NAIR, Dileep
The Public Service,
Accession Number 003822
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 8
Total Reels
- Santanu Gupta
Interviewer
- 07:32:45
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
Reel/Disc 1 of 8
Metadata
- 14 Oct 2013
Recording Date
- 00:58:11
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:42) His personal and family background.
(0:03:37) They lived in Buffalo Road which was in the heart of Little India.
(0:05:49) He had a lot of friends living in the houses along Buffalo Road.
(0:07:07) The games he played in childhood.
(0:08:54) He went to Newton Boys School, a primary school in Newton Road.
(0:11:36) He had a great interest in reading and a flair for English and Mathematics.
(0:12:31) Recalled some interesting teachers in primary school.
(0:16:01) He had problems with bullies in primary 4 and 5 but bribed them by giving them books.
(0:17:42) His favourite pastimes in school.
(0:19:43) Entry into Raffles Institution (RI) in 1963, where entry was competitive.
(0:21:00) His impression of Principals Jesudason and Philip Liau.
(0:24:11) The environment in RI was competitive.
(0:25:38) He was elected to the Prefectorial Board.
(0:29:07) He recalled some interesting schoolmates from RI.
(0:32:33) He became Head Prefect.
(0:38:42) He reflected that the prefects had good support from teachers.
(0:39:25) He became a good editor of the school magazine.
(0:43:35) His father passed away in 1967 when he was in Pre-U 1.
(0:45:57) Reason he ended up in mechanical engineering even though he wanted to do electrical engineering.
(0:46:34) He attended a Public Service Commission (PSC) interview for the scholarship.
(0:49:02) His studies in Canada was quite an awakening to him.
(0:50:15) Experienced initial difficulties and culture shock in Canada but adjusted gradually.
(0:51:24) Undergraduate life at McGill University.
(0:56:32) Full immersion into the University’s activities.
(0:56:52) He became very involved with the Malaysia-Singapore Students Association.
His background date and place of birth, his parents, his neighbourhood, his grandfather, life in in the '50s, the games he played in childhood. His primary school. Great interest in reading and flair for English and Mathematics. Interesting teachers in primary school. Entry into Raffles Institution (RI) in 1963. Intense competition. About Principals Jesudason and Philip Liau.
Prefect first,then Head Prefect – close interaction with teachers. Good support from teachers. Very enjoyable stint in RI. Editor of school magazine. Demise of father in 1967 when he was in Pre-U 1. Move of family to Siglap. Awarded Colombo Plan Scholarship to do Mechanical.
Engineering in Canada. Country an eye-opener for him. Initial difficulties in Canada, but adjusted gradually. International flavour of McGill University. Undergraduate life in Canada.
Full immersion into University’s activities.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 8
Metadata
- 8 Oct 2013
Recording Date
- 00:58:11
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:43) Elaborated on Canada and life in the dormitory.
(0:05:34) Reminisced the warm hospitality from Canadian host families.
(0:07:20) How living in Canada made him very much more international than he would otherwise have been.
(0:13:33) Visits to Europe during vacation.
(0:17:43) He worked during the summer to earn pocket money.
(0:19:54) He graduated in 1973.
(0:22:38) Received offer from university to do post-graduate but not agreed to by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
(0:24:37) Inducted into National Service (NS) on return.
(0:27:19) He underwent Basic Military Training (BMT) and then went to section leader's training.
(0:27:57) Sought exemption from NS on the basis that he was the family’s sole breadwinner.
(0:29:04) Request granted with the move to a government job.
(0:30:11) Reason he was posted to the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to work in a brick factory.
(0:33:50) How he ended up joining the administrative service.
(0:38:20) He wrote a letter to the head of the civil service stating that he would like to move to the administrative service.
(0:41:01) First posting to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on 1 Jan 1979.
(0:41:29) His job as head of Air Force Purchasing in MINDEF.
(0:43:25) Anecdote about the proposal to purchase C-130 aircraft.
(0:45:22) His impression of Lam Chuan Leong.
(0:47:03) He recalled receiving advice from Philip Yeo, who was good to him.
(0:49:22) He was posted to the Budget Division of the Ministry of Finance (MOF) in July 1979.
(0:50:00) Mentioned his encounter with Office Superintendent Michael Wong and his positive impression of the latter.
(0:51:44) Attendance at the first budget review committee meeting chaired by MOF's Permanent Secretary (PS), George Edwin Bogaars.
(0:52:21) Recalled the unique personality and working style of George Edwin Bogaars.
(0:54:21) Shared an anecdote about his encounter with George Edwin Bogaars in the washroom.
(0:54:52) Recalled meeting in coffee club in Central Provident Fund (CPF) building.
(0:56:41) He was asked to chair the Executive Officer (EO) interviews.
About Canada and Montreal. About Canadians and their hospitality. Home visits and sleeping in barns. Global exposure there. Hitch hiking and Canada’s beauty. Odd jobs to earn some money. Visits to Europe during vacation. Graduated in 1973. Offer from university to do post-graduate but not agreed to by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Inducted into National Service (NS) on return. Hokkien peng group. Enjoyed Basic Military Training (BMT). Tough training in the Training Institute. Sought exemption from NS on basis that he was the family’s sole breadwinner. Request granted with move to a government job. Posted to the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to work in a brick factory. Enjoyed it. Government initiative to get engineers to join Administrative Service. Opted to join in 1978. First posting to Mindef on 1 Jan 1979. His job in Mindef. Anecdote about proposal to purchase C-130 aircraft. About Lam Chuan Leong, Head Air Manpower. A very bright man. About another bright officer Philip Yeo. Told Ministry of Finance (MOF) needed an Admin Officer. So posted to the Budget Division of MOF in Jul 1979. Encounter with Office Superintendent Michael Wong. Attendance at first budget review committee meeting chaired by Permanent Secretary (PS) MOF GE Bogaars. Unique personality and working style of GE Bogaars. Coffee club in MOF.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 8
Metadata
- 18 Oct 2013
Recording Date
- 00:58:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:01:39) Mentioned his bosses and colleagues in the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
(0:02:49) The Coffee club was a bonding of civil servants.
(0:05:14) Recalled new Permanent Secretary (PS) Herman Ronald Hochstadt and the changes he introduced.
(0:10:50) Move of MOF from the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Building to the Treasury Building.
(0:11:49) Start of productivity drive in Singapore with MOF steering it.
(0:13:58) Start of computerisation in the civil service.
(0:15:24) He went to Harvard in 1982 for a Master in Public Administration (MPA).
(0:17:08) Met many interesting mid-career people in Boston.
(0:18:35) His mother passed away in September 1982 while he was in Boston.
(0:23:17) Handled the project of re-writing the Government Instruction Manuals (IMs) assigned by Herman Ronald Hochstadt.
(0:25:29) Recalled encounter with unionist G. Kandasamy.
(0:27:35) How he met Tony Tan.
(0:31:27) Induction of Richard Hu into politics.
(0:32:08) Amusing anecdote about an annexure to a Cabinet Paper.
(0:36:36) His work as a member of the team tasked to revamp the Ministry of Social Affairs (MSA).
(0:38:33) MSA was underfunded and understaffed, considered a "Cinderella ministry."
(0:44:19) His posting to the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) helmed by Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
(0:45:04) His impressions of Lee Hsien Loong.
(0:46:15) Setting up of the Economic Committee to tackle the recession.
(0:48:44) Close coordination between MTI and the statutory boards.
(0:50:19) Elaborated the works he had done in MTI, e.g., CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and air services negotiation.
(0:55:47) Idea of developing Batam and its implementation.
(0:57:55) His impressions of the new PS Lam Chuan Leong.
His bosses and colleagues in Ministry of Finance (MOF). Bonding and preparations for budget review. Stroke suffered by GE Bogaars. New PS HR Hochstadt and changes introduced by him. Move of MOF from CPF Building to Treasury Building. Start of productivity drive in Singapore with MOF steering it. Start of computerisation in the civil service. His move to Harvard in 1982 to do a Master in Public Administration (MPA). Meeting many interesting mid-career people in Boston. Sudden demise of his mother in Sep 1982 while he was in Boston.
Job of re-writing the Government Instruction Manuals (IMs), a cumbersome job. Improving the lot of daily rated employees. Encounter with unionist G.Kandasamy. First encounter with Tony Tan. Induction of Richard Hu into politics. Amusing anecdote about an annexure to a Cabinet Paper. His work as member of team tasked to revamp the Ministry of Social Affairs (MSA).
His posting to the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) helmed by Minister Lee Hsien Loong. His impressions of Lee Hsien Loong. Setting up of the Economic Committee to tackle recession. Heavy workload in MTI. Bright young officers there. Close coordination between MTI and the statutory boards. Talked about Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Idea of developing Batamand its implementation. Economic defence. New PS Lam Chuan Leong in MTI. His impressions of Lam Chuan Leong.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 8
Metadata
- 21 Oct 2013
Recording Date
- 00:58:04
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:45) Perception of parents towards National Service (NS).
(0:01:29) Continuous efforts to fine-tune NS.
(0:04:57) They also changed the word “reservist” to “Operationally Ready National Service” in reservist training.
(0:08:03) His three months in the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard and 2-month Leadership Programme at the Civil Service College (CSC).
(0:12:19) Sent to New York to study how the productivity movement could be introduced into Singapore.
(0:13:11) First exposure to the United Nations (UN).
(0:15:23) Introduction of scholars into MINDEF.
(0:19:45) He elaborated on the “wrangler” scheme.
(0:21:37) Why and how he moved to the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) as its CEO in 1997.
(0:25:48) Talked about 4 to 5 major initiatives to improve the image and service of POSB.
(0:30:07) His weekly visits to 2 POSB branches.
(0:35:33) The job in POSB was fulfilling.
(0:38:34) His shock at the sudden merger of POSB with the Development Bank of Singapore Ltd (DBS) in 1998.
(0:42:18) Assurances were given to POSB staff that their jobs were secured.
(0:48:36) Loss of POSB customers after the merger and reasons for this.
(0:50:04) Left the Administrative Service and joined DBS.
(0:51:17) Approached by Kishore Mahbubani about a job in the UN titled Under Secretary General of Internal Oversight and whether he was interested.
(0:55:57) He consulted a few senior people on the offer and decided to take the job after meeting Kofi Annan and a few undersecretary generals.
Perception of parents towards National Service (NS). Continuous efforts to fine-tune NS. His 3 months in the Advanced Management Programme in Harvard, and 2-month Leadership Programme in the Civil Service College (CSC). Introduction of scholars into Mindef. Sent to New York to study how the productivity movement could be introduced into Singapore. First exposure to the United Nations (UN). About the “wrangler” scheme. Why and how he moved to the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) as its CEO in 1997. Talked about 4 to 5 major initiatives to improve image and service of POSB. Major change from Mindef. His weekly visits to 2 POSB branches.
Need to boost customer-centric service in POSB. POSB first bank to introduce internet banking amongst local banks. Foray into home mortgages and purchase of bonds. Fulfilling job in POSB.
His shock in the sudden merger of POSB with DBS in 1998. Complete takeover by DBS on 1 Jan 1998. Assurances given to POSB staff. Loss of POSB customers after merger and reasons for this. Moved to a different unit in DBS. Retired from the Administrative Service and joined DBS.
Approached by Kishore Mahbubani about a job in the UN titled Under Secretary General Of Internal Oversight and whether he was interested. Consulted a few senior people on this.
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Reel/Disc 7 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Oct 2013
Recording Date
- 00:58:11
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:43) How he ended up being appointed as the Consul-General.
(0:04:51) The challenge of finding new accommodation in Dubai.
(0:08:09) Talked about Dubai’s demographic and its dynamic leadership.
(0:11:27) Lee Kuan Yew visited Dubai on multiple occasions.
(0:15:25) He elaborated on the duty of a Consul-General in hosting the ministers.
(0:18:55) The main thing in Dubai that Lee Kuan Yew was really impressed with.
(0:23:36) He described Dubai as “Singapore on steroids”.
(0:26:41) Many Singaporean companies used Dubai as a base for that region.
(0:27:53) The Chinese went to Dubai in very big numbers.
(0:30:32) There were about 1000 Singaporeans living in Dubai.
(0:31:43) Recalled visits by President Nathan and PM Lee Hsien Loong.
(0:35:50) He formed a club in Dubai known as Friends of Singapore.
(0:37:49) He mentioned M. Shahbani, who was impressed with the efficiency of Singapore’s government services.
(0:39:28) Enjoyed his 6-year stint in Dubai.
(0:44:44) Talked about daughter’s move to work in Dubai and her marriage there.
(0:47:54) Completed assignment in Dubai in 2011 and posted as Ambassador to Laos in 2011.
(0:51:37) He described that Laos was like Singapore on Valium.
(0:54:04) He mentioned the new house and how he settled in.
His work as the Consul-General. Talked about Dubai and its dynamic leadership. Many visits by senior Singaporeans to explore opportunities in Dubai. Large Indian population there. Building boom. Visit of MM Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore’s links with Dubai. Labelled it “Singapore on steroids’.
Sudden downturn in 2009. About 1,000 Singaporeans there. Visits by President Nathan and PM Lee Hsien Loong. Enjoyed his 6-year stint in Dubai. Talked about daughter’s move to work in Dubai and her marriage there. Completed assignment in Dubai in 2011 and posted as Ambassador to Laos in 2011. Talked a bit about Laos, settling in there, the general pace of work, adjustment problems for his dog.
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Reel/Disc 8 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Oct 2013
Recording Date
- 00:44:37
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:01:53) He mentioned life in Laos and the influence of the Chinese.
(0:03:25) Assistance rendered by Singapore to Laos.
(0:05:26) His involvement in the Asian-European Summit (ASEM) hosted by Laos in 2012.
(0:06:38) Singapore’s assistance in various areas was greatly appreciated by Laos.
(0:10:11) He elaborated on the Overseas Community Immersion Program, where they sent people to Vientiane and other parts of Laos.
(0:11:47) His opinion that Lao's development had a long way to go.
(0:13:21) Talked about his visits to areas outside Vientiane. Legacy of the French and French food there.
(0:14:27) Laos is the most heavily bombed per capita in the world.
(0:17:37) Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) funded the project to unearth unexploded bombs.
(0:20:07) Completed stint there in 2013, returned to Singapore and appointed Non-Resident High Commissioner to Ghana.
(0:21:11) Scope of work and opportunities for Singapore companies in Ghana.
(0:21:29) He was an advisor to a couple of companies and gave some lectures.
(0:24:38) His involvement with the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA).
(0:28:49) He rejected the idea of retirement and believed in the importance of keeping a person active both mentally and physically.
(0:29:29) Importance of keeping the mind occupied.
(0:32:44) His wife’s work with NGOs and social activities overseas.
(0:35:29) He had no regrets about his career decisions.
(0:39:19) His thoughts on major challenges facing Singapore in the next 10 to 15 years.
(0:44:23) He thought that they should focus on English and just had a general working knowledge of the other languages.
Life in Laos. Structure of government there. Influence of China. Assistance rendered by Singapore to Laos. Asian-European Summit (ASEM) hosted by Laos in 2012. Singapore’s assistance in various areas greatly appreciated by Laos. His visits to areas outside Vientiane. Legacy of French of French food there. Laos most heavily bombed per capita in the world. Project to unearth unexploded bombs. Forgiving nature of people in Laos. Completed stint there in 2013, returned to Singapore and appointed Non-Resident High Commissioner to Ghana. Scope of work and opportunities for Singapore companies in Ghana. Other work done by him since his return. His views on ethnic-based self-help groups. His involvement with SINDA. His thoughts on retirement. Importance of keeping mind active. His wife’s work overseas. No regrets about hiscareer. His idea of doing right things in life. His thoughts on major challenges facing Singapore in the next 10 to 15 years.
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