Uphold integrity & excellence, DPM Teo tells civil servants

Channel NewsAsia, 21 May 2012

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said greater citizen interest and engagement in how the government carries out its business should be welcomed, and public officers must adapt to a closer partnership with those they serve.

In his message to some 130,000 public officers to celebrate Public Service Week, Mr Teo, who is also Minister in charge of the Civil Service, urged public officers to continue to earn the trust of the public.

He said officers mark this year's Public Service Week in more challenging times.

Public spotlight has been cast on service lapses and on public officers who were convicted or are being investigated for alleged misconduct.

Mr Teo said public expectations are rising, and there is more scrutiny of the things done by public officers, how they do them and what they achieve.

A first-class public service, he said, is not just hard-working, efficient and effective, but is also humble and learns from its shortcomings and always seeks to improve.

Mr Teo called on public officers to uphold the public service values of integrity, service and excellence.

On integrity, he said public officers must perform their duties with the highest standards of honesty and impartiality, without fear or favour.

Service reminds public officers to work together with fellow citizens to deliver better services and greater value, in a partnership of mutual respect.

Excellence is the commitment to deliver greater value to Singapore and Singaporeans.

Mr Teo said maintaining a clean and competent public service that is true to its values is the key reason why Singapore's public officers can say with pride that it is one of the most trusted and respected public services in the world.

Started in 2008 as an annual event to build in public officers a sense of pride and belonging to the public service, Public Service Week reminds officers of the important role they play in nation building and the need to serve with dedication and commitment.

It is also a time to recognise the good work of public officers and agencies, as well as members of the public who have been helpful and made significant contributions as customers.

This year's celebration is themed "Serving the nation and proud of it".

There will be a series of activities for public officers, which include observance ceremonies, learning journeys, a tea reception at Istana and an awards ceremony.

Public officers' day out at Istana

The Straits Times, 22 May 2012

President Tony Tan Keng Yam joining (from left) career consultant Jesse Low, deputy director Foo Piao Zhou, manager Mariati Sammadin and senior manager Winnie Chia for a photo at the Istana Tea Reception yesterday. The event, which featured the President as guest of honour, was held as part of this year's Public Service Week. In a message to public officers, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is the minister in charge of the civil service, called on them to uphold the values of integrity, service and excellence.