Chan Chun Sing Urges Civil Servants to Prioritize Citizen-Centric Public Service

Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing spoke to award recipients at the Public Service Festival 2025 and Public Sector Transformation Awards Ceremony at One Punggol on July 8.

Mr. Chan emphasized the importance of doubling down on good work, innovating boldly, and keeping citizens at the center of public service to ensure Singapore stays ahead and meets future challenges. He acknowledged Singapore's achievements but warned against complacency, noting that other countries, including neighbors, are making significant progress and even overtaking in some areas.

He highlighted the need for continuous improvement, especially in the face of disruptive technologies that can quickly change the landscape. Mr. Chan outlined three key priorities for the public service: enhancing access to government services, fostering collaboration across agencies, and developing the careers of public servants.

He stressed the importance of making government services more accessible, citing examples like ServiceSG centers and the GoBusiness platform. Mr. Chan also emphasized the need for public servants to work together across agencies to maximize resources for the benefit of the people and the country.

Additionally, he announced the launch of the Career Fitness Movement to equip public servants with the necessary skills and mindsets for career development. The movement aims to create diverse leadership teams capable of tackling complex challenges and ensuring the public service remains dynamic and resilient.

Mr. Chan highlighted the interconnected challenges Singapore faces, such as financial constraints, rising public expectations, and the need to manage constraints like healthcare spending and climate change. He emphasized the importance of holistic solutions and adapting to meet the evolving needs of Singaporeans.

He called for a collaborative approach with businesses and citizens to navigate economic disruptions and resource constraints effectively. Mr. Chan emphasized the importance of integrating efforts and maximizing resources to achieve optimal outcomes.

According to the source: The Straits Times.