SINGAPORE – Singapore’s top civil servants must have fresh thinking, innovative strategies and new capabilities, said Mr Chan Heng Kee, head of the civil service, on April 21.
In his first public speech since taking on the role on April 1, Mr Chan said the playbook that served Singapore well in the past may prove inadequate for tomorrow’s realities.
“This calls for us to continuously look ahead, work across boundaries, and drive transformation within our own organisations,” he said at the annual Administrative Service dinner held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
In doing so, administrative officers in Singapore must watch and decode seismic global shifts, and translate their understanding into policies that work and actions that matter, he said to an audience of about 300 people.
The changes include the crumbling international order, polarising forces seen in other societies that have eroded trust in government, and technological advances like artificial intelligence.
Mr Chan said the speed of change leaves no room for reactive governance and that Singapore cannot afford to wait for events or crises to force its hand.
“Rather, we need to actively question assumptions, challenge established thinking, and evolve our methods proactively.
“Wherever we work and whatever our role, this means adopting a long-term orientation that prepares for future challenges, even whilst we address today’s urgent demands,” said Mr Chan, who was Permanent Secretary for Defence before he succeeded Mr Leo Yip as civil service chief.
To prepare for the challenges ahead, Mr Chan said the civil service is broadening exposure for administrative officers.
“Understanding policy alone is no longer sufficient; we must have a better grasp of how businesses are run, how communities function, and how global dynamics affect us,” he said.
Currently, one in five administrative officers serves outside ministries, while two-thirds of senior leaders have gained operational experience in statutory boards, he added.
