Two PMO agencies to come under Strategy Group

Mr Niam (above) is retiring after a 33-year public service career.
Mr Niam (above) is retiring after a 33-year public service career.
Taking over is Mr Peter Ong (above), permanent secretary of strategy who is also head of the civil service.
Taking over is Mr Peter Ong (above), permanent secretary of strategy who is also head of the civil service.

The two agencies in charge of population and tackling climate change will be restructured next month, in a move to better coordinate national strategies across the Government.

The National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) and National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) are now separate divisions in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

On Aug 1, they will come under the PMO's national strategy division, known as the Strategy Group.

On the same day, their permanent secretary will retire from the administrative service.

Mr Niam Chiang Meng, 58, is retiring after a 33-year public service career, said the Public Service Division (PSD) in a statement yesterday.

Taking over is Mr Peter Ong, permanent secretary of strategy who is also head of the civil service.

Bringing both agencies under the Strategy Group "will enhance strategy-making and planning on vital issues that span multiple government ministries and agencies", said the PSD.

The Strategy Group was created last July to support the Prime Minister and the Cabinet in establishing Singapore's priorities and ensuring the Government acts as one.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, minister in charge of the civil service, yesterday thanked Mr Niam for his leadership and contributions. He was appointed permanent secretary for the NPTD in 2011 and for the NCCS a year later.

Under his leadership, the NPTD improved marriage and parenthood policies, and implemented strategies to strengthen community integration and reach out to overseas Singaporeans, said the PSD.

At NCCS, he headed Singapore's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon-efficient economic growth.

Mr Niam was permanent secretary for information and the arts in 1997, and for law in 2000.

He was also chief executive of the Housing Board from 2002 to 2004, and was appointed permanent secretary for community development, youth and sports in 2005.

He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 1995 and the Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 2001.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 08, 2016, with the headline Two PMO agencies to come under Strategy Group. Subscribe