Pioneers Once More - The Singapore Public Service 1959–2009
Chua Mui Hoong


“This book is the first about the Singapore Public Service as a whole, and tells the story of the Public Service from the time Singaporeans took over the reins of self-government from the British in 1959. It is written from the
perspectives of the men and women who make up this institution.

“The book focuses on governance and public administration, and touches on the social, environmental, economic and security issues of the day. But even as it presents the larger picture of the Public Service, we hope that it will provide you with a glimpse of who we are and what we do, through the stories of our people. Our officers are as much a reflection of the Public Service as they are of Singapore and Singaporeans.”

— Peter Ho, Head of Civil Service


“I have enjoyed reading this book. It is full of vignettes from the collective memory of a generation of officers who helped lay the foundations for modern Singapore. They have passed on the torch to the 120,000 public officers serving in our ministries, statutory boards and government agencies today. In time, perhaps a new book will be written of this generation of stewards. So long as they continue to work without fear or favour, and to deliver the best for the nation, then the future of the Service will also be a story of Singapore’s continued success.”

— Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong


Contents:
Message from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Message from Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of
the Civil Service
Foreword by Peter Teo, Head of Civil Service
Preface
Chapter 1: The Colonial Legacy
Chapter 2: The 1960s – A Decade that Defined a Nation
Chapter 3: The 1970s – Professionalising the Civil Service
Chapter 4: The 1980s – Boom and Bust Years
Chapter 5: The 1990s – Rising to the Challenges of a Changing World
Chapter 6: The 2000s – From Rules to Risk; Changing the Public Service DNA
Chapter 7: Journey Without End
Heads of Civil Service
Bibliography
Index