Month-long event to recognise work of public servants

Some 141,000 public officers will be renewing their commitment this month to serve the country during the Public Service Month.

The annual event started in 2008 as a week-long celebration to recognise the work done by government officers. This is the first time it has been extended to a month.

The officers will recite the Public Service pledge at observance ceremonies across ministries and statutory boards, and take part in a series of activities.

These include a Public Service Festival, from Oct 15 to 17, which will feature an exhibition and workshops tracing Singapore's public service in the last 50 years and looking to its future.

The festival, which is free, will be held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre Hall 403.

A two-volume book set about the public service and its key milestones will also be launched at the festival.

In a statement released by the Public Service Division yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said that 2015 has been an eventful year for the country.

"Our public officers have worked hard, often behind the scenes, including during the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the 28th South-east Asian Games and the SG50 celebrations.

"I want to thank all our officers for their hard work and dedication to ensure that the events took place smoothly and safely for everyone," said Mr Teo, who is also Minister in charge of the Civil Service.

This month, some public officers will also be rewarded for their work with the annual Excellence in Public Service awards and PS21 Excellence through Continuous Enterprise and Learning Awards .

There will also be learning journeys for public officers on how various government agencies function.

Head of Civil Service Peter Ong said yesterday in the statement: "Our people are at the heart of the Public Service.

"Many serve with passion and dedication, and are exemplary in the way they do their work and conduct themselves.

"A career in the public service is a calling. And as we look forward to the future, let us continue to uphold the ethos of serving Singapore and Singaporeans to the best of our abilities."

ateng@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Oct 1, 2015.
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