A hallmark of Singapore has been planning with foresight.  If a study doesn't quite work in practice or not work at all-- the result will be: it is changed for the better.  The civil service is a very proactive "can do" effort of service on a short, medium and long term plan by  Singapore leaders. Training is meaningful and with a planned purpose, with execution and followup via Minister's oversight.  The civil service has a passion for service with a goal.

 

This has caused the Singapore Civil Service to be in a state of continuous improvement in knowledge seeking and putting into practice benchmark experiences and successful operations from Ministry to Ministry.  Change is rapid and effective as it is measured.  E-governance is getting better by the day.  Service standards often exceed those of most private businesses.

Taxes are wisely used to grow the infrastructure.  Better and better systems are developed to make Singapore a better place to live.  Why is Singapore known as a Garden City?  It was planned for 40 years ago and put into consistent practice.  Greenry is cherished and cared for with the Green Thumb.  Both visitors and Singaporeans enjoy the fruits of such policy implementation.

 

The new overhead viaduct from Pasir Panjang to Harbor Front is a solid and well engineered structurally sound design and very pleasing to the eye.  It features single pillars to hold up the overhead dual roadway.

 

Singapore is a leader in privatization of items like: tree pruning/cutting and roadway landscaping, cleaning drains, street cleaning, raking leaves, road maintenance and repaving, and repair of burst water mains.  And a leader in utilization of inactive or underused resources.

 

How has the quality of life improved?  Look at:

 

                   Life Expectancy at Birth(years)*

                  

                   1970            2005

males           64.1            77.9

females        67.8            81.6              

 

 *source Dept. of Statistics, Ministry of Trade & Industry--Singapore

 

Many people get credit for the above improvements besides the outstanding efforts by the  Ministry of Health.  The Ministry of Environment for an active and constant effort to curtail mosquito breeding, usually in a very proactive and non punitive manner. The government policy of daily garbage collection--also privitized--helps improve health by elimination of disease in a tropical country. Teachers and the Ministry of Education with public involvement and awareness by children bringing home good pamplets to explain health matters--- so excellent "buy in"  across many Ministries facilitates desired outcomes.   This example of Civil Service Leadership has created a consulting demand for expertize from Singapore for other nations.