PS21
WHAT IS PS21?
PS21 is the change movement of the Singapore Public Service – it seeks to build a Public Service that is ready for change and ready to change amidst an increasingly complex operating environment. PS21 encourages all public officers to embrace change and improvement in their daily work to keep the Public Service at the leading edge of contributing towards the continued success of Singapore and Singaporeans, with the end goal of being One Trusted Public Service with Citizens at the Centre.
WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES OF PS21?
The essence of PS21 can be captured in these 3 key messages:
PS21 is about change and improvement;
Every officer is an agent of change; and
PS21 builds a Public Service that is worthy of Singapore.
WHY IS PS21 NEEDED?
A changing external environment
We face a constantly changing local and global landscape and need to tackle issues such as increased economic competition, geopolitical shifts and demographic and societal changes. PS21 helps the Public Service to understand that change is constantly occurring in the environment we operate in and to anticipate the changes that will take place.
Creating a dynamic, progressive & nimble Public Service
PS21 encourages a Public Service that is responsive, flexible and innovative which can continuously meet the evolving needs of Singaporeans and contribute directly to the success of Singapore.
Empowered & engaged public officers
PS21 encourages a mindset that welcomes experimentation and a desire to continually find new and better ways of doing things. PS21 gives every public officer the mandate and platform to contribute their ideas for a successful Public Service. This recognises people as the critical resource of the Public Service and contributes towards job engagement and satisfaction.
HOW DO I PUT PS21 INTO PRACTICE?
If you’re a public officer, you can live out the principles of PS21 by:
Listening and asking questions
Always question both the knowns and unknowns. There are no wrong questions; you will only learn when you ask questions.
Challenging assumptions
What has been done in the past may not be the best approach! Be radical and always look for better ways to do things.
Collaborating for innovation
The sum is greater than the parts so embrace the energy and ideas of others to create better solutions.
Demonstrating professional empathy
Make sure to look at your work through citizens’ eyes, and understand their perspectives and situations.
These simple principles will help us deliver better policies and services to the people we serve.
HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT PS21?
To find out more about how public agencies are putting PS21 into practice, check out Challenge, the magazine of the Singapore Public Service! Each issue is chock-full of stories on the exciting innovations that our agencies are creating.
Or, if you’re a public officer, log on to Cube, the Public Service’s social intranet, and ask a question! Cube is a Service-wide platform that allows officers to connect and share knowledge with one another; one of the many Cubers will be sure to give you a reply.