South Africa’s Cabinet Secretary joined Singapore’s executive programme on future work and policymaking.
Ms. Phindile Baleni, Director-General and Secretary of the Cabinet of the Republic of South Africa, participated in the Futures for Public Policy Executive Education Programme in Singapore from 15 to 18 September 2026. Held at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), National University of Singapore (NUS), at its Bukit Timah campus, the four-day programme was conducted at the invitation of the Government of Singapore and focused on the Future of Work.
The 2026 programme examined changes affecting workplaces, workforces and economies, including technological advancement, evolving workforce dynamics and their implications for employers, workers, governments and society.
A central component of the programme was futures thinking and scenario planning. These approaches support policymakers and public-sector leaders in identifying emerging trends, examining assumptions and considering different possible futures when preparing institutions for uncertainty and change. Participants also exchanged perspectives and experiences on policy challenges associated with the changing world of work.
Ms. Baleni’s participation took place within the longstanding public-sector cooperation between South Africa and Singapore, including through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP). Established in 1992, the SCP provides training, capacity building and partnerships for developing countries, with human-capital development and knowledge sharing central to its approach.
South Africa has been a high-priority country under the SCP since 1993. More than 800 South African public officials have participated in SCP training programmes covering areas including economic development, trade, urban solutions and public administration.
The continued engagement provides opportunities for South African and Singaporean public-sector institutions to exchange practical experiences in governance and public-sector development. Ms Baleni’s participation in the Futures for Public Policy programme added a further platform for dialogue on long-term planning, institutional capability, technological change and the future of work.
The programme also provided an opportunity for South Africa to share its perspectives and policy experiences with public-sector leaders from other contexts. Discussions on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, changing labour markets and evolving expectations of public institutions highlighted the relevance of futures thinking to public-sector policymaking.
Through the SCP and related executive education initiatives, South Africa and Singapore continue to facilitate professional development, knowledge exchange and institutional engagement in public administration and governance.
Source: South African High Commission in Singapore
