This year’s Civil Service Day celebration continues to adopt the theme from previous years, ‘Civil Service Resilience and Solidarity, the Catalyst for the Nation’s Well-Being’.
The theme remains relevant in addressing various issues, including challenges and opportunities brought on by digital technology. It also resonates with the expectations of today’s society, which demands high quality, speed and effectiveness in the services they receive.
During his welcoming remarks, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof highlighted the importance for civil service officers to continuously innovate to meet the increasingly complex needs of the public.
He said fostering a culture of innovation will enable the civil service to become more responsive and competitive, while also strengthening public trust in governmental institutions.
“Innovation is central to the principles of good governance, particularly in relation to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in public service delivery,” the minister said.
The potential of AI in the public sector was recently discussed at the 22nd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) meeting, chaired by the Sultanate.
The meeting explored the role of AI in automating processes and providing real-time insights to enhance strategic focus and improve the overall capabilities of the public sector and result in more dynamic and resilient governance.
In line with these objectives, the newly-introduced Human Resources Service Scheme will ensure the optimal development and utilisation of human resources, equipping the civil service with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of governance.
Additionally, a joint statement was issued during the ACCSM meeting to strengthen ASEAN’s strategy on mental health and well-being, particularly for civil service employees.
The initiative aims to strike a balance between work and personal life, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable working environment for civil servants across the region. – Fadley Faisal
