None of this is going to help the staff or the country for that matter. The changes are more to show that something is being done.
The better approach not just for the Civil Service but for all Singaporeans is invest in core initiatives as follows
1) Improve the standard of written and spoken English right across all schools. Recruit qualified and proven native English speakers to dramatically improve the standard. Look at the press articles, comments from Government cabinet minister and even lawyers. To compete in this World, one must be able to articulate, be concise and have the ability to bring along their audience to their cause convincingly.
2) Create a compulsory curriculum for all school children that will help them develop confidence in public speaking and the ability to handle a conversation with poise and substance.
3) Create a compulsory curriculum to handle foreigners especially Ang Mos. They must be able to engage an Ang Mo effectively without being pushed or bullied. The curriculum must inculcate a strong sense of self esteem, confidence and the ability to project these attributes.
Over the years I have seen locals increasingly losing their confidence and their self esteem. Many have decided to become porlumpars to advance their careers because they they have low self worth. I have seen our Police Officers struggle to handle Ang Mos. I have seen Senior SAF scholars struggle at international conferences with little sign of leadership. I have seen scholars in the Civil Service make so much noise in their Departments but are meek and quiet at regional conferences.
This was not the case in the 70s and 80s. We had Civil Servants including Police Officers and Army Officers who were interestingly called farmers as opposed to scholars showing exemplary leadership coupled with poise, confidence and high self worth.
Just look at Chan Chun Sing, former CDF, Lim Swee Say, and even Vivian Balakrishnan. Would you ever listen let alone follow these chaps to battle.