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Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Keep citizens at the centre of public service, Chan Chun Sing tells civil servants
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing speaking to award recipients at the Public Service Festival 2025 and Public Sector Transformation Awards Ceremony at One Punggol on July 8. SINGAPORE – Double down on good work, innovate together with boldness and keep the focus on citizens. This is what public servants need to do for Singapore to stay ahead of the curve and meet future challenges, said Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing on July 8. Mr Chan, who is also Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, said Singapore can be proud of having done well by global standards, in areas such as quality of life and government services. But he cautioned against complacency, saying that other countries – including Singapore's neighbours – are making great strides. In some cases, they have overtaken Singapore, he noted. 'We must be keenly aware that with today's disruptive technologies, many countries that were previously deemed to be behind us can actually leapfrog what we have achieved over the many years,' said Mr Chan at the Public Sector Transformation awards ceremony held at One Punggol. 'For us, standing still is not an option,' he added. Mr Chan was speaking to close to 4,000 public officers – some 800 in person and another 3,000 online. A total of 140 awards were presented to agencies and public servants that did well in delivering services, innovating and developing themselves and their teams. In his 30-minute speech, the minister laid out three priorities for the public service. The first involves making it even easier for people to access government services. He gave the example of ServiceSG centres – including the one at One Punggol – where 600 services from more than 25 government agencies are under one roof. If a senior citizen visits a ServiceSG centre for help with housing, for instance, staff can also offer help for related needs such as healthcare subsidies and social support. This eliminates the need for multiple trips to different agencies. Mr Chan also cited the GoBusiness platform , where businesses can apply for around 200 licences issued by 26 agencies – or around half of such licences – as well as the Municipal Services Office that coordinates estate maintenance issues. But there is scope to go further – for example, allowing a business to apply for the other half of its licences on GoBusiness, he added. He called for a mindset shift, saying this is more important than 'just processes and procedures'. A second priority is for public servants to look beyond their respective agencies. 'We have to constantly look for new opportunities for us to work together to use the resources that we have to achieve the maximum good for our people and country,' Mr Chan said. In his speech, Mr Chan said these changes are necessary because of the challenges Singapore faces, including financial constraints and rising expectations from the public. Singapore's ageing population means healthcare spending will increase and 'tighten our fiscal space considerably,' he said, adding that climate change and the accompanying carbon budget is another constraint to be managed. 'Many of these constraints are interconnected, and therefore the solutions also need to be developed holistically and across different silos, achieving different trade offs across different domains,' he said. On rising public expectations, he said Singaporeans have got used to the convenience of service within a few clicks of the mouse. He said: 'This is what they have achieved in the commercial sector, and when Singaporeans transact with the Government and uses government services, they expect no less, if not better. And we will have to rise to the occasion.' He noted how Singaporeans also have expectations on how they can participate in the process and partner the Government in finding solutions, and welcomed this as an opportunity for the public service to tap on the capabilities of Singaporeans. 'That requires us to rethink and rework our processes so that we can embrace such contributions that are forthcoming by fellow Singaporeans,' he said. He called for a similar approach to businesses that are restructuring and reinventing operations and products in the face of major economic disruptions, and that have similarly high expectations of the Government. 'The tighter our resource constraints going forward, the more we need to think broader and integrate our work and our resource expenditure so that we can achieve bang for buck,' he said.
AsiaOne
08-07-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
'No room for complacency': Chan Chun Sing says Public Service must continue to innovate in face of rising expectations, Singapore News
Singapore's civil service must continue to innovate in the face of rising public expectations and global competition, said Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing on Tuesday (July 8). Giving a speech at the opening of the Public Service Festival in One Punggol, Chan, who is also Minister for Defence, said that the Public Service as contributed much to Singapore's survival and success over the past 60 years — citing National Service and the Central Provident Fund as "key examples of our pioneering spirit". He added that while Singapore is also ranked highly in many global indices comparing quality of life and government services, other countries are catching up or have "overtaken us in certain areas". Chan gave an example of how Estonia has become the first county fully digitise its government services, and China is serving over a billion citizens with artificial intelligence-powered services. "These are all calls to action for us to continue to hone what we have done well, to keep improving so that we stay ahead of the curve… to attract those investments that will create good jobs and pay good wages for our people," he added. "My greatest concern is that we become complacent. Success must not become the albatross for our future." Chan said that among his prioritises, the Public Service must continue to innovate with citizens at the centre of "what we do". "Nobody enjoys going to the doctor and having to be asked the same question over and over again. Everyone expects them to tell the doctor once and the record will be there to be shared across different agencies," he said. "And that is the same standards we expect across all agencies." Chan said that there has been progress in the government agencies coordinating their services together to deliver a more "seamless and integrated experience" for the public. This includes ServiceSG centres which provide Singaporeans with access to services from across 25 different government agencies — from resetting Singpass accounts to filing taxes and passport renewals. Another way for the different government agencies coming together to maximise resources, according to Chan, is through building integrated lifestyle and community hubs like One Punggol and Our Tampines Hub. "We have swimming pools, a library and a ServiceSG centre here," he said. "It's a bit like a Swiss Army Knife. Chan said that such projects was not easy at first as it requires the different agencies to "synchronise their requirements and make compromises". "But imagine if we have done it differently, where each agency continues to only do things for themselves. First, it will have cost us much more. Second, it would have required much more land," he added. "But most importantly, our service delivery will be fragmented, and what the public can see and enjoy will also be fragmented." A total of 140 awards were presented at Tuesday's event to public agencies and officers for their initiatives and innovations. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) was awarded the Transformative Agency of the Year Award for implementing passport-less clearance at Singapore's air and sea checkpoints, as well as through the QR code system at the land checkpoints in Woodlands and Tuas. ICA said that its New Clearance Concept allows the authority to upskill the job roles of over 3,000 frontline officers, adding that it enables them to take on higher-value roles to better safeguard the borders. "ICA is honoured to receive the Transformative Agency of the Year Award, which recognises our efforts in transforming checkpoint operations and affirms our commitment to delivering a more seamless, efficient, and secure immigration clearance experience under the NCC," said Senior Assistant Commissioner Kelly Lim, director at ICA's Operations Division. "ICA will continue to refine and enhance our checkpoint operations to deliver a world class travel experience for travellers and keep Singapore's border secured." As for Carolina Lee from the People's Association (PA), serving the community meant more than wining the Exemplary Service Excellence award. The 59-year-old first joined PA in 1992 as a childcare teacher and is currently manning the counters at Toa Payoh East Community Club to help residents who need help. It was where she met Mr Lim, an elderly blind wheelchair user who first sought help with his CDC vouchers. She later volunteered after her working hours to take him to a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic days before Chinese New Year this year, and coordinated with a social worker to ensure that his meals are delivered uninterrupted during the holidays. "I feel really good. Helping someone is very contagious. Not only to the residents, but also our colleagues," said Lee. chingshijie@
Independent Singapore
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Better support system needed for Serangoon seniors for accessing public services, says WP MP Kenneth Tiong
SINGAPORE: Newly minted Member of Parliament (MP) from the Workers' Party (WP), Kenneth Tiong (Aljunied Group Representation Constituency [GRC]), shone a light on the difficulties some seniors in Serangoon, the ward he represents, have with the digital delivery of public services, and added that a better support system is needed for them. In a Facebook post on Monday (Jun 16), Mr Tiong wrote that he had been at Serangoon North last weekend for food distribution and a walk around the area's coffee shops. He shared that some of the feedback he had heard from the people he talked to involved the frustrations of the older residents of Serangoon when it comes to dealing with digital services. 'A lot of our elderly residents are not tech-savvy, and they do not perceive Singapore's Digital-First delivery of public services as an ally in helping them navigate these services. ServiceSG is intended to be a key part of this, streamlining access to digital government functions,' he wrote. See also People still applying to join PSP despite Covid-19 outbreak Mr Tiong outlined the problems a senior resident might face, giving the example of a resident who, having found been unfamiliar with a specific digital platform, would be redirected to a ServiceSG centre for assistance with government digital services. 'This redirection immediately poses a significant hurdle,' he wrote, adding that there are no ServiceSG centres in Serangoon. The nearest one is at One Punggol, which could take around 45 minutes to get to. This would be a substantial effort on the part of the senior, particularly for those who are older, who have mobility issues, or who need to take a leave from work to do so. He also wrote that in February, when his fellow WP MP at Aljunied, Gerald Giam, asked for a ServiceSG Centre in Parliament, Minister Chan Chun Sing said, 'There is no plan in the short term to start a ServiceSG Centre in Serangoon town.' If and when the senior does take the trip to a ServiceSG centre, they may discover that the specific function they need, such as a certain application from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, may not be handled by ServiceSG. 'This critical information is often only revealed after they have expended time and effort to travel to the centre,' he noted, adding, 'This frustrating scenario is exacerbated by the absence of readily available phone numbers for ServiceSG. Residents cannot easily call beforehand to confirm if their specific enquiry can be addressed, or what documents to bring, leading to potentially wasted trips.' In cases when services do fall under the purview of ServiceSG, according to some residents, they were told, 'We cannot help you, please go to the agency.' 'This chain of experiences—from initial redirection, to a lengthy journey (especially for Serangoon residents), to discovering service gaps only upon arrival, compounded by a lack of pre-emptive phone support and sometimes unhelpful encounters—needs improvement to be the supportive, ally-like system we aspire to have,' he added. /TISG Read also: One to watch: WP's Kenneth Tiong may take Leon Perera's place at Aljunied
CNA
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
NDP 2025 ticket applications to open on May 28
SINGAPORE: People who want to attend this year's National Day Parade (NDP) or either of the two preview shows at the Padang can apply for tickets when applications open at noon on Wednesday (May 28). Singapore citizens and permanent residents can apply for two, four or six tickets for the parade on Aug 9, which marks Singapore's 60th birthday. The preview shows are on Jul 26 and Aug 2. Tickets are not allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, and an electronic balloting system will determine successful applicants, the NDP 2025 executive committee said on Monday. Each applicant will be entitled to one ballot chance, and each ticket admits one spectator only. All children, including infants carried in arms, must hold a valid ticket for admission to the show. Ticket applications will open until noon on Jun 9. HOW TO APPLY? To apply for tickets, head to the NDP website or scan a QR code to access the application form. Applicants would then need to log in with their Singpass account, where key personal information such as their name, NRIC and contact number will be filled in automatically. If applying on behalf of someone, the Singpass user would need to fill in that person's particulars. Those without Singpass accounts are advised to register for one, seek help from a family member or someone they trust, or visit ServiceSG Centres for assistance to set up an account. 'This will be the only modality and form of NDP 2025 ticket application. Do not fill out any forms from unverified links and sources to prevent fraudulent attempts to obtain personal information,' organisers said. Successful applicants will be notified via SMS and email from Jun 20 to 25 via the mobile number and email address provided during the application. SMS and email notifications will only be sent by or info [at] Any SMS and emails from other sources should be treated as potential scams or phishing attempts. All types of tickets are strictly not for sale, and action will be taken against personnel who partake in ticket scalping and fraudulent activities. In celebration of Singapore's 60th year of independence, the National Day Parade will include an aerial tribute by the Republic of Singapore Air Force, as well as an inaugural Jump of Unity featuring parachutists from the Red Lions and the Republic of Singapore Navy's naval divers. The Mobile Column will make a return to the Padang for the first time since 2019, showcasing air, land and maritime assets from the Singapore Armed Forces, Home Team and Maritime Port Authority of Singapore. For the first time, an aerial flypast over the Padang and a maritime display at the bay will be integrated. The theme for this year's celebration, 'Majulah Singapura', calls on Singaporeans to reflect on their collective achievements while inspiring them to face future challenges and uncertainties with optimism and resilience.
Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
DPM Gan, three coordinating ministers to form core of PM Wong's Cabinet
PM Lawrence Wong (centre) and (from left) Mr Chan Chun Sing, DPM Gan Kim Yong, Mr K. Shanmugam and Mr Ong Ye Kung during a press conference on May 21. PHOTOS: LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and the three new coordinating ministers in his Cabinet will form the core team to assist and advise him, as well as provide guidance and mentorship to younger ministers. The three ministers who will be promoted to the coordinating minister positions are Mr K. Shanmugam who will be Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Chan Chun Sing who will be Coordinating Minister for Public Services, and Mr Ong Ye Kung who will be Coordinating Minister for Social Policies. DPM Gan will be Acting Prime Minister in PM Wong's absence. In the event that neither are around, one of the three coordinating ministers will be appointed, said PM Wong on May 21 at a press conference to announce his new Cabinet line-up. There have typically been two deputy prime ministers in the Cabinet. Asked why he did not appoint one of the fourth-generation leaders as a DPM, PM Wong said having these four senior leaders in his team is 'a good arrangement for now'. 'They are key ministers who will help me, assist me in the work, and they will also advise, guide the younger ministers,' he added. 'Along the way there may be changes, but as we start this new term, I am happy with this configuration.' Mr Chan will be appointed Defence Minister and relinquish his role as Education Minister, besides taking on his coordinating minister role. Mr Shanmugam will remain Minister for Home Affairs, and relinquish his Law Ministry portfolio to Mr E dwin Tong. Mr Ong will stay on as Health Minister. Bringing together different government services Of the three coordinating minister roles, Mr Chan's public services portfolio is new. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was Coordinating Minister for Social Policies between 2015 and 2023, while Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is retiring after 33 years in politics, has been Coordinating Minister for National Security since 2015. Asked what Mr Chan's new role entails, PM Wong said the role is renamed from the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure role previously helmed by former Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan, to give it a 'new focus and priority'. That role entailed strengthening internal coordination within the Government for urban planning and major infrastructure projects, such as housing and rail lines. PM Wong said he decided on the new role as he saw two areas for improvement that are 'more about public services than large-scale infrastructure planning'. The first pertains to last-mile public services, or 'how we bring together a whole range of different government services in order to better service residents and Singaporeans'. PM Wong said the introduction of the ServiceSG one-stop platform for citizens to access Singapore government services is one improvement made under this scope, but more can be done. The second area is in coordinating and implementing amenities, facilities and services for newer residential estates. 'It's not easy, because you get the buildings and the housing delivered already, but sometimes the bus services are not there, the amenities are not all ready, so how can we put all of that and roll them out in a more coordinated and timely fashion?' he said. Mr Chan said the new focus under his role also encompasses the execution and planning of digital services beyond physical ones. This entails putting together new processes to transform the way public service can be delivered, he noted. There is also a forward planning element to plan upfront the way the Government builds its digital services infrastructure to 'minimise the downstream remediation that we may need to do', he said. 'The better we do with upfront planning, the less we need to do downstream,' Mr Chan added. Another newly-created role in this round of Cabinet changes is Minister-in-Charge of Energy and Science and Technology under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Dr Tan See Leng, who will continue as Manpower Minister, will take on this role. He is currently also Second Minister for Trade and Industry. PM Wong said the new role covers key areas for Singapore's economy. Science and technology is a key driver of growth, while energy - especially clean energy - will be an important part of his Government's agenda, he added. With the new role, the Government will consider how it can better organise itself to accelerate its transition to clean energy, he added. Mr Ong also set out his priorities for his coordinating minister role at the press conference. They include carrying on the work of Forward Singapore, a nationwide engagement exercise headed by PM Wong that involved more than 200,000 Singaporeans since it kicked off in June 2022. He will constantly review Singapore's policies amid the changing economic environment to ensure that the needs of the population are met. 'As the PM said, at every stage of life, and every age, there should be a social safety net to guide us through life. We need to constantly review our policies, to refresh, update those policies, and strengthen our social compact,' he said. Another priority is to ensure that Singaporeans from 'very vulnerable backgrounds' also get a chance to excel. Mr Ong said Singapore's inclusive economic model and system of meritocracy cannot be taken for granted and have to 'constantly evolve'. 'So long as someone is prepared to work hard, prepared to seize opportunities, we must continue that spirit of social mobility. No matter how hard your background is in Singapore, you must be able to succeed,' he said. Tackling an ageing population is another priority, with it being 'the single largest social development (Singapore) will see in the next decade', Mr Ong added. This was why he requested to continue as Health Minister, he said. 'We need to adapt to it in the way we learn, we work, we play or live through our silver years. So I think that still requires a lot of work.' Wong Pei Ting is a correspondent at The Straits Times. She covers politics and social affairs. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
