Public service agencies to adopt ‘whole-of-nation’ effort
Public Service Division to use whole-of-nation approach to devise better policies
Singapore's public service agencies will go beyond a "whole-of-government" approach to a "whole-of-nation" effort by partnering businesses, citizens and other stakeholders to develop better solutions for all.
Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing said this in the Public Service Division's (PSD) addendum to the President's Address released yesterday.
He said the PSD, a unit of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), will continue to reach out to others, whether overseas or in the private sector, to hear their views, learn from their successes and failures, and improve itself.
Mr Chan, who is also the Trade and Industry Minister, said the PSD will continue to invest in and train engineers to develop Singapore's city infrastructure. It will also boost its expertise in infocomm technology to build a Smart Nation and digital government.
"We are training public officers in data analytics and digital literacy so as to better understand citizens' needs and improve public services," he said.
Four other ministries and agencies released their addenda yesterday - the Finance and Law ministries, as well as the Strategy Group and Smart Nation and Digital Government Group within PMO. The theme for their addenda was "A Government that Works with Our People to Create a Better Future".
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean oversees the Strategy Group, which coordinates and organises the public service to implement the Government's strategic projects.
Mr Teo said the group will focus on three broad strategies to maintain a population profile that improves the lives of each generation.
First, it will implement policies to enable all Singaporeans to age with purpose and dignity.
Second, it will make Singapore a great place for families, where marriage and parenthood are achievable, enjoyable and celebrated.
Third, it will maintain a careful balance in the foreign worker and immigrant flows.
In his ministry's addendum, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat outlined the Government's plans to maintain a sound and sustainable fiscal system and a balanced Budget over the medium term.
He also said the Government will manage its expenditure growth carefully, explore new funding approaches for large-scale infrastructure investments and be good stewards of the reserves.
Law Minister K. Shanmugam said the Law Ministry (MinLaw) will review Singapore's laws to ensure that they remain progressive, modern and relevant to society's evolving needs.
It is also reviewing the legal cost framework, enhancing judicial control in civil proceedings and studying measures to make it easier and more effective for plaintiffs to enforce judgments given in their favour.
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