Dr Andrew Chew, Chairman of the Public Service Commission

Members of the PSC

Parents, Teachers, Scholars

Ladies and Gentlemen

1          I am very happy to join you today for the PSC Scholarships Award Ceremony. 73 of you are here to receive one of our country’s most prestigious scholarship awards. You have done well to have come this far and should be proud of your achievements. I offer my congratulations to you, your families, your teachers and schools for their part in helping you accomplish this.

2          In accepting this scholarship, you have joined an august institution – the Singapore Public Service. The Singapore Public Service has been consistently rated over the years as amongst the best in the world. This is, in part, because we have consciously and conscientiously inducted the most able young Singaporeans from each cohort into the Service. We expect our Public Service scholars to rise to the highest positions in the Public Service and carry on this tradition.

Fundamentals do not change

3          However, ability as measured by academic achievements alone would fall short of what is needed to ensure Singapore’s continued success and development. The Public Service also requires capable young people who are committed to serve Singapore, possess a keen desire to improve the lives of their fellow Singaporeans, and above all, demonstrate the virtue of integrity. Meritocracy, commitment and integrity – these strong pillars of our public institutions have earned us the trust of our people as well as an international reputation for the Public Service.

4          The fundamentals that have underpinned Singapore’s success will remain as cornerstones of the Public Service, even in this age of rapid change and globalisation.

Why choose the PSC scholarship?

5          Globalisation has opened up many new opportunities for talented and well-educated young people. For many of you, your road to the Istana today is pleasantly filled with many choices, unlike in the 70s when I applied for and was awarded an SAF scholarship by the PSC. Bright young people like yourselves now have many opportunities. The global competition for talent sometimes means that scholarships are chasing applicants and hence, a potential loss of talent for Singapore.

6          Our top students are sought after by Ivy League universities which offer generous tuition grants, financial aid, and even bond-free scholarships. Some have, in addition to these routes, their parents’ scholarships. Apart from this, the Singapore education system has prepared our young very well for the academic rigour of top universities anywhere in the world. As such, many Singapore students who have gone overseas have excelled academically and many are courted with attractive job offers even before they graduate.

7          Yet in Singapore, we have been fortunate. Over the years, a good number have chosen to take up the PSC Scholarship. Why has this been so? Perhaps this is better answered by you, our young scholars. But I would hazard a guess that your answer is not very different from mine and the many PSC scholars who have come before you.

Opportunity to make a HUGE difference

8          There is something in public service that is larger than life. It attracts those who have a strong sense of service and a deep conviction to want to make a difference.

9         It is not only in Singapore that there is a resurgence of interest in the Public Service and an appreciation of its importance.

10         In the United States, graduates from the Ivy League and other top universities had become used to making a bee-line for high octane finance and consultancy jobs in the top Wall Street firms. This was the standard and well-worn path, given the enticement of astronomical salaries and a sophisticated lifestyle to match. But there is now an increasing realisation that there is more to life.

11         The call for top students to consider a career in the public service is now resounding across many top US universities. A recent New York Times article reported that a number of universities have expanded their public service fellowships and internships. Three universities, Harvard, Amherst and Colby, have asked prominent professor of education, Howard Gardner, to lead “reflection” seminars to challenge their undergraduates to think more deeply about the connection between their education and aspirations. The hope is that these seminars will encourage more students to consider public service and other careers beyond consulting and finance. In her address at Commencement Week last month, President of Harvard University, Drew Faust, reinforced this message and urged graduating students to search for measures of personal success beyond financial security. The same New York Times article also quoted a new Harvard graduate as saying: “A lot of students have been asking the question: we came to Harvard as freshmen to change the world and we’re leaving to become investment bankers – why is this?”

12         We are fortunate that in Singapore we have young people prepared to take on the challenge of public service – to seek satisfaction from enriching the lives of Singaporeans who are the ultimate shareholders of Singapore Inc.

13         Our Public Service scholars touch the lives of ordinary Singaporeans. Some teach our children and are principals of our schools and junior colleges; or work in our community development councils strengthening community bonds and helping the needy. Others work to bring investments and jobs to Singapore; or further our interests in the international arena. Yet others serve quietly in our intelligence services safeguarding us from unseen threats. Public Service scholars in the Police help to keep us safe in challenging times; and Singapore Armed Forces scholars make sure that Singapore remains sovereign and secure and we can live our lives peacefully and independently. They, and others they serve with in the Singapore Public Service, provide the public goods that affect all our lives which no private company can provide.

14         As Public Service scholars, you can shape and change the landscape of Singapore. The brush will be in your hands to paint the future of Singapore and Singaporeans. This work is very rewarding and fulfilling as you will get the opportunity to make a huge difference to the lives of our fellow citizens.

PSC JC Internship Programme

15         The scholarship system has worked well over the years to attract good people into the Service. PSC Scholarships still command a premium in the eyes of many. But we recognise that there is a need to always look at new ways of bringing talent into the system – informing them of the challenges and rewards of public service.

16         We continue to reach out to JC students and undergraduates through various initiatives and programmes such as internships in the Civil Service. Following the success of the Civil Service Internship Programme for undergraduates, PSC will be launching an Internship Programme for top Junior College (JC) students at the end of this year. The students can take up the internship at the end of JC1, or immediately after their A levels. Students will be attached to Ministries for a few weeks to catch a glimpse of what work in the Civil Service is like.

17        We hope that with this exposure, JC students will be able to make more informed choices when applying for scholarships. Undergraduates who have been through such Ministry attachments have told us that they enjoyed the stint and it opened their eyes to the real world of government. Some have joined the Service as a result. This is a good development.

Public Policy Challenge

18         In another effort to attract young people into the Public Sector, the Public Service Division will be organising the first Public Policy Challenge for undergraduates from our three local universities. The Challenge will raise awareness of policy development and implementation in the Public Service. Modelled after business case competitions, participants will discuss policy issues, and identify implementation challenges.

19         In short, they will get a chance to see that in making public policy, tradeoffs are inevitable and difficult decisions often have to be made. And how a policy is communicated can sometimes be as important as the policy itself.

20         Winners of the Challenge will have the opportunity to engage public sector leaders in a dialogue session. Outstanding participants in the Challenge will also be invited to apply for the Management Associates Programme, and the PSC Mid-Term or Masters Scholarships.

Continuing Development

21         In addition to looking at more ways to attract talented young people into the Service, the PSC is also looking at better ways of grooming our returned scholars.

22         PSC scholars already attend a number of development programmes during their university vacations. These include forums, community involvement programmes and overseas exchange programmes. All scholars also attend a week-long development seminar and a six-week Ministry attachment during their summer break in the second year.

23         Exposure and training opportunities continue for our scholars when they return from their studies and start work. We will place them in challenging assignments and cross-agency projects to provide them with the platform to explore the diversity of work within government and to stretch their potential. We will also continue to hone their conceptual and analytical abilities through policy forums, seminars, and milestone programmes.

24         Some of our PSC scholars will be more suited for service in particular ministries or services. A good number will be appointed Management Associates or MAs when they return. As MAs, they will be rotated to serve in two ministries over three to four years before being considered for appointment to the Administrative Service where they can be deployed to any Ministry.

25         To help MAs better appreciate the demands and expectations of the job, a new training module will be added to their development journey. This one and a half day session will be held while MAs are still fresh on the job. Through a series of intensive simulation exercises and one-on-one feedback on how each of them has performed, the MAs will become more aware of their strengths and weaknesses. This self-discovery and selfawareness early in their careers will help MAs prepare themselves for the rigours of leadership positions.

Conclusion

26         Today begins your exciting journey on this road to serving our country. As you proceed for your university education, whether in Singapore or abroad, I encourage you to do more than study. Take time to get to know students from other countries and make new friends. Continue to take part in community projects and help the needy. There is a lot of learning and sharing beyond the lecture halls and classrooms.

27         Most of this year’s PSC scholars will be going to UK and US universities. I am, however, very happy to see that two scholars will be proceeding to China, and one to Japan. I would like to see more of our scholars venture beyond the comfort zone and spend time in dynamic emerging countries like China.

28         I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Andrew Chew, Chairman of the Public Service Commission. The Prime Minister’s Office has announced that Dr Chew will be retiring at the end of this month. Dr Chew has made tremendous contributions as Chairman for the past 10 years, building up a strong talent pipeline for the public sector. He has ensured that we continue to have capable people to lead the civil service. Thank you, Dr Chew.

29         Mr Eddie Teo, currently Deputy Chairman, will take over as Chairman, PSC with effect from 1 August.

30         In conclusion, I would like to urge our 73 new scholars to be good ambassadors of Singapore and the Singapore Civil Service. Act with integrity in everything you do. Be excellent not just in your studies, but also in your development as a person. Be proud of being Singaporean, but remain humble when dealing with others. And when you return to serve, give of your best to help make Singapore an even better home for us all.

Thank you.