Two veteran public servants to retire; new permanent secretary for finance from May 1
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Mr Jeffrey Siow and Mrs Tan Ching Yee will be retiring after many years of public service.
PHOTOS: PUBLIC SERVICE DIVISION
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SINGAPORE - Two senior public servants are set to retire in the next two months, and changes in the appointments of three permanent secretaries will take effect on May 1.
Mrs Tan Ching Yee will step down as permanent secretary for finance and retire on May 1, after 38 years in the public service, the Public Service Division (PSD) said in a statement on March 25.
Mr Jeffrey Siow, second permanent secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Manpower, will retire on April 2 after 24 years in public service, and is set to enter politics
Mrs Tan, 60, has held appointments across several ministries since she started her public service career in 1986.
Among other notable contributions, she worked on enhancements to pre-school and special needs education during her stint as permanent secretary for education, and led efforts to improve the quality, access and affordability of the healthcare system as permanent secretary for health. This included the implementation of MediShield Life.
She was concurrently appointed as permanent secretary for finance and permanent secretary for special duties in the Prime Minister’s Office in 2016.
She led the Ministry of Finance (MOF) in working closely with the other ministries to shape their plans and priorities for impact, effectiveness and fiscal sustainability, the statement said. During the Covid-19 pandemic, MOF partnered other agencies and tapped the reserves to help families and businesses.
“In her various leadership roles, she has consistently paid attention to people and leadership development, and the nurturing of a culture devoted to excellence and teamwork,” the PSD said.
Among his public service appointments, Mr Siow, 46, was principal private secretary to then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong from 2017 to 2021.
In his current manpower portfolio, he implemented significant policies on foreign manpower, workplace safety and health, and fair employment, PSD said. Wearing his trade and industry hat, Mr Siow led the establishment of the SME Pro Enterprise Office as part of the ministry’s push to reduce regulatory burden on businesses.
(From left) Mr Lai Chung Han, Mr Chan Heng Kee and Mr Stanley Loh Ka Leung.
PHOTOS: PUBLIC SERVICE DIVISION
Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing lauded both veterans and said: “Ching Yee has provided outstanding leadership at different organisations across the public service over many years, and her service to Singapore has been impactful and invaluable.
“Jeffrey has served with distinction and made a significant impact across a range of postings in his public service career.”
Changes in permanent secretary appointments
In addition to the two retirements, the PSD statement also announced three changes in permanent secretary appointments that will take effect on May 1.
Mr Lai Chung Han, permanent secretary for development at MOF since July 2024, will be appointed as the ministry’s permanent secretary.
Permanent secretary for defence Chan Heng Kee will be appointed concurrently as permanent secretary for special duties in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Mr Stanley Loh Ka Leung will relinquish his appointment as second permanent secretary for special duties in the Prime Minister’s Office, while continuing to serve as permanent secretary for sustainability and the environment.
