Since 15 July 1997, Mr Wee Heng Tin was designated Director-General of Education (DGE), a title which reflects his position as head of the Education Service and is senior to all other Directors in MOE.

Greater autonomy for schools also means increasing devolution of authority to the various Divisions serving and supervising schools. DGE will have more authority over financial and personnel resources so that schools can expect better responsiveness and support. DGE and other senior officers dealing directly with schools will have more say in the advancement and development of Education Officers, and greater authority to fulfil their responsibility and accountability for schools’ performance.

As the head of the Education Service, DGE will offer advice on the development of education policies and ensuring the effective achievement of the desired educational outcomes. Among the most critical tasks of the DGE and the Director of Schools is to ensure that schools have superior leadership and are continually able to respond to the changing social, economic and technological environment of Singapore.

Senior Appointment In Policy Wings, MOE HQ

Since 15 September 97, Tharman Shanmugaratnam who was Deputy Secretary (Policy), was appointed Senior Deputy Secretary. He is concurrently Special Assistant to the Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore.

BG (NS) Lam Joon Khoi, previously Director (Joint Operations and Planning) in MINDEF, was posted to the Ministry and appointed Deputy Secretary (Policy) with effect from 15 September 97.