PMO: Civil service job forms follow fair employment guidelines

As a commitment towards fair employment practices, the Civil Service uses a common job application form which excludes fields such as date of birth, gender, marital status, race and religion ("No need to seek so much personal info" by Mr Yiu Wing; last Thursday).

The form asks for information relating to citizenship and permanent residency as that can be a consideration in some sensitive positions such as those dealing with issues of national security.

Likewise, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore uses the same form, and requests certain personal information for administrative purposes from candidates only after they are shortlisted for an interview or selected for appointment.

This practice is in line with the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (Tafep) guidelines to promote fair and non-discriminatory employment practices.

Tan Hoe Soon

Director, Career Development and Management

Public Service Division, Prime Minister's Office

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