ETHOS Issue 16
December 2016
Last updated 30 July 2026
ETHOS Issue 16, December 2016
As the world moves into ever more turbulent waters, the credibility, relevance and impact of the public sector may depend on being able to connect, collaborate and create consensus with the society we serve. How might we strengthen institutions and leadership, invest in technology, while seeking innovative approaches to help us learn to do better? This issue of ETHOS explores some avenues ahead, with contributions from leading thinkers such as Gary Banks and Jean-Francois Manzoni, and veteran public servants Peter Ho and Stephen Sedgwick.
Editorial
by Alvin Pang
The political upheavals of 2016 must have prompted deep introspection in governments the world over.
The Power of Games to Drive Policy Outcomes
By Peter Ho
Well-designed games and simulations can broaden outreach, bridge divides, and offer engaging ways to understand and further public policy goals.
Singapore’s Whole-of-Government Approach in Crisis Management
by James Low
Deliberate and concerted effort has been key to building up Singapore’s state capacity to resolve crises, but more should be done to strengthen the community’s role in future.
Evolving the Centre of Government: Three Key Insights
by Vernie Oliveiro
For centres of government to play a meaningful role in coordinating state responses to complex issues, they should be clear and purposeful about their impact on the public sector at large
Lessons from New Zealand’s Better Public Services Reforms
by Ryan Orange
Successful and sustainable public management reform will depend on picking the right time and focus, and engaging an intrinsic passion for service.
Public Trust in Government Institutions
by Stephen Sedgwick
Australia’s former Public Service Commissioner offers insights on maintaining the people’s trust in the public sector.
Public Institutions and the Productivity Imperative
by Gary Banks
An independent public institution could better identify, analyse and communicate the reforms necessary to improve national productivity
Engaging with Stakeholders for Better Public Transport Outcomes
by Heng Ju-Li
Taking on a new advisory role, the Public Transport Council finds keeping an open mind and engaging diverse views makes for more balanced and useful recommendations.
Using Data to Create Better Government
By Vidhya Ganesan and Diaan-Yi Lin
Public agencies in Singapore and elsewhere have already begun to use data analytics to transform public policy thinking and delivery.
From Scarcity to Generativity: New Approaches for Governing Resources
by Aaron Maniam
Data, knowledge and connections can increase rather than decrease in value with use: but we need a new public language to make the most of them.
SG50: What The Public Service Learnt
By Yee Lai Fong
The successful year-long celebrations strengthened the Public Service’s capacity to engage with its partners in new, collaborative ways that bode well for the future.
Surveying Singapore’s Future
Reviewed by Theophilus Kwek
Book Details:
The Birthday Book Edited by Malminderjit Singh Ethos Books (2016); 252pp.; $23.36
Putting the Public Back in Public Service
ETHOS roundtable with Hon Christine , Mr Aung Naing Oo and Ms Shazainah Shariffuddin
In this edition of the ETHOS Roundtable, participants of the 9th Leaders in Governance Programme discuss the challenges of technology, public trust, and the need to nurture strong ties between government and citizens.
Committed Leadership in a Changing World
Interview with Jean-François Manzoni
To excel, tomorrow’s public leaders will have to be competent, resilient, inclusive and emotionally connected to their people.
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