From July 1, Ms Tan Gee Keow, 42, will be the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY).

Currently the deputy secretary of strategy group in the Prime Minister's Office, she will step into the shoes of 58-year-old Yeoh Chee Yan, who is retiring after 33 years in the public service, the Public Service Division (PSD) said in a statement yesterday.

Another top public servant who is retiring is Mr Neo Kian Hong, 54, permanent secretary at defence development in the Defence Ministry. He retires on Aug 1. Mr Neo has worked in the Singapore Armed Forces and held other posts the public sector for 35 years, including as the permanent secretary at education development in the Education Ministry from 2013 to last year.

The PSD said Ms Tan has been at the PMO since July 2015. She has also held appointments in various ministries, the Public Service Commission Secretariat and the People's Association.

Ms Yeoh has been the permanent secretary for MCCY since it started in 2012. She has also worked at the Defence Ministry and the Education Ministry.

The minister-in-charge of the public service, Mr Chan Chun Sing, thanked both Ms Yeoh and Mr Neo for their "dedicated service". Mr Chan, who is also the Minister for Trade and Industry, added: "They have served with distinction in their careers, and I would like to express our appreciation to them for their leadership and outstanding contributions to the public service."