AIPSI talk explores the foundations of effective leadership

Former Brigadier-General of the Singapore Armed Forces and International Consultant, Mr Ong Boon Hwee, shared insights on effective leadership during a talk entitled ‘Discovering Leadership’, held this morning at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation (AIPSI) in Réduit.

He stressed that leadership goes beyond positions and titles, and is grounded in strong values, meaningful relationships and a genuine commitment to people.

The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam; the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; the Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, Mr Lutchmanah Pentiah; Ministers; senior public officers; and other stakeholders attended the event. Prime Minister Ramgoolam also unveiled the AIPSI logo on the occasion.

Mr Ong described leadership fundamentally as a relationship, stressing that holding a leadership position merely provides an opportunity to lead, while effective leadership depends on others responding and following. He urged leaders to recognise the human dimension of organisations and avoid viewing people simply as resources.

He further underscored the importance of developing leadership from the inside out, with the will to lead as its foundation, credibility rooted in principles and values, and the ability to lead demonstrated through action. In this regard, he stressed that ‘being comes before doing’, particularly as leaders are expected to model character and values for younger generations.

Mr Ong further highlighted several qualities he considered essential to effective leadership, including a willingness to learn, integrity, a positive attitude, decisiveness, professional excellence, resilience, sincerity, intuition and a people-centred approach. Referring to his recent interaction with Prime Minister Ramgoolam, he noted that he was particularly impressed by the willingness of leaders in the Mauritian Civil Service to learn.

In his closing remarks, Minister Pentiah thanked Mr Ong for sharing his leadership experience and insights. He reiterated the Government’s emphasis on education and youth, stressing that children represent the future of the country and the generation to whom its legacy will be entrusted.

The talk formed part of Mr Ong’s visit to Mauritius in the context of the National Initiative for Civic Education, which seeks to promote discipline, respect, patriotism and social responsibility among young people.

21 September 2026

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Topics: Civil Service