[MinMin]

Civil service highlights values of leadership, responsibility

SINGAPORE: All new permanent secretaries in the Civil Service will now be appointed at a formal ceremony.

The Public Service Division said this is to highlight the values of leadership and responsibility among civil servants.

Ms Yeoh Chee Yan was sworn in as the Second Permanent Secretary for Education on Monday in the first appointment ceremony for permanent secretaries.

The 47—year—old is the fifth woman to join this rank.

She said: "I know that education is very close and near to the hearts of Singaporeans, and a very important part of the lives of our children. So I hope for my own son, as well as for all our children, a good quality education one that gives them a well—founded sense of confidence to face the future. I hope to do my best to work with my colleagues at MOE to contribute to this."

Besides the ceremony, the Civil Service has also launched the Public Service Week. This will be observed from 14 to 20 May and will be marked annually by observance ceremonies in Singapore and abroad.

Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also the Minister—in—Charge of Civil Service, said: "This is to give a sense of pride in the mission of the public service, to bring together all public servants so that they can identify with this mission of serving Singapore and Singaporeans.

"It’s also a way of showing the public the kind of good work that the public service does, and to recognise public service officers."

The annual event will see civil servants pledging their commitment to serve and it will include activities such as a sports carnival and a blood donation drive.

Link:- http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/2008033...8-231650b.html

[nutcase23]