Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 73079)

anyone knows if CEP can change? and how frequent is it reviewed?

Originally Posted by Serve the nation (Post 73115)

Most stat-boards pay better than ministries due to the nature of work. The nature of work for stat-boards is operational (i.e. getting the policies implemented on the ground) therefore justifies the higher pay. Operational work is quite tough therefore need to pay them higher. If you look hard enough, you will notice that some public officers have extra allowances such as Overtime or hardship pay. Most officers in ministries just gathers information for policy. During the course of work of a public officer, they are also gathering the required information for the civil servant.

That being said, you will observed that the salary increments in stat-boards are higher and comes with flexi-benefits (ranging from $300 to $800 per year) too. Most stat-boards also allow for higher claim allowances, compared to ministries. Logically, it makes sense to pay the public officer better too. The skill-set of a public officer is more transferable to private sector, so need to pay to retain them.

The worst is to do operational work in ministries. These civil servants need to do the legwork but don't get the same salary as public officers.

One word of advice; If you care for career progression, better stick to public service.

First, due to the nature of public service, many of these stat-board scholars are able to find work in private sector easily. Most of them leave after their bonds. Management tries to retain this batch by offering post-graduate scholarships and bond them for a few more years. Those remaining are just a handful. This means there's not many scholars to compete with in stat-boards.

Second, the stat-board scholars are on a different career path, compared to the Ministry scholars. The gap between the stat-board scholars and farmers are closer therefore the farmer still has fighting chance.

Third, stat-boards are normally larger than ministries. This creates more career progression opportunities.

Fourth, the nature of work in stat-boards are more similar to private sector. This creates more career pathways which translate to more backup plans.

Fifth, stat-boards have more interaction opportunities with private sector. Knowing more people always helps because it creates more career opportunities for yourself.

Lastly, the salaries given by stat-boards are generally higher.

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 73120)

Hi good evening,

Thanks for sharing your views!

I'm currently in a operational role (financial accounting) in a stat board and am thinking of going to a ministry to do policy work as it has more visibility. This is a big ministry where i feel will have room for lateral and vertical progression.

May i seek your opinion on the pros and cons of making this move? I believe you have experienced either one or even both roles to be able to give such insightful comments.

Thank you in advance for sharing!

Originally Posted by Serve the nation (Post 73126)

Hello there

Joining a big ministry has its pros and cons too. A big ministry is likely to take on operational jobs as well, otherwise it cannot justifies the headcount. When a ministry becomes big, it becomes a good training ground for scholars. The farmers will have limited career progression within the policy department because the scholars are rotated in to:

1) Create an impression for the scholars that they are progressing in their career; and

2) Let them experience leading a team.

If you want to join a ministry to do policy work, you must really do it for our country. The monetary rewards are not really that good but there's work satisfaction. Without the passion to serve, you will burn out very fast.

During your stint, you will see many scholars rotating in and out as your supervisor because your team is the training ground for them. Some people get demoralised for certain reasons, but ultimately both of you serve our country in different ways. Remember, Singapore is already 50 years old. The scholarship system has been working for some time, generating a fair number of scholars within the government network. They themselves also start to feel stifled in their career progression. Unless the government starts to rotate them out to the private sector, to start up new businesses or take over certain business units at a healthy rate, you will have to be mindful of the situation and make your next move carefully.


To conclude, limited upward progression but ample opportunities for lateral movements since it's likely to have many departments. Also ask yourself if you have the passion to serve our country. That's most important.

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 72949)

Is it true that LTA pays better than other stat boards?

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 72988)

What's your bonus package like, if you don't mind me asking?

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 73185)

Very true! But prepare to do more OT loh.. And turn over rate also quite high.

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 73193)

Abt 4-5 mths

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 73204)

Does this include 13th month, PB and the mid/year end year bonuses?

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 73204)

Does this include 13th month, PB and the mid/year end year bonuses?