Singapore Civil Service Sees Key Permanent Secretary Reshuffle
Senior Appointments Signal Strategic Shifts in Manpower, Finance, and Smart Nation Initiatives
Singapore’s Public Service Division (PSD) has announced a series of significant permanent secretary appointments and re-designations set to take effect over the next two months, signaling strategic shifts in critical government portfolios.
New Leadership in Key Ministries
Starting September 1, Mr Kenneth Er Boon Hwee, 53, will assume the dual role of Second Permanent Secretary for Manpower and concurrently for Education. Mr Er brings a wealth of experience, having served as Deputy Secretary (Planning) at the Ministry of National Development (MND) since 2023 and previously as CEO of the National Parks Board (NParks) from 2014 to 2013.
In a move underscoring the nation’s focus on digital transformation, Ms Ngiam Siew Ying, 49, is appointed Second Permanent Secretary for Finance from September 1. Prior to this, Ms Ngiam led Synapxe, the national health tech agency, since 2022. Her career also includes significant tenures across various agencies like the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Ministry of Transport (MOT), and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Trade, Smart Nation Portfolios Under New Guidance
Mr Augustin Lee, 54, will transition to Permanent Secretary (Energy and Trade) at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) effective September 1. This appointment sees him relinquish his current roles as Second Permanent Secretary (Education) and Second Permanent Secretary (Smart Nation) at the PMO, effective September 1 and October 1, respectively. Mr Lee’s background includes leadership at the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board and service as Principal Private Secretary to former Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
Taking the helm of the Smart Nation portfolio, Mr Chng Kai Fong, 46, will also be concurrently appointed Permanent Secretary (Development) (Smart Nation) (Cybersecurity) at the PMO from October 1. Mr Chng’s previous roles include Principal Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Managing Director of the Economic Development Board (EDB). His experience spans across multiple ministries and the PMO’s communications group.
These appointments come as Singapore continues to drive its Smart Nation vision, aiming to leverage technology to improve the lives of citizens. For instance, the successful integration of AI in healthcare is projected to boost productivity by 15% in the sector by 2030, according to a recent report by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA Digital Economy Report 2023).
