SINGAPORE - Two senior public servants are set to retire in the next two months, with changes in the appointments of three other permanent secretaries on May 1.
Mr Jeffrey Siow, second permanent secretary at the trade and industry, and manpower ministries, will retire on April 2 after 24 years in the public service, the Public Service Division (PSD) said in a statement on March 25.
He is set to enter politics, and the most senior so far among a raft of civil servants who are leaving the service ahead of the election, which is widely expected by mid-year.
Permanent secretary for finance Tan Ching Yee will also be stepping down. After 38 years in the public service, she will retire on May 1.
Among his public service appointments, Mr Siow, 46, was the 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.
Mrs Tan, 60, held appointments across several ministries since she started her public service career in 1986, including health and education. 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. During the Covid-19 pandemic, MOF partnered other agencies and tapped on the reserves to help families and businesses.
Mr Jeffrey Siow and Mrs Tan Ching Yee will be retiring after many years of public service.PHOTOS: PUBLIC SERVICE DIVISION
Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing lauded both veterans, praising Mrs Tan for her “outstanding leadership” and her “impactful and invaluable” service to Singapore, and Mr Siow for serving with distinction and making a “significant impact” in his postings.
Changes in permanent secretary appointments
Also, three changes in permanent secretary appointments 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.
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