Civil service head Leo Yip to retire after 43 years in public sector

Leo Yip, Head of the Civil Service, will retire from his role on Apr. 1, 2026, after 43 years in the public sector.

He will be replaced by Chan Heng Kee, who is currently Permanent Secretary for Defence, and Permanent Secretary (Special Duties) at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Public Service Division (PSD) made the announcement in a media release on Mar. 9, 2026.

Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence, Chan Chun Sing, expressed his "gratitude to Leo for his exemplary leadership and extensive contributions to the Public Service and Singapore over four decades".

Started as a police officer

Yip was a Singapore Police Force overseas scholar who got his start as an investigation officer in the Singapore Police Force (SPF), according to The Straits Times.

Since 1982, Yip rose through the ranks and became the commander of the Clementi Police Division and director of operations.

He has since served in various roles across the public sector, including as Principal Private Secretary to then Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

He was also Chief Executive of then-Singapore Workforce Development Agency, Permanent Secretary (Manpower), Chairman of the Economic Development Board, and Permanent Secretary (Home Affairs).

In 2017, Leo was appointed the Head of Civil Service alongside his concurrent appointments in the PMO as Permanent Secretary of PMO and National Security and Intelligence Coordination. 

Yip was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2018.

From 2020 to 2023, he led the public service's collective response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Head of Civil Service

Upon retirement, 62-year-old Yip will also step down from his roles as Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and PMO Strategy.

Chan, 57, will assume Yip's roles, concurrent to his appointment in the PMO as Permanent Secretary (National Security and Intelligence Coordination). 

He will step down from his roles as Permanent Secretary (Defence) and Permanent Secretary (PMO) (Special Duties) on the same date.

Chan served in various ministries before he was appointed Deputy Secretary (Development) in the PSD, PMO, and concurrently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Civil Service College in 2006.

He has previously served as Permanent Secretary at the then-Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, Permanent Secretary (Health), and Permanent Secretary (Social and Family Development). 

In May 2025, he was appointed Permanent Secretary (PMO) (Special Duties) and in December 2025, Permanent Secretary (National Security and Intelligence Coordination), PMO.

Top photo from PSD Challenge/Website