Permanent Secretary for Defence Chan Heng Kee, 57, will be taking over as Head of Civil Service from Leo Yip, 63, on April 1.Yip, who is also Permanent Secretary for the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Permanent Secretary (PMO) (Strategy), will be retiring after 43 years of service in the public sector.Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister-in-Charge of Public Service Chan Chun Sing thanked Yip for his «extensive contributions» to the public service.«I would like to express my gratitude to Leo for his exemplary leadership and extensive contributions to the public service and Singapore over four decades,» Chan said, adding that the retiring permanent secretary was instrumental in charting new direction, pushing boundaries, and strengthening capabilities in the public service.Yip started his career in the Singapore Police Force in 1982. Since then, he has served in various roles, including as principal private secretary to then Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Chairman of the Economic Development Board, and Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs. Read more