Thursday, 31 August 2023

Working so that we can vote

a shout-out to the civil servants working hard today as they set up the polling stations and counting centres for the Presidential Election Polling Day tomorrow. Thank you for your hard work, especially today and tomorrow, and for the preparations beforehand!

Cycles of Build, Demolish, Build

“…set up the Academy of Public Communications and Engagement in the hopes that it will provide more opportunities for public officers to acquire new competencies. A structured competency framework will set out career progression and training schemes for clearer career pathways.” https://psdchallenge.psd.gov.sg/people/cuppa/communications-is-about-meeting-people-where-they-are?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2023-001-Sep Having such an academy for the stated purpose is not new. Many years ago, the then PS of MITA set up the Public Relations Academy. It was running well. Then some years later, some wise senior person decided it was better to park it in the Civil Service College. The PR Academy was then shut down. Now it’s set up as a new initiative. That’s the problem. And the worry deep down for the civil service. Instead of consolidating on foundations, as new groups of management come in, they decide it’s no longer useful and demolish it. The another group come in later on and re-gather the bricks and build again from scratch. What a waste of resources!

Sunday, 27 August 2023

Remembering a case of near donation

When we heard that Frederick was down with leukaemia, we were sad. Such a young child. I felt I had to do something for the child of my then favourite Minister. But I was scared of what it entailed. Eventually I found a colleague who was going to donate too. And I planned to go with him. We didn't have to donate after all. Though I don't remember what we were told then. Blessings indeed. A life full of miracles: Jennifer Yeo on how she and her 2 sons survived cancer https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/believing-in-miracles-helped-jennifer-yeo-overcome-her-own-cancer-and-cancer-in-her-two-sons

Thursday, 24 August 2023

Lost Opportunity

A govt building evacuated
Security incident,  it seemed
Later announced to be bomb hoaxes at 18 places

Yet not a peep
From the app for security SG
Not a peep
What a loud silence