Voices Reloaded - Interview with CEO

New strategic areas

Mr Lam:
HBP’s Strategic Review was completed in January 06 and based on the review, new strategic areas have been identified. As a follow-up, we needed to restructure the organisation to support HPB’s new strategic thrusts. In addition, feedback sessions from colleagues brought up the need for some adjustments. Subsequently, the directors and I had meetings to discuss the matter. We looked at different options before we finalized the changes that will allow us to support the new strategic plans and also to minimise some of the shortcomings that were surfaced in the feedback sessions. It was also very important to ensure that every one was comfortable with the new structure. It will allow colleagues to work well as a team and not in silos.

Enhanced effectiveness and efficiency

As we move forward, there are two important areas to focus on, in-order to achieve more with less. HPB has to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency – to work better internally, to reach our target groups better. We intend to hold quarterly meetings between the programme teams, i.e. the Adult and Youth teams. This will provide a platform for them to share experiences and domain knowledge, and they don’t have to “re-invent the wheel” for similar projects. This will also ensure that the messages to the various target groups are in sync.

Better collaboration with partners

The other focus is on collaboration with partners. We have to reach out to partners better so as reach out to our target groups better. Going forward, there will be a Programme Outreach to interface with the key partners representing the different audience. i.e. A Programme Outreach under Adult Health Division, to interface with community and workplaces and a Programme Outreach under Youth Health Division to interface with partners in schools and tertiary institutions.

Basically, the Programme Outreach will identify partnership opportunities, alignment with the needs of programme developer, establish channels for collaboration, maintain effective relationships with partners as a single point of contact and identify needs and securing buy-in for capacity building among partners. This is the new focus.

New IT Governance & Management

The new Division on IT governance and management will focus on how to harness IT to improve the efficiency and effectiveness in HPB’s health promotion efforts. It will also promote the sharing of knowledge, experience and expertise among colleagues.

Research and Strategic Planning

The renamed Research & Strategic Planning Division will undertake the strategic planning for HPB, in addition to other responsibilities. It is important to formalise the role of strategic planning so as to ensure that the Board’s vision, mission and strategies are constantly relevant to the evolving needs of Singaporeans, and aligned to those of MOH’s.

Editor:
What advice would you give to staff who are affected by the changes, to make their adjustments smoother?

Mr Lam:
First of all it is very important for our colleagues to understand the rationale for the changes. If you do not know understand, obviously then you do not buy-in to the changes. That was why I offered to have small group sessions to explain the rationale and the logic why we want to change. If you want a small session group with me, please let me know. I had a small group session with the Adult Health group recently to explain the changes.

Secondly, having a positive mindset is also very important. This is part of the advice. To be able to accept and embrace changes, you need to have a positive mindset as well as to be able to get out of your comfort zone. Human beings, including myself, tend to have our own niche. We sometimes need to tell ourselves; “Time to get out of the comfort zone and climb to greater heights!”

Thank you Mr Lam for your time and advice. We wish you success as you lead HPBians to new heights.