Ms Yeoh, 47, is currently Deputy Secretary (Policy) in the Ministry of Defence, a post she has held since 2006.

She oversees defence policies, defence relations and information management to ensure that they serve Singapore's security interests.

A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of London, United Kingdom, Ms Yeoh also holds a Master of Science degree in Social Psychology (with Distinction) from the London School of Economics, University of London.

She began her career in the Security and Intelligence Division (SID) of the Ministry of Defence in 1985. She served as Deputy Head and subsequently Head of the then Scenario Planning Office, Public Service Division, from 1996 to 1998 where she was responsible for overseeing the development of scenario-based thinking in the Civil Service.

In 1997, Ms Yeoh was absorbed into the Administrative Service. In 1999, she moved to the then Ministry of Community Development as Director (Elderly Division) and concurrently Director (Corporate Communications). She was subsequently appointed as Deputy Secretary of the same ministry.

In 2004, Ms Yeoh was posted to the Public Service Division (PSD) as its Deputy Secretary (Development). She was concurrently appointed as CEO/Dean, Civil Service College.

At the PSD, Ms Yeoh was key in developing strategic planning capabilities across the public service to further whole-of-government outcomes. She also oversaw the nurturing of service excellence and public service values under the Public Service for the 21st Century programme.

As CEO of the Civil Service College, she was instrumental in building up its research capabilities, expanding international relations and delivering new programmes as part of a more systematic approach to talent management and leadership development in the public sector.