Dear readers,

I hope this special edition of Challenge magazine will be a pleasant surprise to you. Indeed, this issue of Challenge is of special significance not just to us in PS21 Office, but also the entire Public Service. We have dedicated this issue to reminding all of us the core values of the Singapore Public Service:

Integrity, Service and Excellence.

These three core values are distilled from the Public Service Corporate Statement, and they define the identity of all public officers. These three values bind us as one Public Service, even though we might have different roles and responsibilities. Amidst the prevailing trend towards greater diversity and decentralisation, these three timeless values will serve as a compass to guide the attitude, behaviour and conduct of all public officers.

In this special issue, we celebrate and salute our public officers who have upheld and exemplified the three core values in the course of their professional duties, even when the going got tough.

They do their best to make a difference, day after day, year after year.

We want to share with you their stories of courage, tenacity and positive thinking.

We hope these stories will inspire you, and that you will, in the words of Head, Civil Service (see "A Line for You"), put these values into action and learn by doing.

It is heartening to know that we have also received many stories from public agencies on how other officers have similarly exemplified the three values. Please continue to send them in (via email to YEE_wei_zhen@psd.gov.sg) and we will continue to feature these everyday heroes in subsequent issues of Challenge.

In the meantime, enjoy the stories in this special edition of Challenge!

Yee Wei Zhen Editor, Challenge