The permanent secretaries are taking part in a study programme on 'managing the complexity in networked government' jointly hosted by the Singapore Government and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

'Networked government' is an approach several countries use to describe the process by which agencies work closely together and take a broader, integrated approach to policymaking instead of just focusing on their specific areas of work.

It also involves the sharing and exchange of knowledge across agencies.

A Foreign Affairs Ministry statement said the visit 'aims to enhance officials' capacity to promote good governance and public sector reform through effective coordination within and between ministries', among other things.

Over five days, participants will attend briefings at the Civil Service College and exchange views with senior officials on Singapore's experience and international best practices in governance.

Their visit is part of the Singapore-Commonwealth Third Country Training Programme, formalised in 1994.

Under the programme, Singapore and the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat provide joint technical assistance to Commonwealth members, who are mostly former British colonies.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.