A media report earlier this month noted that a former Defence Chief, Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek, would appointed to Permanent Secretary post at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR).

My first impressions of this shift:

1) Environmental and Water issues are taken seriously and given as much attention as other traditional security/military issues.

2) MEWR will possibly run a tighter ship, based on military timing and efficiency.

3) Possibilities of greater integration and cross sectoral cooperation, thereby effectively mainstreaming human security issues into the conventional political realm. 

To read the report in the Today paper, please click on the following link: TODAYonline | Singapore | Former Defence Chief appointed to Permanent Secretary post at MEWR.