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SINGAPORE: The United Nations has conferred the 2007 UN Public Service Award on the Singapore agencies responsible for delivering the Progress Package.
The Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB) and other partner agencies were recognised for delivering the Progress Package to over 2.3 million Singaporeans.
They are one of seven winners worldwide, and one of only two in Asia.
The Progress Package was a surplus-sharing initiative that reached out to Singaporeans.
More than S$2 billion was disbursed to various beneficiaries, with lower-income and older Singaporeans benefiting the most.
Representatives of the various agencies will be receiving the award at the 7th Global Forum on Reinventing Government in Vienna from 26-29 June.
Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said the award is another indication of Singapore's good governance being recognised internationally.
He was speaking at the launch of the annual Public Relations Academy Conference, where he stressed the importance of maintaining the value and appeal of the Singapore brand.
Besides good governance, the integrated resorts and the planned F1 race also show Singapore's willingness to remake the city and take calculated risks.
Mr Tharman said this open-ness, together with trust, is also extended to people, enterprise and ideas from all over the world.
And these qualities are helping with Singapore's branding.
He said that although Singapore should monitor the negative aspects, it does not have to be defensive about them.
He said: "We have to find our own balance over time, not remake ourselves in the image of other cities. We have to find our own buzz as a global city, our own distinctive appeal. Do what we can deliver consistently and stay true to our people's aspirations."
Mr Tharman added that the Singapore brand would fly high and make the country a leading global city in Asia within 15 years. - CNA/ir
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