Challenge - July/August 2008

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Greening of the Urban Jungle

Singapore's strive for excellence is no longer restricted to the accounting books. Government buildings and HDB housing are now becoming more energy efficient, thanks to a grand plan by the NEA to cut costs through five areas - power generation, buildings, industry, transport and households. Find out how the government is replanting Singapore's roots for a greener future.

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Work-Life -
The Great Balancing Act

For many of us, flexibility can be the deciding factor over whether to take up a job. Contrary to popular belief, the public sector isn't as rigid as it might have been. Challenge spoke to three public officers who have directly benefited from the government's Work-Life programme, one that allows proposals such as working from home or variable working schedules.

Striking The Right Balance

"Life is more than just about work, and I endorse that principle," says Ms Goh Soon Poh, Deputy Secretary (PSD). That is the general consensus floating around the entire public sector today. Ms Goh shared her thoughts on worklife balance.

Celebrating Public Service

If you missed Public Service Week from May 14 to 21, 2008, Challenge is here to give you the definitive lowdown on what went on. Though only comprised of quotes and photos, this event report encapsulates the various activities such as a Public Service blood donation, presentation of the Star Service Awards and a recommitment to the Public Service Pledge.

Green Day More and more, people are lugging their personal tote bags to the stores, forgoing the once-abundantly given plastic bags that aren't too environmentally friendly. But beware, you might get a few stares from those who haven't adopted the 'green' attitude. That's precisely the one Challenge is adopting these two months. Read on how the government is becoming more energy efficient, and how you can be greener in both money and health.	I Say Readers share tips on how they maintain work-life harmony.

Short Takes One peak conquered, chalk one off the list. Here are short reports on ITE's quest to conquer the Himalayan Island Peak, SLA's first ever Spatial Challenge, HDB's Quality Service Day and SCDF's inception of a critical emergency information network for Singapore's public.	Cultivating A Green Conscience Too little, too late? Longtime contributor Susan Tsang shares her views on Singapore's all-too-recent efforts to be kinder to the environment, including a sound bit of insight that change on such a massive scale can only be carried out by society as a whole.

Navigating Funding Policies This new series tackles customer service issues, from the good to the downright ugly. Hear about Mrs. Veronica Ong's tale on how an initially distant and apathetic MCYS became sympathetic to her cause and ultimately helped her apply for a funding grant.	Food@Gov.SG: North While residents living in the extreme North may still rely on Johor Bahru for their delicious hawker food, public officers working in the central area of Toa Payoh and Novena now have a new must-try list of culinary hideouts. Noodles or rice, you're bound to get your fill. Read on to get the sumptuous details.

Planning a Financial Roadmap for Life Financial planning is no longer a privilege of the rich and famous. Closer to reality, just about everyone has a need for advice on how to manage their money. Challenge is here to help, with a short but comprehensive outlook on how to cut costs while reaping the benefits from investments.	Killer Perceptions Love it or hate it, many agencies and statutory boards are linked in some way to the Singapore government. How does the general public perceive this, and how should the different ministries react? Public policy trainer Sunny Goh gives the big picture and a few tips on how agencies should proceed.