25 September 2023

SINGAPORE: Future PS ‘must be multi-talented’

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SINGAPORE

The Minister in charge of Singapore’s Public Service says future leaders will need more than just policy-making skills.

Chan Chun Sing told Parliament that when the Public Service selected future leadership teams, it would “increasingly look for a combination of operations, communications, mobilisation and international exposure”.

“We need a Public Service leadership team that has different talents and is able to surface different perspectives. A more diverse Public Service is a more resilient Public Service for the uncertainties ahead,” Mr Chan (pictured) said.

“Educational qualifications will remain a valid proxy of certain skills and capabilities, and the Public Service Division will not disregard this. However, it will also look out for other skills, competencies and traits when recruiting.”

He said beyond intellect, the Public Service needed officers who had initiative and creative ideas, and who had strong inter-personal skills and worked well with others.

Mr Chan said efforts were being made to help public officers approach their work with new mindsets and give them new skills so they could serve citizens better.

“One aspect is for public officers to think differently. They must be able to see beyond the current task they are doing and work with their colleagues in other Ministries or Agencies to serve citizens better,” he said.

“The Public Service Division (PSD) will expand the system of job postings to apply to a wider group of officers, so they will gain wider perspectives and grow a stronger instinct to work across Agencies and with the private and people sectors.”

He foreshadowed a new initiative, called Public Service Cares, that would encourage all officers to volunteer and serve the community.

“This will help them learn how to better communicate with citizens, and develop a culture to walk and know the ground needs better,” Mr Chan said.

Singapore, 2 March, 2019

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