PEK Hock Thiam
The Public Service,
Accession Number 003574
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 13
Total Reels
- Santanu Gupta
Interviewer
- 10:39:26
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
All rights to the recordings and transcripts on this website, including the rights to copy, publish, broadcast and perform, are reserved. Written permission is required for any use. If you have any queries, please contact nas@nlb.gov.sg
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Reel/Disc 4 of 13
Metadata
- 11 Jan 2011
Recording Date
- 00:58:26
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Posting to aviation portfolio in Ministry of Communications (MinComms). Surprised at smallness of Ministry. Talked about leading delegation to London talks after only 3 months in Ministry. Failure of talks. Subsequently was involved in 35 to 40 Air Services Agreements. His views as to why Singapore became an aviation hub & why Singapore Airlines (SIA) grew into such a major airline. Actively involved in new project to build new Changi airport due to congestion in Paya Lebar. Posted to the Airport Development Unit. Sensitive nature of air talks with Malaysia & differences in approach between MinComms & SIA. Served 15 years in MinComms during which he handled almost every portfolio. As Deputy Secretary later, he had 3 competent ladies under him. His “pregnancy plan”.
Introduction of Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and merger of Telecoms with Postal department. Issues considered when Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) was mooted. Talked about his first Minister in MinComms, Yong Nyuk Lin, then Ministers Lim Kim San & Ong Teng Cheong. Best was Ong.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
