Service Stars Make a Difference
by Goh Sze Ling, He Xingying

Seven outstanding members from the MND Family received the PS21 Star Service Award from DPM Teo Chee Hean for displaying high levels of commitment towards quality service.

When HDB flat lessee Mdm Tan sought HDB Higher Technical Officer Mr Jackson Ye’s assistance in dealing with a flaking kitchen ceiling which was peeling badly, he not only arranged for repairs to be carried out quickly. In fact, he also personally supervised the contractor who promptly fixed the problem.

Noticing that the toilet ceiling was flaking as well, Mr Ye went the extra mile to buy his own paint and sealant to help Mdm Tan repair the ceiling single-handedly after work.

This was but one example of Mr Ye’s extraordinary service and dedication to work. A familiar figure in Toa Payoh North, he has been in HDB for 24 years, and is known for his willingness to put in additional efforts. At times, he would even dip into his own pocket to help residents with tasks such as clearing the kitchen gully chokes or patching up pipe joints.

For his exemplary service and thoughtfulness, Mr Ye was recently presented with the PS21 Star Service Awards by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister-in-Charge of the Civil Service Teo Chee Hean at an award presentation ceremony on 6 May 2009. In his opening address, DPM Teo recounted Mr Ye’s story, commending him for being “a mediator, a listening ear and an ambassador of HDB.”

Public Excellence

Apart from Mr Ye, six other equally outstanding officers from the MND Family were presented with the PS21 Star Service Award.  They were each recognised for demonstrating an exceptional level of understanding, empathy and sensitivity in their course of duty, and making an impact on the people they have served.

I urge every agency to continue to engage our customers to build up a partnership of trust and cooperation.
DPM Teo

As DPM Teo puts it, these officers truly exemplify the Public Service values of integrity, service and excellence. They constantly seek new ways to improve their service standard, take the initiative to anticipate customer needs, and go beyond the requirements of their job to help members of the public.

At the same time, DPM Teo said in summary, “As you can see, engaging and working with our customers, and bringing them on board as our partners has much benefits. I urge every agency to continue to engage our customers to build up a partnership of trust and cooperation.”

Other Award Winners

  • Mrs Mahalakshmi Sithamparanathan
    Food & Veterinary Administration, AVA
    Mrs Lakshmi was unfazed when an irate dog licensee called AVA’s office and the call was transferred to her…


  • Ms Catherine Wong Chi Fun
    Building Engineering Division (Strategic Project Department), BCA
    Ms Wong went to a 92-year-old lady’s help when her kitchen was badly damaged due to nearby construction work and the builder ignored her pleas for help.…


  • Mr Muhammad Hafizur Rahman
    School of Building & Development/Department of Supervisory Training, BCA
    When his former student, who graduated from the BCA Academy and moved on to study Civil Engineering at the Nanyang Technological University, approached the Academy for academic assistance, Mr Rahman readily stepped forward to help…


  • Ms Amy Tan Tio Woon
    Estate Admin & Property Dept, HDB
    Ms Tan did not give up when the customer she worked with was unable to find a suitable resale flat despite the efforts both put in…


  • Ms Jennifer Toh Ah Boey
    Fort Canning Park/Parks Division, NParks
    In 2008 alone, Ms Toh received 10 compliment letters from external organisations and members of the public for her commitment and passion in providing excellent service…


  • Ms Thiruselve Govindarajoo
    Corporate Services Section, Corporate Development Division, URA
    In Ms Thiruselve Govindarajoo’s 26 years of service in URA, she had amassed as many as 189 customer compliments praising her for the high level of helpfulness, responsiveness and attentiveness in her service…