Minister's Awards Presentation Ceremony 2021 - Congratulatory Remarks by Mr Desmond Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

1.   I want to thank and congratulate all our Home Team officers for your outstanding achievements in operational excellence, quality service and innovation. This is in spite of the stepped up demands and operational challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2.   I am very heartened that our officers have continued to serve with passion, dedication, and maintained the high standard of service that sustains public confidence in the Home Team. This year, we have four recipients of the Distinguished Star Service Award and 69 recipients of the Commendation Star Service Award, who had gone beyond their call of duty to serve our people.

3.   I am also very encouraged to see that the innovation spirit remains strong in the Home Team, and how our officers overcame constraints and disruptions in our work through innovation and the use of technology. This year, we have seven individual and 12 team awards under the Home Team Innovation Award, or InnovA, who went out of their comfort zones, and challenged themselves to come up with practical solutions to improve workforce efficiency. An example is the implementation of Electronic Health Declaration Card by ICA.

4.   The Home Team’s mission success hinges on the quality and dedication of our officers. Every project, every operation, every officer, and every partner play a critical role that collectively contributes to the safety and security of Singapore. Keep up the great teamwork and innovative spirit. My heartiest congratulations to all award recipients, and thank you for your tremendous work!