Winning Entry:

Bai Sin Yeou, National Parks Board

In my role at the National Orchid Garden (NOG) in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, I have witnessed firsthand the embodiment of the Public Service value of Professionalism. On numerous occasions, my dedicated colleagues and supervisor have gone above and beyond their regular duties to warmly welcome important visitors, including foreign dignitaries, into the Garden.

Despite receiving last-minute requests for tours, sometimes even just an hour before lunchtime, my colleagues have consistently risen to the occasion, showcasing exceptional professionalism. Their commitment has not only facilitated meaningful interactions between the Gardens and the visitors, but also fostered positive international relations.

It's heartening to see the smiles on the faces of the visitors at the end of these tours – a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the NOG team. Witnessing their dedication has inspired me to hone my tour-guiding skills so that I can support them in future tours when the need arises.

Thank you for sharing your experience, Sin Yeou! You win a 2D1N stay at the Changi Cottage for your dedication to upholding professionalism in your work!

Other Entries:

Foo Ming Qin, Workforce Singapore

Teamwork is a Public Service value close to my heart. As a newly-posted officer to the Human Resources Division in Workforce Singapore, my team was asked to hold a nostalgic walk-a-jog event for our colleagues along where our previous office used to be.

This was something entirely new to us, as we were uncertain about organising a large-scale sporting activity, including handling the route planning, operations, and logistics. However, through each and every one of my colleagues' contributions, we made the walk-a-jog a success!

Our colleagues enjoyed the walk as it brought back fond memories. I truly appreciate how my colleagues offered their amplifiers for the event, readily stepped up to volunteer as route marshalls despite the evening sun, took the role of medic and storage overall ICs, and so many more small details to make the event a success. After all, it is the little things that matter!

Just like how Mr Lee Kuan Yew valued the forest for the trees, it is these trees (each and all of us) who make up the forest (team)! Without the trees, it wouldn't be called a forest.

Chloe Choo, Ministry of Social and Family Development

Care and Compassion are the Public Service values that are most important to me. I witnessed these values when I saw a Social Assistance (SA) officer working with a family facing significant financial and social challenges.

During the SA officer's initial assessment, she noted that the family's living conditions were deplorable and that the children were not attending school regularly. The officer noted that there could be significant neglect as there were no safe adults at home to care for the children, given that their parents were battling with substance abuse and mental health issues.

The officer went above her duty to administer financial assistance, collaborated with school leaders and other family networks, and even consulted with her colleagues from Child Protective Services to ensure that the welfare of the children was not compromised, and the necessary help could be put in place for the family. Despite the potential backlash and rupture of her relationship with the family as the systems were introduced, the officer understood that the safety of the children and going beyond her duty were paramount.

Eventually, services were introduced to the family to uplift the care of the children. Even so, the officer did not exit from the family, but tirelessly rebuilt trust with them so that they could continue to experience the system more positively and receive the help that they genuinely need to improve their situation.

Owen Tan Ka Churn, People’s Association

Listening with empathy and the heart to care are the values that I cherish the most. When I was serving seniors during house visits or behind the counter, I would, as much as possible, make the effort to listen and see how we can help the general public who make the effort to share their concerns, so that they leave with a smile.

Goh Ming Hui, Ministry of Social and Family Development

The value of Integrity is the most important Public Service value to me. One thing I appreciate in my workplace is that the officers here are very honest when it comes to owning up to any mistakes in a timely manner, which allows us to quickly take measures to rectify the issue or reduce the damage from the mistake.

However, whilst officers must have our own sense of integrity, it is also important for us to create an environment safe enough for us to be brave, honest, and open, which I often remind myself to try to do whenever I interact with my colleagues and staff. I am also very grateful to my supervisors for allowing us to have this safe environment to do so.

Christina Lim, National Council of Social Services

Service Excellence is the Public Service value that serves as my unwavering guide and holds the utmost importance in my role. Driving the brand and digital efforts at the National Council of Social Services (NCSS) alongside my team, we are dedicated to ensuring that our marketing and communications messages are not only transparent and accurate, but also contribute to promoting an inclusive society for all.

We consistently harness new and innovative digital strategies and technologies, such as personalised content delivery, robotic process automation, and mobile-first responsive designs to effectively reach a broader audience and generate significant interest in providing support for communities in need.

Additionally, our team actively participates in "Walk-the-Talk" initiatives at NCSS, engaging in regular volunteering activities at various social service agencies to serve and inspire others to contribute, no matter how small they may perceive their efforts to be.