On 31 March 2005, the Civil Service bid adieu to the man at the apex,
Mr Lim Siong Guan. After 5½ years as Head of Civil Service,
Mr Lim stepped down from his post but continues as Permanent Secretary
(Finance), thereby setting the wheels in motion for the system of
a fixed-term Head of Civil Service appointment.
Many Challenge readers will fondly remember Mr Lim’s
well-read column “A Line For You”, and will no doubt miss
the heart-warming and inspiring stories. The popularity of this column
is an example of what PM Lee Hsien Loong described in his speech at
the recent Administrative Service dinner, as Mr Lim’s “genuine
and deep concern for people… He pushes for what he believes
in, and his enthusiasm and sincerity is contagious. Thus, he has inspired
an entire generation of public officers to serve
and excel”.
As we bid goodbye to Mr Lim, we concurrently welcome Mr Peter
Ho as the new Head of Civil Service.
A Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholar, Mr Ho joined the Republic
of Singapore Navy after graduating with a degree in Engineering Tripos
from Cambridge University in 1976. In the Ministry of Defence, he
held various posts such as Head (Naval Intelligence Department), Director
(Policy) and Permanent Secretary (Defence).
Mr Ho is currently Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs as well as Permanent Secretary for National Security and Intelligence
Coordination, a position created last July as part of the Government’s
move to combat terrorism.
