Singapore civil service

The Singapore civil service is the set of civil servants working for the government of Singapore. Many of its principles were inherited from the administrative system left by the British civil service, as Singapore was once a British colony.

Thomas Friedman of the New York Times considers the Singapore civil service to be one of the most efficient and uncorrupt bureaucracies in the world, with a high standard of discipline and accountability.^[1] Some consider it a key contributor to the success of Singapore since independence.

Not all employees of the state and public institutions or corporations are civil servants. Usage of the term is usually reserved for employees working in government ministries and related departments. Those employed in statutory boards are known as "public servants".

Head of the civil service

The highest ranking civil servant is the head of the civil service. The position holder is accountable for ensuring that the civil service is equipped with the skills and capability to meet the everyday challenges it faces and that civil servants work in a fair and decent environment. The current head of civil service is Peter Ong Boon Kwee.

Civil service values

The core values of the civil service are integrity, service, and excellence.

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