

Singapore-EUICTPact

TheLivingCourthouse

Singapore and the European Union (EU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which provides a broad framework for ICT research and development (R&D). This involves collaborations among entities from Europe and Singapore, including companies, public and private research institutes, universities and other R&D organisations. The MOU was signed by the European Union Commissioner for Information Society and Media, Ms Viviane Reding, and Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang. In Europe, the ICT sector has been given a €1 billion (S$1.95 billion) boost as part of the EU’s Economy Recovery Plan. This will complement the existing European Union funding programme for ICT research, which will spend €9 billion (S$17.5 billion) over a seven-year period, from 2007 to 2013. In Singapore, the Government recently announced its commitment to set aside S$230 million in funding over ﬁve years for the Singapore Media Fusion plan to develop the local media industry.

The Supreme Court of Singapore opened its doors to visitors as part of “The Living Courthouse”, an event which took place on 14-15 March 2009. Over the weekend, enactments of court hearings, interactive activities and exhibitions brought the work and operations of the Supreme Court to life so visitors could participate, have fun, experience its proceedings and have their “day in court”. “The Living Courthouse” is aimed at demystifying the work of the Supreme Court and educating the public on the current operations of the courts and how aspects of its work may impact them. Highlights included enactments of civil and criminal proceedings, exploratory tours around the building, legal talks as well as legal clinics.

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1960s MS WOO AI DEE Defence Executive Assistant, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Ministry of Defence Joined: March 1967

I JOINED THE PUBLIC SERVICE because… I was intrigued by an advertisement in the newspapers promoting the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in a recruitment drive. I’m proud to be among the pioneer batches of female SAF personnel.

the SAF was a “top-down” organisation. However, as time went by, the SAF started to embrace the idea of people development. Today, there are plenty of opportunities for staff to take ownership of their work, and events that aim to create a greater sense of belonging.

Then and now

I have served in the SAF for 42 years. My ﬁrst role was to man the front counter registering full-time National Servicemen (NSF) for Basic Military Training. Over the years, I have been given many opportunities to develop my career. I am now working in the People Management Department handling NSmen administration in the RSAF Airbase where I work. In the past, the focus was on nation building and

My fondest memories

Being part of the SAF Women’s Contingent for the 1968 National Day Parade at the Padang. It rained and we had to march all the way from the Padang to Bukit Merah and we were soaked! I remember that day clearly as it was Singapore’s third year of independence and I was honoured to play a part. Another wonderful memory is when I received the SAF Long Service Award and the Long Service Medal on National Day in 1993 – both in recognition of my service in the SAF.

Frilly jacket and ﬂare pants - Promod, Metallic grey long-sleeved blouse - Raoul

PS Week

As we celebrate Public Service Week, Challenge captures personal perspectives of life in the Public Service over the past ﬁve decades. By Anna Yap

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Then and now

My first role was as a temporary office assistant with the City District Secretariat (Prime Minister’s Office), a position I held for three months. Then I became a permanent staff at the Ministry of Communications and held various positions such as typist and clerical officer. In 1998, I was transferred to the public relations section, which is now known as the Corporate

Communications Division. Previously, there was an age limit when one worked as an office assistant. Once you hit 23, you had to either upgrade your skills or leave the service! Technology has changed office work, too. I bet no one remembers cyclostyling machines and Harvard Graphics software… We used to work six and a half days a week. Today, in line with work-life harmony, we have a five-day week. When I first started, the pace was much slower, processes were simpler and less complicated and there was no flexi-time. We had to report to work punctually and leave the office at the appropriate time, too.

1970s MS DEVISHINI DEVARAJA Corporate Communications Assistant, Corporate Communications Division, Ministry of Transport Joined: September 1977

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My fondest memories

Getting my Long Service and Efﬁciency medals in recognition of my contribution to the Civil Service. I also remember serving the then Minister of State for Communications, Mr Ong Teng Cheong, who later became the President of Singapore. Mr Ong was a humble and kind minister who always had a smile for me, and never forgot to ask

me if I’d had my breakfast or if my day had been good. Another fond memory is of an incident that happened during lunch in 1978. I was reading the newspaper when Mr Lim Kim San, who was then the Minister for Communications, walked past my seat and told me not to read the newspaper in the dark as it would ruin my eyesight. In those days, most lights were switched off during lunchtime to conserve electricity. But Mr Lim had the lights switched on for me.

Short-sleeved shirt - Raoul, Off-white racing-inspired jacket and off-white three-quarter pants - Gant

I JOINED THE PUBLIC SERVICE because… My parents always told my siblings and me that working in the Civil Service was like having an “iron rice bowl”. Three of my siblings are in the Civil Service and, like me, two of them have clocked more than 30 years of service.

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PS Week

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I JOINED THE PUBLIC SERVICE because… I was inspired by all the caring, sincere and nurturing teachers I have had in my life. They had such great passion for their profession and were full of life, and I wanted to be just like them. Then and now

I have gone through several key milestones in my 21-year career as a teacher. I started out as a mother-tongue language teacher teaching the Malay language, and Civic and Moral Education. Besides teaching, my job was also to help pupils discover more about their language, traditions and heritage, and how all that ﬁt within the unique Singapore culture. Since then, I have taken advantage of the numerous opportunities and generous support provided by the Ministry of Education to upgrade myself – through training, study leave to pursue higher education and various mentoring

programmes – and am now a teacher developer. This means that I mentor trainee teachers, untrained teachers and new appointment holders in my school and beyond. The image of the Public Service has certainly gone through a transformation. If Public Service was previously associated with “iron rice bowl” and “nine to ﬁve”, today’s Public Service is associated with quality service and customer orientation. My fondest memory

It was a day in 2004. I was enjoying my usual cup of coffee at my favourite sarabat stall in Pahang Street when I realised there was a large man seated at a table nearby staring intensely at me. Just as I was about to leave, he came and placed a big hand on my shoulder. I was stunned and wondered

if this meant trouble. The man politely asked me for my name. As soon as I said it, he just grabbed me and hugged me! It turned out that he was one of my ex-students from the 1990s. Only then did I recognise him as the student who almost gave up on his studies and himself, but changed his mind after I had intervened. He thanked me for having conﬁdence in him – for making him the class leader despite his reputation. More importantly, I had taught him to read. I am glad to have made a difference to him.

1980s

MR MOHAMED KHIR BIN MOHD SAPUAN

Senior Teacher, Corporation Primary School, Ministry of Education

Short-sleeved shirt and khaki jacket - Celio

Joined: June 1988

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1990s

MS MALATHI MUTHUVERAN

Head of Operations & Training, Tanglin Police Division, Singapore Police Force, Ministry of Home Affairs Joined: July 1999

Vest and gold trim striped shirt - Promod, Metallic grey skirt - Raoul

I JOINED THE PUBLIC SERVICE because… My parents are both police ofﬁcers and they have instilled in me the interest and passion for police work. I also believe it’s a career suitable for a peopleoriented person like myself.

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head of Operations & Training at Tanglin Police Division. I think the Public Service has improved over the years. We are now more service driven and have a common goal of satisfying “customers” – who are essentially members of the public.

Then and now

My fondest memories

When I graduated from Training Command, my first post was as an investigation officer at Ang Mo Kio Police Division. Since then, I’ve been an intelligence officer at the Police Intelligence Department at the Head Planning unit at Bedok Police Division, a staff officer at the Planning & Organisation Department, and the commanding officer of the Kampong Java Neighbourhood Police Centre at “E” Division. I’m presently

The sense of camaraderie, the close friendships and the bonds that have been built among fellow police officers after having overcome considerable challenges together. I am also most encouraged by the times when officers made personal sacrifices so as to meet challenges as a team.

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Cover PS Week Story

2000s MR ADRIAN NG Executive, Youth Outreach, Culture & Education Programme Division, Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports Joined: October 2006

Then and now

I ﬁrst joined the Public Service as a Youth Development Ofﬁcer at the Youth Division of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS). Having been an active volunteer in my church’s youth group, it was fascinating to be handling youth issues from a very different perspective – that of a policy-maker and also on a national scale. In 2007, several of us at the Youth Division were roped in to help out with the conceptualisation for Singapore’s Youth Olympic Games (YOG) bid. When Singapore was awarded the right to host this inaugural event, we were invited to join the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC). My current role at SYOGOC involves working with various stakeholders to create opportunities for young people to participate in the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

My fondest memory

On February 21, 2008, more than 5,000 people gathered at the Padang to ﬁnd out if Singapore was awarded the honour of hosting of the ﬁrst-ever YOG. When the result was announced that we were chosen, the whole crowd erupted into cheers. Strangers were hugging one another, people were cheering and dancing, and celebrations extended long into the night. That was an unforgettable night – I witnessed how an event such as the YOG can bring a whole nation together. I’m looking forward to more of such unforgettable experiences as we move closer to August 2010!

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I JOINED THE PUBLIC SERVICE because… I was looking for a career that would allow me to make a difference in young people’s lives.

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GLOBALISATION AND THE RISE OF THE GLOBAL VILLAGE HAVE BROUGHT MANY OPPORTUNITIES. But with these come greater competition as countries are competing with the best in the world. No longer can solutions be cobbled together by a single agency. Issues have become so complex, they overlap the perimeters of several agencies. This has given rise to a Whole-ofGovernment (WOG) approach to handling such cross-agency projects – a “networked government” working

Feature

seamlessly to provide solutions from the customer perspective. In this issue of Challenge, we showcase several projects that were entered for this year’s Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Borderless Award, which celebrates innovation through collaboration across agencies. We capture the voices of public ofﬁcers who have brought these initiatives to fruition, and get a view of what working with a WOG approach is like.

Putting Whole-of-Government into practice. By Susan Tsang

WOGTHETALK

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Feature

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Volvo Ocean Race: Singapore Inc in action The Volvo Ocean Race, held every three years, is the world’s most prestigious international yacht race. The nine-month event covers 39,000 nautical miles around the world and features a ﬂeet of world-class yachts manned by highly skilled sailing teams. The course of the 2008-2009 race included Asia and the Middle East. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the Sentosa Development Corporation, the Singapore Sports Council and private stakeholder ONE°15 Marina Club worked closely to clinch the hosting rights and stage the ﬁrst-ever Volvo Ocean Race Stopover in South-east Asia, making Singapore one of only 11 host cities worldwide. “Several government agencies – truly Singapore Inc – pooled resources to realise the event right from the onset,” says Ms Lynette Pang, Director of Entertainment, Sports and Arts, STB. She also hails “the spirit of openness, risktaking and collaboration” that went into the effort. Taking STB itself as an example, she notes that, traditionally, STB approaches an event purely from a tourism angle. But in this case, the agency went beyond its role as a sponsor to facilitate discussions among the event organiser, ONE°15 Marina Club and other government agencies.

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One of the yachts at the ﬁrst-ever Volvo Ocean Race Stopover in South-east Asia.

The collaboration went beyond securing the event for Singapore. “Although the Singapore Stopover took place over 11 days, preparations went far beyond this,” explains Ms Suzanne Ho, Deputy Director, Communications, Sentosa Leisure Group. She adds that the event came with challenges that “only multi-agency collaboration could overturn”. For instance, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) worked on clearing the Eastern Anchorage for the Inport Race. Meanwhile, PSA made provisions for the yachts to be hauled out of the waters for repairs by dozens of shore crew, who raced against time to get the boats ready for the In-port Race as well as the next leg to Qingdao. “The government agencies were very

supportive, resolving issues quickly and efﬁciently, and also going the extra mile,” says Ms Pang. “For instance, as the East Coast waters are heavily used by commercial ships, MPA initiated the cleaning of the waters to ensure the health and safety of the race teams.” To maximise exposure for Singapore with the staging of the race, STB also shared with the project team its knowledge and the lessons gleaned from its Formula One (F1) experience. The Volvo Ocean Race was expected to reach a cumulative television audience of 2 billion worldwide. To ensure the best TV coverage, STB arranged for the project team to meet with contacts made from F1, whose clearance had to be sought when ﬁlming aerial photography (namely the Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Police Force), says Ms Pang. Colleagues from the F1 Project team also provided their inputs on the more optimal angles to shoot from. The speed with which everything came together was quite remarkable. “The agencies rose to the occasion together and got down to understanding the intricacies of the race quickly, in order to facilitate all the unique requirements in a span of 10 to 12 months,” says Ms Ho.

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Fusionopolis, Singapore’s latest R&D Development, opens at One-North.

FusionFest 2008: Common goals and a common vision After three years of planning, one detail threatened to derail the ofﬁcial opening of Fusionopolis, Singapore’s latest R&D development at One-North: a delay in the completion of the building. This gave the Organising Committee of FusionFest 2008 – the week-long festival of outreach activities to mark the Fusionopolis opening – very little room to manouevre. “We had planned some big, sophisticated events, but had very little time to walk the ground because the building was not ready until three or four months before the event,” recalls Professor Lye Kin Mun, Deputy Executive Director (Research) at A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research, and Chairman of the Fusionopolis Opening Committee. “We had to plan blind.”

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Fortunately, buy-in from participating stakeholders saw the team through this and other potential roadblocks during the entire process, from planning to execution. “To get everyone to cooperate, I think you need to establish common goals and a common vision,” says Prof Lye. This was achieved by focusing on the “national” goal of attracting foreign dignitaries and top-level industry partners to Singapore for the event. “Fusionopolis was envisioned to provide an excellent platform for a Whole-ofGovernment approach to transforming Singapore’s economy and furthering public-private sector collaboration,” notes Sharon Tan, Manager of Communications at the Media Development Authority. “Thus, it was only natural for multiple government agencies like A*STAR, JTC

Corporation, Economic Development Board and ourselves to come together and work towards staging a successful opening ceremony.” Ms Tan also points out that operating across agencies on the project “also made ﬁnancial sense”, as adopting a costsharing model helped bring down costs. At any rate, the grand opening went smoothly. There was holographic technology that seamlessly combined avatar musicians on a stage with real performers, a robotic lion dancer that could do hip hop moves, and even a robotic butler who could serve drinks to guests without bumping into them. “In the end, it boiled down to great teamwork, openness and trust,” says Prof Lye. Downplaying his own role, he adds: “The members of my planning committee were really very dedicated. I rarely interfered – we just divided up the responsibilities.”

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Feature

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Clean energy: Creating a Living Lab in Singapore In 2007, the Clean Energy industry was identiﬁed as a key economic growth sector in Singapore. To develop a vibrant and comprehensive ecosystem in this area, one key strategy of the inter-agency Clean Energy Programme Ofﬁce was to leverage on Singapore as a Living Lab. This is so that companies can use it as a test bed to develop new solutions before exporting these solutions globally. Towards this end, two schemes were launched under a nationwide Clean Energy test-bedding initiative – the $17 million Clean Energy Research and Testbedding Programme (CERT) to support the public sector, and the $20 million Solar Capability Scheme for the private sector. For Mr Goh Chee Kiong, Director, Cleantech, Economic Development Board (EDB), the work involved engaging both private and public sector agencies, and persuading them to participate in the

Grid-tied solar power systems being test-bedded by HDB.

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initiative. “My team and I are like the matchmakers,” he says, pairing potential technology providers with government agencies and private sector “receptacles”. At the initial stages, the challenge was to convince the various agencies to make their premises available for test-bedding, says Mr Goh. This was not an easy task, as most agencies were not familiar with clean energy technologies. And so, even through they were primarily an economic agency, Mr Goh’s team found itself having to study various clean energy technologies to the point where they could explain the costs and beneﬁts of installing clean energy systems. As part of the collaborative effort, Singapore Polytechnic, the lead R&D organisation for the CERT programme, tapped its own experiences to provide technical advice and consultancy services to government agencies that were implementing solar energy projects. Singapore Polytechnic had installed its ﬁrst solar energy system on campus in 1993, and a wind turbine was subsequently added. “We are expanding our clean energy installations on campus with the creation of a test-bedding facility, where the performances of over 10 different types of photovoltaic modules will be assessed under local climatic conditions,” says Mr Lim Peng Hun, Deputy Principal (Technology & Industry), Singapore Polytechnic. “This will help identify which technologies work best in Singapore.”

Singapore Polytechnic provides services such as choosing an ideal installation site, drafting technical speciﬁcations and helping to evaluate tenders. Another agency that was involved in the test-bedding initiative was Housing and Development Board (HDB). “Where energy is needed to power the common services, we actively explore new technologies and solutions to improve energy efﬁciency,” says Dr Johnny Wong Liang Heng, Deputy Director (Sustainability & Building Research), Building Technology Department, HDB. Grid-tied solar power systems were also test-bedded in two demo precincts under the CERT programme. As a cross-agency effort, the solutions derived had to meet the objectives of all parties involved and address their concerns, says Dr Wong. But the “we’re all in it together” spirit proved to be a key strength. “Most of the challenges were overcome through good teamwork with all parties involved in the project.” The Energy Market Authority (EMA), which regulates the electricity industry through the establishment and maintenance of market rules, codes of conduct and performance standards, facilitates those who are interested in adopting solar photovoltaic systems. It has launched a Handbook for Photovoltaic Systems to outline the relevant licensing, market and technical guidelines. “We ensure that the regulatory framework and technical requirements are favourable for new and emerging forms of energy technology, such as solar photovoltaic systems, to be deployed and connected to the grid,” explains Mr David Tan, Deputy Chief Executive, Energy Policy and Planning Division, EMA.

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International Energy Week The Energy Market Authority (EMA) was certainly in the thick of the action as the organiser of Singapore’s inaugural International Energy Week (IEW), which took place on November 3-7, 2008. The project involved 37 strategic partners who organised or hosted 39 conferences, workshops, site visits and networking opportunities. These covered a range of energy topics from conventional energy to clean and renewable energy (including nuclear energy) across the value chain. “It wasn’t easy working across different agencies because each had speciﬁc mandates and their own objectives,” recalls Mr David Tan, Deputy Chief Executive, Energy Policy and Planning Division, EMA. Sharing his experiences, Mr Koh Kok Hong, Director, Special Duties (Energy), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), says: “Initially, we had to manage the different expectations from the various stakeholders. There were also concerns about

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how we can make IEW relevant for the industry, think tanks, and the wider public.” The key, Mr Tan found, was to “come together around the table, discuss the issues with forthcoming views and an open mind, and sort them out with outcomes that were aligned with the overall objectives.” Mr Koh agrees: “Once we were clear about the objectives and deliverables for IEW, it was pretty smooth-ﬂowing.” The team also leveraged on the experience of other agencies. EMA consulted PUB, the main organiser for the Singapore International Water Week. PUB readily shared their experience of organising the international event and EMA was invited to attend some events. Another agency that was involved in the IEW effort was the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts (MICA), who, together with

MFA, played a role in publicising the event. “One big challenge of interagency collaboration was how to effectively coordinate the communications messages and publicity initiatives of various participating agencies to achieve greater impact,” says Ms Grace Cheung, Information Ofﬁcer, MICA. But she was glad for the chance to help in public communications and marketing for the event. “IEW was a great opportunity for my team to collaborate with EMA to proﬁle Singapore to the international audience,” she says. Plans are underway for Singapore International Energy Week 2009 (SIEW 2009) to be held on November 17-20, 2009, right after Singapore’s hosting of the 2009 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. EMA is collaborating with a range of partners, both existing and new, to build on the momentum of the inaugural event and to develop SIEW into a premier brand.

4/20/09 7:58:17 PM

I Say

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Challenge polls public ofďŹ cers for their views on a better Public Service.

MYTHREEWISHES....

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4/20/09 8:08:26 PM

ToHaveSOUL The Singapore Public Service is known around the world for its integrity and impartiality, and has won acclamation for its efficiency and effectiveness. Beyond its first-class reputation, I wish for a Public Service that has Spirit, is Outward looking, and Understands and Listens to the people it serves with compassion and genuineness – a generation of leaders and civil servants with SOUL. Spirit: The English word “spirit” comes from the Latin word spiritus, meaning “soul, courage, vigour”. The Public Service of my dream would have the courage and vigour to spearhead and carry out bold measures that transform the well-being of the nation. Its leadership sets bold goals, measures progress and removes barriers to achieving these goals. It nurtures a culture that encourages people from diverse backgrounds and social classes to explore ideas and options, and to learn from their mistakes. Outward-looking: I envisage a generation of civil servants who, instead of being complacent, are constantly scanning the horizon for opportunities and keeping track of global changes that may have implications for our tiny country. Understands and Listens: I would like to see a compassionate Public Service that is very much in touch with the ground, is humble and not afraid to acknowledge its mistakes. It would be an organisation where strength and humility of character are just as important as academic merit and performance. I dream of a generation of public officers who roll up their sleeves to engage people from all walks of life in the planning, decision making and execution of national policies and initiatives. Dr Koh Yang Huang

Health Promotion Board DR KOH YANG HUANG WINS A 2D,1N WEEKEND STAY AT SILOSO BEACH RESORT, SENTOSA. ALL OTHER PUBLISHED ARTICLES WIN SHOPPING VOUCHERS WORTH $50 EACH.

ToPut“NoWrongDoor”IntoPractice

ToRememberThePower OfTheHumanTouch My first wish for a better Public Service would be for all staff to remember the power of the human touch while maintaining service standards. Let’s not forget about this basic gift while we go by the book. My second wish for a better Public Service would be for all of us to attend training wholeheartedly – not for the purpose of fulfilling training hours, but for knowledge sharing within our generation and the next. My final wish would be for all staff to be proud of being part of the community, because it is the collective contributions from each of them that make Singapore a first-class Public Service.

I have been working as an HDB customer service ofﬁcer for eight years. My top three wishes are:

members of the public and an increase in the lifelong employability of the individual.

Bai Huilan

3. Greater transparency

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

1. Greater emphasis on “No Wrong Door” policy

With greater transparency, staff members are able to voice their feedback, opinions and suggestions freely to higher management. This is important, as any staff feedback may facilitate changes that will improve the lives of Singaporeans and add to the competitiveness of the economy. The Singapore Public Service needs to remain relevant and responsive, and to have the courage and initiative to “make a change to do things better”.

In the eyes of the general public, we are all “government people”. Any feedback or suggestions that are under the jurisdiction of another agency should be quickly forwarded for them for immediate action. This will make Singaporeans’ lives easier, and things will also be done faster. 2. Training opportunities

This is important as it will provide individuals the culture of continuous learning, thereby improving their skills. This translates into enhanced service to

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Jennifer Teo Sue Pei

Housing and Development Board

4/20/09 8:08:34 PM

I Say

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ToAdoptAHolistic Perspective

ToCreateMoreOpportunities ForPeopleDevelopment

My three wishes for a better Public Service are:

I have been in the Public Service for nearly 13 years, and March 5, 2009 marks my 10th year in the Prison Service. I have seen the transformation of the Prison Service from an institution that was spread throughout the ulu parts of Singapore into the high-tech maximum security Changi Prison Complex. Policy and methods have changed, from ensuring no communication between inmates and staff to the current Housing Unit Management System (HUMAN), where we are encouraged to talk to our “clients” – the inmates – so that we will know them better for a seamless incarceration. I have three wishes to help officers respond better to this transformation and further develop their careers in the Public Service. I would like to see: 1) A more transparent appraisal system to tell us of our Current Estimated Potential (CEP) in the line that we are in. This will help the staff develop their potential, if they want to expand their capabilities in the Public Service, or help them make informed decisions about their career paths. 2) An easier transition of job scope within the same ministry, as a process of staff development rather than a manpower exchange. For example, a police officer should be able to switch his or her career to that of a prison officer to expand his or her capability in the Public Service. This will help to develop more well-rounded civil servants who will better understand the overall mission of their ministry. 3) Last but not least, let me talk about sponsored courses or other opportunities for the upgrading of staff in the Public Service. For example, staff who want to attain higher levels of education, such as a diploma or a bachelor’s or master’s degree, can have easier access to such opportunities. This will enhance the skills and professional development of the Public Service.

1) Angst-free IT systems

That secure and robust IT systems would be developed by intelligent and wise systems analysts who meet our needs with efﬁcient use of resources and technology. That procurement or approval committees realise that “cheapest” may not necessarily be the best, but that we should choose the best provider who meets our needs. 2) Fuss-free online Government engagement with public

That secure and robust Government web portals/blogsites can be set up by public agencies to engage the public or our customers, without having to engage external web-hosting or web-development companies. That content can easily and cheaply be disseminated to internal or external customers, without having to submit time-wasting Service Requests that cost agencies and departments time, effort and money. 3) A holistic perspective towards serving Singapore

That agencies would adopt a Whole-ofGovernment perspective towards their intellectual assets, data resources and technologies, and wholeheartedly embrace knowledge-sharing across the entire Public Service. That small and big ideas alike would be shared with the whole Public Service when they’re proven workable, so that agencies with similar problems would realise that someone out there has already thought of their problem and solved it for them. Joan Lee Siok Tin

Singapore Land Authority

Mohd Adhha Jimari

Singapore Prison Service

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ToDisplayGreaterSensitivity My three wishes for a better Public Service are: 1) That we display sensitivity towards the wider organisation’s objectives, and to the concerns of our key customers – the public. Many of us specialise in a specific role within our ministries and agencies, be it in policy, enforcement, audit or dissemination. As a result, in carrying out our day-to-day jobs, we are sometimes blinded to the needs of other key stakeholders. We should always remain aware and sensitive of the broader context in which we operate, and bear this in mind when formulating our decisions and actions. 2) That we cooperate across ministries and agencies. There are many statutory boards in this country, each taking care of a specific area. Hence, it is inevitable that we’d have to work together to solve the many issues that confront the Public Service from time to time. We should transcend our individual job scopes and embrace the concept of One Government, and always bear in mind that whatever the outcome, it should be one that is in the interests of our key customers. 3) That the Public Service continues to be nimble and responsive in dealing with present and future concerns and difficulties. The Public Service can operate very differently from the private sector, with the need for accountability in our actions and decisions requiring a certain degree of checks and balances. Yet, even with this constraint, we must strive to be quick and effective in responding to an ever-changing environment, and in meeting the high expectations of the public.

ToTrulyEncourage Upgrading My three wishes for a better Public Service are: 1) That we can truly become a “paperless” Civil Service. For example, documents submitted through electronic platforms like Pac@Gov, Training Adminstration System On Intranet (TRAISI) and PRAISE no longer need to be printed out and filed in hard copy. Approvals for payments and such, obtained through official e-mails, should not have to be printed and attached to forms for filing. 2) That civil servants can be more conscious of the benefits of energy and water conservation. More can be done to educate officers on how to help save electricity and water for their organisations. For example, turning off electrical equipment at the mains when they are not in use, as well as lights when we leave offices, meeting rooms and pantries, especially for the weekends. Every drop makes an ocean, and every little bit saved would help the ministry keep operating costs down in the long run. 3) That the Civil Service would be more willing to first look inwards to their existing officers – who have gone for upgrading courses and obtained certificates of higher learning – to fill leadership or supervisory posts, before advertising for fresh graduates to come in and take up these positions. This would certainly be a greater “pull” factor in encouraging officers to go for upgrading, knowing that it would help them move up the ladder.

ToAchieveWorldClassServiceStandards My three wishes for a better Public Service would be: 1) To improve service quality so that we can attain world-class service standards, which will put us in a stronger position to take on future challenges. 2) To encourage all public ofﬁcers to cultivate a passion in their daily work, and to create an awareness that Public Service is not just a job but an honourable duty to serve the citizens of Singapore. This will help create a strong identity and a sense of commitment among all public ofﬁcers. 3) Being in the Public Service, we must always be cautious and aware of the impact that we have on the environment around us. We can create an eco-friendly environment, and practice the 3Rs (reuse, renew and recycle) daily throughout the Public Service. By doing this, we can reduce our spending, cut down on waste and, at the same time, do our part for the environment. Gary Lim Wei Lun

Singapore Customs

Ms Fiona Tan Su-Queen

Ministry of Education

Ko Zhihong

SPRING Singapore THE LETTER OF THE MONTH WILL WIN A A GOODWOOD

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HAVE YOUR SAY... Take part in any of the ofﬁcial activities organised for Public Service Week 2009, and tell us about your most memorable moments or interesting lessons learnt and why! E-mail “I Say” at psd_challenge@psd.gov.sg. Please limit your comments to 300 words and include your name, e-mail, agency and telephone numbers. All entries should reach us by May 25, 2009. You can also discuss this at forum.challenge.gov.sg.

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4/20/09 8:14:56 PM

Feature

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SINGAPORE IS A GLOBAL AND REGIONAL HUB FOR MANY THINGS. Since its founding, it has been an important trading and maritime hub between East and West. It is also a leading manufacturing location, the world’s third-largest oil reﬁning centre, and a sizable petrochemical hub. It is a major connector in international aviation, and a key node in the global ﬁnancial system. But history has shown that hubs come and go. How, then, can Singapore sustain its hub status and avoid being relegated to a footnote in history? “Long-term urban success does not depend on perpetual, uninterrupted growth, but on successfully responding to challenges,” says Mr Peter Ho, Head of

the Civil Service in Singapore. “World•Singapore is our growth formula for the future – a strategic public service initiative of great signiﬁcance for Singapore’s future. We have to boost Singapore’s connections with global and regional networks. Not just in the traditional domains of maritime, air and telecommunications, but also in other domains as well, such as in our efforts to develop Singapore as a medical hub, an R&D hub, an intellectual hub, and even a cultural and entertainment hub.” Unveiled at the opening of Economic Development Board’s International Advisory Council Meeting in 2007,

World•Singapore represents Singapore’s new growth strategy and an organising idea for the Civil Service. While it is still early days, the strategy has made progress in the positioning of Singapore as a hub for human resource (HR) developments in Asia, for premier inter-governmental organisations (IGOs) and international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), and for security and civil defence expertise.

A hub for talent and ideas Singapore’s vision to become a hub for individuals and organisations engaged in the generation, exchange, development and commercialisation of ideas has led to initiatives such as the setting up of the

Challenge examines efforts to enhance Singapore’s position as a leading regional and global hub in services, knowledge and ideas. By Anna Yap

WORLD•SINGAPORE: HUBCREATION

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Singapore Welcome Centre (SWC) under Contact Singapore. The SWC aims to attract “queen bee” individuals to Singapore’s shores. “SWC’s target group is the segment of top global talent who are economic value creators,” says Ms Ng Siew Kiang, Executive Director, Contact Singapore. “These are individuals who can create economic activities and jobs in Singapore by leveraging on their skills, experience, wealth and inﬂuence.” According to Ms Ng, such individuals are established business leaders, entrepreneurs or skilled talent, and would bring with them business activities and investments that generate economic wealth and good jobs for Singapore. The SWC aims to provide a one-stop “concierge service” to such individuals. “These services include facilitating the business interests of these individuals in

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Singapore, as well as their personal interests,” says Ms Ng. Another initiative that enhances Singapore’s position as an HR hub is the establishment of premier conferences, including signature events such as the Singapore Human Capital Summit. The 2008 Summit drew some 760 C-suite participants from over 20 countries to discuss issues in human capital Ms Ng Siew Kiang development that is signiﬁcant to Asia. “We can build on this successful Summit to develop it as a world-class event – one that business leaders can look forward to each year for the best in Asian human capital management,” says Ms Low Peck Kem, Project Director, National HR Capability, Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The introduction of the HR Workforce Skills Qualiﬁcations (WSQ) system – to improve the skills and competencies of HR professionals in Singapore – is yet another approach in efforts to maintain Singapore’s competitive edge in talent

management and workforce development. This comprehensive national system facilitates entry into the HR profession and provides a clear Ms Low Peck Kem route of advancement for HR practitioners in terms of the skills and competencies they need to further their careers, with the option of specialising in recruitment, compensation and beneﬁts, or talent management. Employers can rely on this national certiﬁcation system to recruit and recognise HR professionals. “Continuous upgrading is key to maintaining skills currency and retaining competitiveness,” says Ms Lynn Ng, Director, Community and Professional Services Division, Singapore Workforce Development Ms Lynn Ng Agency (WDA). “Companies need competent HR professionals who can apply human capital practices that are not only relevant across the Asian market, but also aligned with their strategic goals.”

20/4/09 18:45:09

Feature

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Where international organisations aggregate A vibrant International Organisation (IO) sector is also necessary to create global mind-share and project a country’s inﬂuence around the world. “Leading IOs bring with them people, knowledge and expertise – all of which add to the intellectual vibrancy in Singapore, increase our brand equity, and strengthen our role as a marketplace for ideas and talent in Asia,” says Ms Chen Jia’en, a Policy Executive at the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and a member of the World•Singapore team on attracting premier IOs to Singapore. “Having their ofﬁces located here will also add to the diversity of careers for Singaporeans.” In addition, a thriving IO sector generates economic spin-offs through business spending, events and conferences. There are currently over 70 IOs in Singapore providing over 600 jobs, including leading IOs like the World Wide Fund for Nature and the International Air Transport Association.

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To facilitate a more concerted effort in attracting premier IOs to Singapore and growing the IO sector, the IO Programme Ofﬁce has been set up under EDB as the single contact point for IOs considering the option of opening an ofﬁce in Singapore, and for those already in Singapore. Plans are afoot to greatly increase the number of IOs here to 150 by 2015, thereby creating 2,500 jobs and adding about $650 million to the economy. “We are particularly keen on working closely with other government agencies to identify IOs that are important to their sectors,” says Mr Jonathan Kua, Director, New Businesses, EDB. “This ensures that the IOs based here will enhance the work that our agencies do – for example, the setting of technical standards, environmental protection, encouraging philanthropy, etc. Besides attracting foreign IOs, it will also be important to develop Singaporean-grown IOs in our areas of strength, such as in water and sanitation, and in education.”

One of the IO Programme Ofﬁce’s new initiatives is the provision of ofﬁce space at the Tanglin International Centre, situated at Kay Siang Road. The Centre will be ready in the latter half of 2009, and will provide a conducive platform for IOs to interact, share ideas and foster collaborations among one another.

A hub for security and civil defence expertise World•Singapore provides a channel for many public agencies to take the link between their work and the broader national strategy to a different level. An example of this can be seen in the efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to grow Singapore’s reputation and international stature as a hub of safety and security expertise. “The Home Team departments have always had a good reputation of professionalism and are well-respected by their foreign counterparts,” says Mr Jackson Lim, Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Development at MHA. “What the World•Singapore strategy has done is to expand this perspective by

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adding a potential ‘business’ dimension – whereby MHA serves as a professional training provider.” Various schools under the Home Team Academy (HTA) already have courses that are open to international participants. Over the past few years, MHA has also been providing training and consultancy services to the Qatari Ministry of Interior. This has led other Middle Eastern countries to request for training and consultancy services, too. “There have been some spin-offs for our local security industry as well,” says Mr Lim. “Our partners have been able to secure contracts not only with government bodies, but also with private sector partners overseas. This bodes well for the growth of our domestic security industry and our reputation as an expert hub.” This reputation sometimes translates into speaker and trainer requests from international organisations. For instance, in 2008, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) worked with Interpol to provide speakers and trainers for their Cybercrime Investigation Workshop.

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Extending Singapore’s reach as a hub also means a lot of pro-active marketing. To that end, MHA participated in the Milipol Qatar Exhibition. The three-day event was the biggest international exhibition in the Middle East dedicated to internal security. MHA adopted a Singapore Pavilion approach and led the Singapore Home Team booth. By Mr Jackson Lim many counts, this exhibition was a successful effort, and MHA plans to participate in a couple more in the upcoming years. Perhaps the best advertisement to the credibility of Singapore’s expertise in the security arena is October 2008’s election of Singapore’s Chief of Police (CP) as President of Interpol. “This really underlines the international recognition of Singapore’s competency and enhances our global branding,” says Mr Lim.

Threats and opportunities Indeed, the current global financial and economic crises offer opportunities for Singapore to reinforce its hub status. For example, the premium on trust has increased. The financial crisis and China’s milk contamination are only two of the more recent examples, which clearly demonstrate the deficit of trust in the world today. Singapore’s status as a trusted reference is now more valuable than before. “Through World•Singapore, we should strive to find more ways to build on our advantages as a hub, and secure Singapore’s position as a central node in the new networks that may emerge,” says Mr Ho. “That we operate in a much larger strategic, political and economic space reminds us that it is going to be a constant struggle to maintain our position and to stay ahead… we must re-invent and reposition ourselves, and stay ahead of the competition.”

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Feedback

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Tolerate alternative viewpoints

In what ways do you think the Public Service is ahead of its time?

Who: Mr Philip Chan is a student from Hwa Chong Institution (class of 2008). He is currently waiting to be enlisted for fulltime National Service.

The emphasis on service excellence. There are also various channels for feedback for engagement with the public.

Interactions with the Public Service

My initial correspondence with the Public Service was in the form of a letter to the Cut Waste Panel. I was heartened by the response (within the stated time period the Panel had set), and by the fact that various parts of my proposal on lighting ﬁxtures were forwarded to the relevant agencies: National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks), Housing and Development Board (HDB) and URA. Subsequent correspondence with the NEA and NParks greatly surprised me – the relevant personnel, in phone conversations, explained their positions and wanted to understand the perspectives from the public’s point of view. That was my ﬁrst instance of direct interaction with the Public Service and it was a positive experience, despite having heard many comments that the Public Service was like a “black box”.

In what ways do you think it can be improved?

The Public Service can be more accessible to members of the public (for instance, in correspondence and decision-making). I believe the most crucial aim in the next 10 years would be to dispel the myth of the “wall” between the public and the Government, perhaps by focusing on a less top-down external communications approach. Where would you like to see the Public Service 10 years from now?

A Public Service that actively listens to the opinions of Singaporeans, builds the cause for Singapore, and is respected by Singaporeans and people of other countries alike. Ten years from now, there could also be increased tolerance for alternative viewpoints and maverick intellectual opinions. Tolerance for such opinions are two-fold – for opinions held within the Public Service, and for opinions held by members of the public. It is necessary to develop more ways to accurately evaluate the merits of such justiﬁed opinions.

What is the Singapore Public Service good at? How can it be improved? Challenge garners some feedback from the public. By Ye Dejing

SUGGESTIONBOX 22_25 coverstory.indd 22

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Understand commercial realities Who: Mr Willin Low is a lawyer turned chef and restaurateur. He runs the Wild Rocket, which serves modern Singaporean cuisine; Relish, which specialises in good quality burgers, beers and weekend brunches; and Wild Oats Bar, a chill-out cocktail and wine bar at Mount Emily Hill. Interactions with the Public Service

Due to our business, we have to interact with many agencies, such as Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for the employment of foreigners, Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board for CPF payments, National Environment Agency (NEA) for licenses, Singapore Police Force (SPF) for licenses as well, Urban Redevelopment Authority

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(URA) for Change of Use approval, and SPRING Singapore for government grants. In what ways do you think the Public Service is ahead of its time?

Online applications! A lot of things can be accessed and found online, which is very good. In what ways do you think it can be improved?

Firstly, I hope that different agencies can coordinate in such a way that businesses will not need to run to different places just to get one task done. Secondly, it would be great if Public Service agencies, which deal with private sector businesses, are able to do stints within the private sector so as to understand the constraints and commercial realities private sector businesses face. This is especially so for small businesses or sole operators who

do not have a department that handles public service applications. For example, if we have to spend long hours dealing with business operations, we would have to shut the business down (read: loss of revenue) just to get certain things done. Where would you like to see the Public Service 10 years from now?

I hope the Public Service will be really what it is meant to be â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a service to the public. When you call a bank or a mobile phone company, the service operator almost always is able to deal with your problem or concern, and will always get back to you within the time frame promised. I hope the Public Service will be on par with the services provided by commercially run businesses.

4/20/09 2:23:58 PM

Feedback

24 8

Support local sports talent

In what ways do you think the Public Service is ahead of its time?

Who: Mr Sallehuddin Bin Salleh is the coach of Nitra United Football Club, a community project supported by parents. Its aim is to provide a fun, enriching and educational environment for youths to develop their potential and interest in the game. At the same time, it also seeks to promote social bonding among different races in a natural environment.

It is still not ahead of its time when it comes to sporting events. Most regional countries have produced multiple dedicated and world-class champions, which is something we should aspire to have.

Interactions with the Public Service

My main interaction with the Public Service is with the Pasir Ris East Community Centre Malay Activities Executive Committee (MAEC), which helps to promote grassroots activities. I approached them to help support my soccer club, Nitra United Football Club. I felt that they might be able to provide relevant support and opportunities for training, learning and development for youths in the community.

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In what ways do you think it can be improved?

The club believes that joint participation from both public and private sector agencies and personnel will be mutually

beneﬁcial, through the sharing of best practices and knowledge, and by building a network of relationships. Where would you like to see the Public Service 10 years from now?

Public Service should run like a global organisation. The relevant ministries need to start taking the lead in the non-proﬁt sector by reviewing laws that prevent funds raised locally from being used in other countries, and foster a new mindset that supports healthy and sporty Singaporeans who can, and will, take the lead in achieving and working towards becoming “world champions” without relying on foreign imports.

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Promote greater synergy among agencies Who: Mdm Low Mui Lang is the Executive Director of The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. She has been with Peacehaven since 2001. The Home provides compassionate, individualised, holistic care for the elderly and younger people who have a physical or mental disability. Its residents come from all walks of life, from many religions and traditions, and have varying degrees of mental or physical disability. Interactions with the Public Service

The public sector agencies that I have had most contact with are Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and National Council of Social Services (NCSS). I have found them to be very

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and professionalism â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the ability to refrain from making unnecessary or uncalled-for comments about other departments or ministries and agencies.

passionate about serving the community in the best ways possible. Those that I communicate and interact with are all very diligent, considerate and kind. What also impresses me very much is their excellent listening ability. They are very attentive to the sensitivity of information, and are able to comprehend information given to them even when they are new to a ďŹ eld of work.

Having greater synergy by working together on any programme or matter, especially among ministries and agencies.

In what ways do you think the Public Service is ahead of its time?

Where would you like to see the Public Service 10 years from now?

Diagnosing problems and making preparations in advance to meet future challenges regarding the ageing population, mental health, youth at risk and gambling. Their diplomacy

Better communication between departments in each ministry and agency. And more collaboration with other ministries and agencies so that goals can be attained at a faster pace in order to stay relevant, and to build a stronger and more resilient society.

In what ways do you think it can be improved?

4/20/09 2:24:20 PM

Feedback

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How do public sector leaders from other countries view Singapore? Challenge talks to three delegates at this year’s Leaders in Governance Programme to ﬁnd out. By Anna Yap

INSIGHTSFROM THEOUTSIDE

PHOTO: D6 STUDIO

Quick action “The Civil Service here is unique, you have KPIs (key performance indicators) to show that you are delivering and meeting targets. I’m also impressed with the long-term planning of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Although you are very advanced, you’re still striving to improve.” “What struck me also is the Government’s quick action to address the economic crisis. For example, you have the Jobs Credit scheme, which subsidises employers’ wage bills; the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) to help companies retrain workers and save jobs; and also the Special Risk-sharing Initiative to help businesses obtain loans in this current crisis. This is all very amazing to me. “I also think that it is a great achievement to have instilled innovation in the Singapore Civil Service mindset. I also like the way public ofﬁcers are rotated within various ministries. This makes the Civil Service alive and active, with the constant mixing of new blood!” Mr Sabir Said Rashid Al-Harbi, Director General of Economic Statistics, Ministry of National Economy, Sultanate of Oman.

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Cooperation and coordination

Depth of planning “I’m most impressed with how the Singapore Government has reached out to its citizens and businesses, so that everyone appreciates the depth of planning that has gone into policymaking. Having visited the LTA’s and URA’s public galleries, I have found them very informative, yet fun, interactive and hands-on and a good example of how the Government communicates to the public.” Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia

“I am most impressed by the levels of cooperation across ministries in Singapore, as well as by the degree of coordination between the Public Service and the political leadership. What’s fascinating also is how Singapore has improved productivity within the Public Service in its drive to serve the people better, and how it is continually revisiting processes to become more customer focused. “I’m also impressed with the low level of unemployment. I believe we

have much to learn about how to stimulate the economy as well as how to deal with the current economic crisis. Botswana is export-dependent too, and the crisis affects us greatly as well. “What interests me also is the high level of home ownership in Singapore. If you have no home, your dignity and that of your family is affected. So that’s really important. Singapore’s government takes care of food, health, education and housing – these are all basic human needs. Civil servants are rarely given a pat on the back, but in the case of Singapore, a pat on the back is richly deserved.” Mr Solomon M. Sekwakwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Botswana.

Leaders in Governance Programme Designed for international public sector leaders, the Leaders in Governance Programme (LGP) run by the Civil Service College (CSC) is a practitioner-based programme on Singapore’s governance experience. The LGP offers insights into how good governance and robust public policies contribute to the sustainable development of a country. Through the sharing of Singapore’s development experience, participants gain a deeper understanding of its public governance approach. Now in its second year, the programme has drawn many participants from all over the world to come together to share and learn.

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Opinion

Ravi Veloo is an award-winning journalist who has worked on television, radio and newspapers in Singapore and Australia. He was on the Boston University Journalism Faculty as a visiting Fulbright scholar and has won numerous awards including the Press Foundation of Asia’s Journalist of the Year. He is currently Managing Director of The Media Campus, which conducts media skills workshops for spokespersons and journalism workshops for news organisations. He can be reached at ravi@themediacampus.com

UP TO NOW, SINGAPOREANS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING WHOLE-OFGOVERNMENT IN THREE WAYS. One is when we write a letter to the press. Unlike most countries on the planet, the government here actually responds to published feedback, especially criticism. And it responds in one voice, having sorted out the jurisdiction internally if the issue involves multiple agencies. Another is the Meet the People’s Session. You talk to one Member of Parliament and that should be enough for your issue to be jockeyed to a resolution. The third way is the one some are abusing: The police emergency number. It’s meant to be a Whole-ofGovernment response to any security issue, yet people call it for anything from lost pets to their pet issues. But now we have a more ambitious target, the Whole-of-Government initiative. What does it mean,

first time came to Singapore this year. They went beyond just removing red tape. Especially the effort by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to clear the Eastern Anchorage for the In-port Race. There was an impressive sense of mission there to make Singapore look good on its first outing on one of the most prestigious international platforms in the world. In some Western countries, Whole-of-Government efforts include producing a type of budget that makes it easier for the public to digest and discuss in the interests of democracy. New Zealand put in a law 20 years ago called the Public Finance Act 1989, which demands a “Whole-ofGovernment account”, a unified budget for all the government departments. Britain produced its first “Whole-ofGovernment accounts” a few years ago. So you can say that “Wholeof-Government” is basically a conceptual tool, which doesn’t

OneGovernment,OneBill really, for the man-in-the-street? It seems in different countries, it means different things. In Singapore, the focus is about creating a more responsive government machinery as the Public Service Division says in its website: “To the public, the Government is one whole… So while each agency is accountable for its very deﬁned and focused role, cross-agency issues are addressed as a networked government to provide solutions from the customer perspective.” Is that just about removing red tape? The case studies featured in this issue of Challenge showcase more than that. Take the efforts by different agencies on the Volvo Ocean Race, which for the

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carry only one single meaning. That means it would help manage expectations here if someone were to draw a clear outline of what’s in and what’s out. Would it mean, for example, that the Government would even be willing to restructure certain agencies to achieve efﬁciencies? Or that it would be willing to open that to public debate? Just imagine how much we could save on printing and postage to hundreds of thousands of households – not to mention carbon emissions, and what have you – if, for example, the television licensing authority was redeﬁned as a utility provider and moved to the Public Utilities Board and its next bill incorporated into the power bill as just a couple of lines. That’s just one thought. Four million Singaporeans may have many more on the subject. Who do we talk to about this?

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29 Communications Volunteerism

Empowering youths to speak up

Challenge talks to three public ofﬁcers who make time to make a difference. By James Gerard Foo

PHOTO: WONG WEILIANG

HeartwareZone

Mr Christopher Gordon describes his volunteer work with youth as a case of “indulging in his passion”. The Country Officer with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs helps out at the Telok Ayer-Hong Lim Green Community Club’s Youth Executive Committee (YEC), where he organises youth activities such as dialogue sessions and forums. “I have this affinity for the youth. I think it is important that we engage them,” he says. Mr Gordon’s interest in working with youths started during his undergraduate days in Cambridge University, where he organised dialogue sessions to give students a platform to air their views and stay in touch with issues back home. But it was not easy trying to engage the students in the initial stages, he recalls. A grand total of four people attended the Temasek Society’s first official dialogue session – including the three co-founders. But attendance soon grew as people began to see value in what the group was doing. Returning to Singapore, the interest in youth engagement remained but no avenue presented itself until a friend approached Mr Gordon to join the YEC. This time round, though, the scale, was different. Working with the People’s Association and its wide network made it easier to attract people to the dialogues, and the YEC was able to reach out to 150-200 people for its dialogue sessions. For Mr Gordon, however, the unifying thread was that through these dialogues, the youths could come together to discuss issues that matter to them and feel empowered to air their views. And it works both ways. “For me, personally, the sense of empowerment comes from organising such events, and the fact that I can make a difference to the society in which we live,” he says. “I HAVE THIS AFFINITY FOR THE YOUTH. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE ENGAGE THEM.” Christopher Gordon

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Communications Volunteerism

PHOTO: D6 STUDIO

Breaking through walls Ms Goi Ming Ying, an IT Consultant with the Public Service Division, admits to not having had “the best of luck” healthwise. She suffers from a neurological disorder, but the feisty lady is quick to point out: “There are so many people out there who are far worse than I. If they haven’t given up, how can I?” This positive outlook has led Ms Goi to focus beyond her personal limitations to reach out to those in greater need. She is an Enable-A-Family (EAF) volunteer with the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, where she provides a comforting voice to abused children and their families. She also helps out with the Epilepsy Care Group, which takes care of persons with epilepsy and their caregivers. Rounding off her hat-trick of community service commitments is her work with the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), where she works with school dropouts, encouraging them to either go back to school or learn a new skill. She attributes her inclination for volunteerism to her own tough upbringing as well. “Although my parents struggled to make ends meet

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when I was young, they always taught me that life is not just about myself but also how I can help those who are worse off than I.” Which is why she takes the ups and downs of volunteer work in her stride. “Sometimes parents tell me I don’t understand their problems because I’m single. Sometimes, you feel like you are talking up a wall. But you must not give up. If they sense your sincerity, they will slowly open up to you and accept you.” “Nothing beats the ‘high’ you feel when someone’s life changes with a bit of effort from you,” she adds. She remembers an 11-year-old boy who stole to get attention. It took her months to win his trust. Eventually, he conﬁded that he felt insecure about secondary school life because none of his family had gone beyond primary level. By showing that she cared, the boy’s conduct improved and he is now doing well at the Institute of Technical Education after passing his ‘N’ levels. For those who have shied away from volunteerism, afraid of the toll it may take on their day job, Ms Goi has this to say: “My volunteer work has never affected my job because it takes place after ofﬁce hours and during weekends. Anyway, life is not all about work. There are 24 hours a day. Take away 10 hours at work and seven in bed, we still have another seven hours to spare, and it is up to us to do what we want with it.”

“NOTHING BEATS THE ‘HIGH’ YOU FEEL WHEN SOMEONE’S LIFE CHANGES WITH A BIT OF EFFORT FROM YOU.” Goi Ming Ying

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Making time for what you believe in Making cold calls is not easy and it gets even harder during these difﬁcult times, but Mr Gabriel Lim sticks it out, unfazed. As a volunteer with the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled in Singapore (MINDS), one of his tasks is to get corporations to buy products made by its clients such as commemorative gifts. It is a very different role from his day job as Director of the Ministry of Health’s Industry Development & International Co-operation Division. Mr Lim decided to devote more of his time to volunteer work when he turned 30, and began wondering if his career and profession were to be the be-all and end-all of his life. He was introduced to MINDS by a friend who had good memories of working there. “I thought it would be good to work with children and young adults who, despite their disabilities, were trying to live a normal life,” says Mr Lim who also helps in other aspects of MINDS’ operations, such as reviewing its monthly ﬁnances as well as safeguarding its revenue streams. Besides MINDS, he also sits on the Board of Governors of St Joseph’s Institution (SJI), his alma mater, where he works with the staff to improve the quality of education and learning environment at the school. One of his tasks as a board member was to interview primary six students for the Josephian Scholarship. “I found these students extremely mature and eloquent for their age. They

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could speak on a great variety of subjects with conviction and belief, unlike me when I was 12,” he says. Married without children, he concedes that it is not easy to juggle family, work and volunteering. “There are no short cuts,” he says. “Volunteer work demands some sacriﬁces in terms of time away from family and social activities. You have to put in sufﬁcient time with the management and staff to understand how their organisations work and see how you can best help them.” But, he says, it is a small price to pay. “Just seeing my clients at MINDS smile is enough to make my day.”

“JUST SEEING MY CLIENTS AT MINDS SMILE IS ENOUGH TO MAKE MY DAY.” Gabriel Lim

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SINGAPORE, IT SEEMS, HAS DEVELOPED A PENCHANT FOR ALL THINGS PERANAKAN. Widespread interest in the culture was ignited with the opening of the Peranakan Museum in April 2008. Then MediaCorp’s popular drama serial, The Little Nonya, brought different facets of the unique Peranakan culture, fashion and cuisine into our living rooms. The Peranakans are a fascinating subgroup unique to Southeast Asia. It is a rich blend of Chinese and Malay cultures with some influence from the Europeans, Thais, Indians and Indonesians. The Malay term “peranakan” means “locally born”. It refers to the Peranakan Chinese, descendants of early Chinese immigrants and local women, who settled in the Malay Archipelago in the 17th century. The term also refers to communities that developed in Southeast Asia such as the Chitty Melaka (Peranakan Indians), Jawi Peranakans (descendents of South Indian-Muslim traders and local women) and the Kristangs (Eurasian Peranakans). We talk to three public officers of Peranakan descent – including the Editor of Challenge magazine – and find out what their Peranakan culture and traditions mean to them.

The Peranakan “look” MS TAY LI SHING, EDITOR, CHALLENGE MAGAZINE AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PS21 OFFICE, PUBLIC SERVICE DIVISION. SHE JOINED THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN 2004. Identifying a Peranakan People have often guessed that I’m a Peranakan, even before they knew the answer. They claim it’s because I either speak like one, look like one or dress like one. Peranakans apparently tend to have a specific accent, distinctive facial features, and a preference for a certain way of dressing. In terms of dressing, I believe it’s my penchant for intricate floral, laced and embroidered delicate blouses that gives my attire a Peranakan influence! Mixing languages Peranakan Chinese would typically use a generous mix of Baba Malay and Hokkien when we speak. In fact, I think some Peranakans speak better Malay than their own Chinese dialect, while others sometimes just mangle their dialect. An object that best symbolises my Peranakan culture is… My mother’s ayam buah keluak recipe. I love Peranakan food, especially spicy food, and my mother makes the best ayam buah keluak I’ve ever tasted.

Challenge celebrates “nonya mania” by proﬁling three Peranakans in Public Service. By Lianne Tan

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VENUE: SPECIAL THANKS TO TRUE BLUE CUISINE RESTAURANT AND THE PERANAKAN MUSEUM PHOTO: NG CHIN SIANG AND VEE CHIN

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Li Shing’s Ayam Buah Keluak Recipe

VENUE: SPECIAL THANKS TO TRUE BLUE CUISINE RESTAURANT AND THE PERANAKAN MUSEUM PHOTO: NG CHIN SIANG AND VEE CHIN

INGREDIENTS 1 chicken (1 1/2 kg, cut into pieces), salt, sugar, 1/3 chicken seasoning cube, dark sauce, 2 1/2 large tbsp tamarind (squeezed together with 3 cups water), 18 buah keluak nuts, 200g minced pork, 200g minced prawns, 2 tsp sugar and 1/2 tsp salt. REMPAH 3 large red onions, 3 stalks serai (lemongrass – about 1.5 inches in length from the roots, to be ground with the rempah; save a further 2 inches upwards as long stalks), 1 thumb-sized kunyit (turmeric), 1 1/2 thumb-sized lengkuas (galangal), 3 red fresh chillies, 2 tbsp ground dried chillies (from packet), 1 tbsp belachan, 5 candlenuts and oil for cooking. METHOD BUAH KELUAK NUTS: Scrub nuts clean and soak in water for 2 days, changing water daily. Before cooking, scald nuts with boiling water and allow them to soak for 1 minute. Then break nuts at the opening to create a hole for extracting the meat of the nuts. Use only nuts that smell fragrant when opened. Remove meat of the nut and mix with minced pork and prawns by pounding together. Add in 2 tsp sugar and 1/2 tsp salt and pound and mix well together. Stuff mixture back into nuts, ready for cooking. REMPAH: Pound the rempah mixture separately till ﬁne. Save the 3 longer serai stalks. COOK: Fry the rempah and serai stalks in oil till fragrant. Add chicken and continue frying till semi-cooked. Add salt, sugar, seasoning cube and dark sauce for some colour. Stir fry a little longer. Then add the 3 cups tamarind water and bring to boil. When boiling, add the stuffed nuts and continue boiling. Lower heat and simmer till ready to be served.

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Lifestyle

“Joget” the night away MS MAUREEN GOH JOINED THE PUBLIC SERVICE AS A TEACHER IN 1980. TODAY, SHE IS DIRECTOR OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT AT HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY. Living life to the fullest We Peranakans are fun-loving people. We enjoy telling jokes, eating, singing, dancing, and sometimes “kay-poh-ing” (being inquisitive) in the spirit of fun. One example was when we celebrated my mother’s 78th birthday at a Peranakan restaurant in a hotel. My mother’s large family of 14 brothers and sisters, their children and grandchildren, all joined the party. The evening’s entertainment was the best – everyone sang along to the accompanying pianist while my mother and aunties happily “joget” (to dance) the whole night away! Speaking Baba Malay I grew up speaking the Peranakan patois, Baba Malay, at home. Baba Malay consists of a unique blend of Malay terms mixed with Hokkien dialect words. I’d use words like “makan” (to eat in Malay) and “minum” (to drink in Malay) whenever I spoke in Hokkien, not realising that these words aren’t even in the Hokkien vocabulary! Respecting elders To show respect to our elder family members, we (younger generation) would greet everyone by their “family title” particularly before the start of a meal. We used to have family gatherings with over 40 people attending sometimes, and that’s when I really had to “work hard” for my meals! An object that best symbolises my Peranakan culture is… A treasured photograph of my maternal grandmother. I feel she is the epitome of a gentle digniﬁed Peranakan matriarch, from her well-coiffed hairdo (scooped upwards), her “baju panjang” and “kerosang” (brooches designed to fasten the “baju panjang”), to the subtle gracefulness seen in her posture.

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About the Peranakan Museum

Baba patois MR RANDALL EE JOINED THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN 2002. ONCE AN OFFICER WITH THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, RANDALL IS NOW CURATOR OF THE PERANAKAN MUSEUM. Family upbringing The way I was brought up makes me a Peranakan. I lived with my extended family (all Peranakans) till my early teens, so I was immersed in everything Peranakan, from the food we ate to the Baba patois we spoke at home. Celebrating with food Celebrating special occasions with good food is important to my family. Everyone has a view of where to get good Peranakan food in Singapore. It’s also very common to hear Peranakans remarking that only their own family’s “homecooked” Peranakan food tastes best.

Conversing in Baba Malay My mother used to remind me not to speak Baba Malay when I was in school because people wouldn’t understand me. Then, I had to make a conscious effort not to speak Baba Malay outside of my home. Now, because of the interest in Peranakan culture, I get people asking me to teach them the Baba patois! An object that best symbolises my Peranakan culture is… My family’s rice measure and bamboo tray. This is used in the traditional “Chiu Thau” ritual that is part of the traditional wedding ceremony. The “Chiu Thau” ceremony is a rite of passage for the soonto-be wedded couple as it represents the couple’s entry into adulthood. The rice measure and bamboo tray are signiﬁcant to me as a Peranakan as I feel they represent our identity. These are humble kitchen tools and yet they play important roles in a ceremony that most Peranakans would have to go through in their lifetime.

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The Peranakan Museum is the first in the world to explore Peranakan cultures in the former Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang and their links with other Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia. The Museum is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of Peranakan artefacts such as jewellery, gold, textiles, ceramics and furniture. The Museum’s 10 galleries explore the main themes of Peranakan life including elaborate rituals in the 12-day Peranakan wedding, the role of the Nonyas and her traditional dressing, Peranakan cuisine and dining customs, and the role of prominent Peranakans in Singapore’s history. DID YOU KNOW… 1. The early Peranakans believed there were only two birthdays worth celebrating in one’s lifetime: A child’s first month and one’s 61st birthday. 2. The Peranakan Museum was once home to the Tao Nan School. Designed in the “Eclectic Classical” style, the building was completed in 1912 and is now a gazetted National Monument. 3. Prominent Peranakans in Singapore’s history include philanthropist Tan Tock Seng, Dr Lim Boon Keng (doctor and cofounder of Singapore Chinese Girls School), Sir Song Ong Siang (the first Singapore Chinese to be knighted) and our former President, Dr Wee Kim Wee.

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ShortTakes

1. This May 2009, we celebrate the _________ Public Service Week. a. First b. Second c. Third d. Tenth

Public ServiceWeek 2009Special

a. Integrity, Service and Excellence b. Innovation, Honesty and Safety c. Leadership, Ethics and Professionalism d. Resilience, Loyalty and Progress

3. Which of the following is NOT a key event of Public Service Week 2009: a. Istana Reception b. PS21 Star Service Awards c. Public Service Cup Beach Soccer Tournament d. Learning Journeys for public ofﬁcers

Send in your answers today! Online: www.challenge.gov.sg E-mail: psd_challenge@psd.gov.sg Fax: 6333-4010 Post: PS21 Ofﬁce, The Treasury, 100 High Street, #02-03, Singapore 179434

4. The Public Service of Singapore comprises _______ ministries.

Include your name, e-mail, agency and telephone number. All winners will be informed via e-mail. Deadline for submission: June 17, 2009 COMPILED BY EDMUND SOO

2. One of the objectives of Public Service Week is to reafﬁrm the Public Service core values of ________________ .

a. 9 b. 15 c. 18 d. 60

5. Which of the following is the newest statutory board in Singapore?

ll the Get sawers d an ect an cortrand toie s ov ! winum hers vo c

a. Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC) b. TCM Practitioners Board (TCMPB) c. National Heritage Board (NHB) d. Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore (CRA)

In support of Public Service Week, Wild Rocket and Relish restaurants will offer public ofﬁcers 15% off their a la carte items, and Wild Oats bar will offer 15% off all drinks in May and June. Show your Public Service card (or equivalent agency pass) or a copy of this issue of Challenge to qualify. Bon appetit!

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PublicServicePledge_E.pdf

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Journeying Together Events PS21 Star Service Awards 6 May 2009, Wednesday Istana Reception 8 May 2009, Friday Agency-Based Observance Ceremonies 7/ 8 May 2009 Public Service Walk @ Southern Ridges 16 May 2009, Saturday 7.30am - 10.30am Learning Journeys 6 to 26 May 2009 Community Involvement Adopt a Charity & Blood Donation Exercises For more details and to sign up, please log on to publicserviceweek.gov.sg