As mentioned previously, I am not a high flyer, but my sister was a scholarship holder sent to Oxford and her hubby is now the CEO of a major statutory board. Never talk about salary so do know specifics but I know about how they are recruited. Also top civil servants travel first class on airlines. Brother-in-law mentioned once that sometimes, he is the only person in 1st class.

Most of them are chosen after A-levels - with top marks, top extra-curricular activities (or CCA as they are called now), and high intelligence (they are sent for IQ tests), they are sent all expenses paid to top US and British universities.

However,it is good to note that top performing civil servants from other sectors eg the SAF, are also now being recruited mid-career into the admin service.