Permanent Secretaries appointed to private sector boards

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Permanent Secretaries appointed to private sector boards

Parliament Sitting: 6 Aug 2024

Ms Sylvia Lim: To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) how many Permanent Secretaries are currently appointed to the boards of directors of private sector businesses; (b) which businesses or business sectors currently have boards of directors that include a Permanent Secretary; and (c) how are potential conflicts of interest managed in such situations.

Written Reply by Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service

1.       There are currently 10 Permanent Secretaries serving on the boards of private sector companies, in sectors such as finance, utilities and maritime. Having public officers on private sector boards, and likewise private sector individuals on public sector boards, encourages greater diversity in perspectives and helps strengthen the understanding between the public and private sectors.

2.       Like all civil servants, Permanent Secretaries are required to seek the necessary approvals prior to accepting requests to serve as board directors of private sector companies. There are checks in place to ensure that there is no conflict of interest, and that their ability to carry out their primary duties are not compromised.