Former civil servants put in touch with other governments in need of help
Chuang Peck Ming, Business Times 25 Dec 07;
[wildnews comment: environmental achievements in Singapore's governance and urban development can pay off]
(SINGAPORE) Some are known to the public but others toiled, often unknown, to help build modern Singapore. Now, they have been recalled from retirement to help shape emerging economies.
Among them: Liu Thai Ker, former chief executive of the Housing and Development Board; Chua Cher Yak, ex-director of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau; Soh Siew Cheong, who was chief engineer at the Public Utilities Board; Low Choo Tuck, a former director at the Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board; and Soh Siew Cheong, formerly a senior official in the Accountant-General's Department.
Given Singapore's success story, these former civil servants who helped to shape it are highly valued by foreign governments, according to Alphonsus Chia, chief executive of Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE). The company has been set up by the government to sell Singapore's public-sector expertise to the world.
Formed less than two years ago, SCE already has some 30 projects in the pipeline, ranging from the development of industrial parks and townships to the reform of healthcare and public service.
These projects are worth billions, with even bigger spin-offs for the private sector. Mr Chia estimates that every dollar that goes to SCE will generate $10 for Singapore companies.
SCE, which offers consultancy and project management services, is tapping experts past and present from 15 ministries and 66 statutory boards. It is still building up its talent pool, which includes many former public sector officials.
SCE is also a platform for former civil servants to capitalise on their experience and expertise to launch a second career in selling their services abroad.
Because it is a creation of the Singapore government, which is respected globally, SCE enables these ex-civil servants to reach where they could not have on their own. Often, their potential clients are foreign governments who deal directly with SCE.
Mr Low, whose expertise is in productivity improvement, says SCE offers him a wider choice of clients. Thanks to SCE, he has secured assignments in the Middle East. Otherwise, his talent would have remained confined to the region.
Mr Liu, who is now a director with RSP Architects Planners and Engineers, says his tie-up with SCE has provided useful contacts to enable him to sell his expertise to governments.
'SCE fills a need for us,' he says. 'SCE is the Singapore government - and Singapore is a brand name.'
Mr Chua, who quips that SCE offers him an opportunity to make some money to pay for his beer, has been put in touch with governments in emerging economies who want to fight corruption. He has helped some of these governments draw up manuals and set up systems to implement anti-corruption measures.
Mr Liew, who has set up his own consultancy firm, has secured a job through SCE to help a government in the Middle East to overhaul its tax system.
According to these former civil servants, foreign governments pushing for development are not keen on big-name consultants. They put a greater value on practical advice.
'They want people with experience, not just consultants,' says Mr Soh, who has helped to turn around money-losing government energy providers.
Added Mr Liu: '(But) a solid track record matters, not grey hair.'
