Building a future-ready Public Service

FY2024 PMO COS — “BUILDING A FUTURE-READY PUBLIC SERVICE” BY MELVIN YONG (RADIN MAS SMC) ON 29 FEB 2024

1. Mr Chairman, we are currently operating in an increasingly hostile global environment. One that is marked by fear, uncertainty, and doubt. For Singapore to successfully navigate ourselves through these uncertain waters, we must ensure that our Public Service officers have broad perspectives, so that they are equipped to take on the challenges of the future.

2. I would like to ask how does the public sector intend to prepare its officers to expand their perspectives beyond the Public Service? How many Public Service officers have been seconded out of the public sector annually over the past 5 years? Does PSD plan to allow more officers to go on such secondments?

3. Beyond secondments to private sector and civil society, we should also groom officers to better appreciate international viewpoints and equip them with the ability to negotiate globally. Does PSD offer structured programmes for public sector officers to take on attachments at international and regional organisations?

4. I hope that the PSD will provide officers with a structured framework for rotation outside of the Public Service. This will allow future Public Service leaders to better understand the private sector, social sector, and the international domain, and factor these perspectives when conceptualising and implementing policies.