In a more volatile and contested environment today, countries like Singapore and Vietnam — that have benefited from an open and rules-based international order — will need to ensure the quality and capability of its Government, said Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing.
"Our view is that the quality and capability of Government will increasingly distinguish successful nations from the rest," said Chan in his opening remarks at the inaugural Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday (Aug 25).
The high-level strategic platform was formalised through an exchange of memorandum of understanding on cooperation during Vietnam President To Lam's state visit in May.
In an earlier news release on Aug 21, Singapore's Public Service Division (PSD) said the dialogue will allow political leaders and senior officials from Singapore and Vietnam to exchange views on issues such as governance, leadership development, and transformation of public services.
Government and people
Explaining why government capability and quality are key elements, Chan, who is also Singapore's Minister-in-charge of the Public Service and Minister for Defence, said strong institutions help countries anticipate change and adapt when external shocks occur.
"Policy consistency, regulatory effectiveness, and the quality of the Public Service matter for economic competitiveness.
"Businesses consider these factors when deciding where to invest and where to build for the long term," he added.
Governments also need the confidence and trust of their people, said Chan, noting that public trust, in turn, enables Governments to build consensus, mobilise society, and undertake difficult reforms — the benefits of which may only become apparent many years later.
Public sector leadership
Turning to leadership and sharing Singapore's approach, Chan said that the country believes that this must be anchored on the right values and a sense of stewardship.
This means identifying and developing leaders with integrity, judgement, and the instinct to consider the long-term interests of the country — when balancing the competing priorities between present needs and the interests of future generations.
But they must also remain grounded and closely connected to the people they serve, Chan emphasised.
He added that these can allow policymakers to understand how policies are experienced in practice and where aspirations are changing.
This, he said, build trust, which gives Governments the legitimacy and space to make difficult decisions and think beyond the immediate.
And while Singapore and Vietnam may have different personnel systems and national circumstances, Chan said there remains value in comparing how the two countries identify and develop leaders, and in officers participating in each other's leadership programme.
Harnessing technology
Leaders must also understand and harness the forces that shape economies and societies, Chan said, adding that understanding technology will be critical.
This does not need leaders to be technologists, but they will need sufficient technological understanding and judgement to recognise opportunities; understand the risks and trade-offs; ask the right questions; and, make informed decisions about how technology should be deployed, he added.
Governments also have several roles to play, Chan said.
This includes leading digital transformation, creating the conditions for innovation and growth, and building trust in the digital age.
They can also work together to create common approaches and greater interoperability — that will unlock the potential of artificial intelligence by facilitating cross-border data flows and integrating the digital economy.
Rounding up his opening remarks, Chan said: "Both our countries (Singapore and Vietnam) recognise that in an increasingly uncertain world, long-term success depends on regional stability and cooperation, capable governments, and good investments in innovation and technology."
[[nid:736931]]
editor@asiaone.com
