AT THE OPENING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD'S INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING RECENTLY, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence and Minister in charge of the Civil Service, spoke about World•Singapore as Singapore's new growth strategy and an organising idea for the Civil Service.

In his speech, Mr Teo noted that World•Singapore represented a far deeper idea than a strategy focused only on economic growth. "Many aspects - such as fostering emotional attachment and making Singapore a great place to work, live and play - go beyond economic development to also encompass social, community and human development," he said. "World•Singapore is therefore a larger framework that offers a compelling vision of hope, opportunity and a brighter future for Singapore."

He described World•Singapore as "the key organising idea that commits all ministries and statutory boards to work together in achieving this vision".

Cross-agency teams have been formed to develop and implement initiatives in support of World•Singapore. "Some of these initiatives have the potential to create sustained economic advantage for Singapore, said Mr Teo.

For example, in China, India, Vietnam and the Middle East, Singapore's public sector agencies are working with Singapore-based companies to develop industrial parks and housing estates; build and operate airports; build water treatment plants; advise governments on security and safety issues; and train civil servants and teachers. "This export of public sector capabilities can become a key growth area for Singapore, and Singapore-based companies will benefit from the government's forays abroad," he said. Other initiatives, such as the strategy to develop Singapore as a global schoolhouse and a healthcare hub, have also gathered momentum.

In the following pages, the Head of Civil Service Mr Peter Ho shares his thoughts on World•Singapore and its implications. We also put the spotlight on efforts to "Grow Singapore by growing ASEAN" - one of the action teams under World•Singapore.