The Singapore Public Service and National Development

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ideas and energy that lie beyond the public service. By tapping on the collective wisdom and creativity of individuals, NGOs and companies, we can better tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities in a more complex and volatile environment. 11. A good example is NParks’ Communities in Bloom social initiative that encourages communities to come together to beautify their surroundings. NParks provides advice and some basic gardening materials to help residents start their community gardens. Thereafter, the residents organise themselves to keep their gardens going, developing a community spirit that binds residents together. In taking on the role of facilitator and encouraging the public to work with each other, the public sector helps to build social capital and makes Singapore more socially resilient. Virtuous Cycles 12. When the UNDP commissioned Dr Saxena to write a book on Singapore’s Public Sector Governance in 2009, with the idea that it could yield insights of value to other public administrations around the world, we were honoured to be able to share the Singapore experience. Dr Saxena has done a good job highlighting the development and best practices of the Singapore Public Service and the insights that may be gleaned from our development experience. At the same time, this outside-in look at the Singapore public sector also provides us with some pointers on areas where we can do better. Like Singapore, every country has its own unique challenges and constraints, and we need to constantly review what good governance means, and to reflect on how the public sector can work more effectively to build a strong society and thriving economy. 13. I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who was involved in this project: the UNDP for its vision and guidance in seeing this work to fruition, Dr Saxena’s diligent research, as well as the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 4
Civil Service College, and numerous other government agencies for facilitating this work. 14. This book marks a new milestone in our on-going cooperation with the UNDP in promoting good governance across the globe. It is also a reflection of the strong ties between Singapore and the UNDP. I hope the book will provoke deep thought and discussion among the public policy community of thinkers and practitioners. I also hope that we can build on the partnership in this book into new areas of cooperation in public governance. To this end, I wish the book every success. 15. Thank you very much. 5
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Page 13 and 14: Mr. Peter Ong, Permanent Secretary,
Page 15 and 16: Singapore’s early leaders, led by
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The Singapore Public Service and National Development

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