The Government of Samoa through the office of the Public Service Commission partnered with the Singapore Government through its Civil Service College to conduct a training on Human Resource Management and Development for Senior Executives in the Public Service on the 12^th – 15^th March, 2019.

The programme was an opportunity for Senior Executives in the public sector to learn best practices in HRM, based on the experience of the Singapore Public Service. The training covered various topics including policies and practices to manage and develop HR, promoting organizational capabilities and enhancing competencies.

The Honorable Prime Minister and the Minster for the Public Service Commission – Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi delivered the keynote address. The Prime Minister mentioned that it was during a visit to Singapore two years ago that made him aware of how well-developed and successful Singapore was, due to its impressive and very capable Public Service. He further stated that “this was a great opportunity to hear and be able to discuss Singapore’s experience in developing and sustaining a first-class Public Service to help us within the context of our own circumstances; to make changes to the delivery of services and the responses of the government to meet the needs of our people. Of particular importance in this regard is the adequate capacities of our government agencies and assisting our efforts in the paramount priority area of Human Resources capacity building and sustainability.”

Ms Alice Cheng, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that such training provides a great avenue to develop a country’s human resource, especially small island states like Samoa and Singapore. Alice further noted that the returns to a country’s development and growth are immeasurable and that having a competent, responsive and forward-thinking public service plays a critical role in helping a nation develop.

She further added, “as a small island state, we face common challenges – limited resources, lack of economies of scale, vulnerability to external shocks and heavy dependence on international trade and investment. We also face similar human resource dilemmas.  Our small populations mean that we typically have a limited talent pool to attract and recruit for the public service.”

More than 60 participants from the CEO and ACEO classes took part in the three and a half day training which was held at the TATTE Conference Centre, Sogi.

Find the Hon. Minister’s speech here