Thanks Jeanette for the clarification... so the relaxation of investment income accounting rules can help to fund the $700m interest rate increase, the D-bonuses (which will probably taper off in 10 years anyway) can be paid out of increased economic growth, and the GST hike is paying for workfare.

From: Jason Bay Hanwei, SO ___, DPO
Sent: 08 June 2007 16:13
Subject: Thanks for the memories!

Dear all,

As many of you know by now, after 1 year and 10 months, the time has come for me to move on. Today will be my last day in Policy, and come 2 Jul, I will be posting to Strategic Policy Office, PSD, to begin serving my scholarship bond as a Futures (aka Scenario Planning) Analyst. While I eagerly anticipate my new posting, there is nonetheless some sadness in leaving Policy, where I have built up a certain comfort level working on Desk issues and working with all my colleagues. I definitely feel very fortunate to have, in my time here, gained some things that have made saying goodbye so hard.

If my next posting is to be my first bond posting, it would probably not be incorrect to dub my time in Policy my zero-th posting. Doing regular Desk work in Policy has given me a real headstart in life. Through all the ups and downs, and the oh-so-many "salmon days" we've all gone through, I've definitely become more attuned to the demands of working life in general and the civil service in particular. It has been a learning experience, in thinking critically, putting forth cogent arguments and, most importantly, in dealing with people. Even on the eve of my departure from Policy, I am still being made aware of how much more I have to go in learning to deal with others.

Most importantly, I have been privileged to have been acquainted with a bunch of the most dynamic, dedicated colleagues one could wish for. Really, the journey was something already, but it was the company along the way which made it really special and enjoyable. Coming into Policy with precious little working experience was an overwhelming experience, and would have remained overwhelming had I not been fortunate to have had so many helpful friends and colleagues along the way. In particular, special mention goes to those I worked with on a daily basis:-

DPO - Sometimes I wondered if it was such a good idea to have approached you after "crashing" the MINDEF tea session in Jul 05. As an electrical engineer, it sure felt like being a fish out of water at times. But when all's said and done, if I had a chance to do it all again, I would definitely not change anything. I cannot imagine a better, more enriching and meaningful way to serve your NSF obligation. Thank you for the opportunity!

COL Chia - You accepted and instilled only the highest standards of work in all around you, and we are all better off for it. I know that you always had the interests of your staff at heart, and I learnt many vital lessons during the 9 months we had with you as our DD. If I leave Policy with a keen eye for the slightest of details, it will be because of the valuable lessons which you imparted to all the officers who came and went through the doors of P_ under your charge.

Ee Ping - I don't think saying that you taught me something does justice at all to the impact you've made to my life. Of much greater significance was the fact that you were a role model to look up to, in deeds and in attitude. As a mentor and leader, I think it's far more important that your co-workers see you practice, than hear you preach - and this was certainly the case with you. I've read your message on the card, and if it is indeed true that I have grown in this job, it is only because of people like you who set an example for the rest of us to emulate.

Deanne - As a senior colleague, and later as branch head, thank you for your guidance. I would never have gotten past my first few months in office without your patient advice and assistance. Your slightly warped sense of humour really helped us get through some difficult times too, as is your ability to cut right to the chase and bring issues into sharper focus. Thanks for hosting the many snack sessions in your office, and for being so approachable!

Tiana - Wow, time flies. Having worked with you for the entirety of my time in Policy, from Asian Aerospace, to DCA, to _________… I must say I'm amazed by your commitment and dedication. I'll remember you for something you said to me late one Apr 07 night when we were both frustrated at one particular SAF department. In voicing your frustration, you had told me that you felt very strongly that the work we do is important, and as such it deserves to be done well. It's reassuring to know that we still have passionate people like you in MINDEF, both professionally and personally.

Pui Leng - The saying has to be that behind every staff officer is a tireless Registry assistant, and they don't come as dedicated as you. Thank you for all the late nights preparing briefs and all, and all the help finding that one submission buried in some file from the mid-1990s in the basement office.

Seet - Thanks for all the encouragement. Your cheerful personality is refreshing and our branch morale definitely went up with your arrival. Thanks for all the help and support this past year!

Yvonne - For putting up with all the "So, Yvonne, has our submission been approved by Minister yet?" calls, thank you. I'll greatly miss your friendship and advice, not to mention the "DPO wants to see you now" calls :) Okay, maybe I won't miss the last bit...

Jeet - Thanks for all your help setting up meetings, and keeping all our schedules aligned. I am still very impressed by the archive of files which you maintain, and which the Desk officers have referred to from time to time. It has certainly proven its worth from time to time.

Thomas - Here's wishing you the best of luck. ___ is an exciting Desk to be on and a great place to learn. Develop your own style and never be afraid to ask questions, especially while you have the benefit of being new. The smart questions now get sillier and sillier the longer you hold them off, and remember that Deanne and Tiana are the best repositories of advice you'll have in this office.

Unfortunately, due to space constraints, I have to restrict this list to my immediate work colleagues, and will have to dish out my other thank-you's in person. I know that even as we say goodbye, ultimately we are all part of Singapore Inc, and have all at one point in time or another felt and experienced the value and importance of the work we do defending Singapore and Singapore's interests. I look forward to working with you all again, and hope that our paths will cross again - sooner rather than later.

I will remain contactable at ________@______________.___ and _________@___.___.__ (after 2 Jul), and via cell at ____ ____. Keep in touch!

Best wishes and warmest regards,

Jason Bay
SO Region __ (outgoing), DPO

PS Thank you for indulging me through this long long email...

PPS Most grateful if you have phone recommendations. After nearly 2 years deprived of a camera-phone or the latest geek gadgets, you will understand why that will be the first thing I buy after we get our pay/allowance this weekend...