QLC team gains insight on public policy, governance

Qatar Leadership Centre’s (QLC) Government Leaders gained insight on public policy and governance on a recent Learning Journey to Singapore.
The trip, a staple of QLC’s yearlong programme, fostered knowledge exchange between QLC participants and their Singaporean counterparts at all levels of government. Alongside top policy minds, participants learned about Singapore’s approach to addressing its national opportunities and challenges, according to a statement.
Singapore’s experience is instructive for the participants, who are on the leading edge of Qatar’s own development; a strong desire for further progress and development is what the countries have in common. More importantly, they share similar views on path-to-growth strategies. Both Singapore and Qatar play a vital role within their regions, demonstrating that success does not depend on the size of the country, the statement notes.
“As growing countries on the global stage, Singapore and Qatar developed strategic visions to guide transformation and advancement,” said Dr Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani, managing director and member of the Board of Directors of QLC. “Engaging with public sector experts who contributed to Singapore’s vast achievements inspires the Government Leaders to develop smart, creative policies that will help Qatar continue to thrive.”
The Government Leaders Learning Journey was co-organised by Civil Service College Singapore, a partner of QLC. Tina Tan, director of Civil Service College International, welcomed the participants during an opening ceremony.
The agenda included workshops on the fundamentals of good governance as well as policy development for economic development and diversification. Government Leaders also participated in a special session on Total Defence with Singapore’s Ministry of Defence. Total Defence is a framework in which every sector of Singapore’s society is called upon to do its part to protect the country from military, civil, economic and social threats.
An important topic addressed in the interactive sessions was cybersecurity. The Government Leaders met with Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency to discuss new challenges in an increasingly connected world.
The participants also learned how Singapore serves its elderly citizens, visiting the Council for Third Age. There, they saw how the organisation promoted active ageing for senior citizens through volunteerism and education.