KUCHING: Heads of the Sarawak Civil Service (SCS) must possess the ability to manage change effectively to ensure public service delivery remains relevant, responsive and aligned with increasingly dynamic modern demands.
State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki emphasised that today’s landscape of change is more drastic than ever, demanding swift action and visionary leadership from Heads of Department as organisational leaders.
He noted that the capacity to adapt is no longer optional but a core requirement for those at the helm of public institutions.
“As Heads of Department, it is your responsibility to constantly improve the way you carry out your duties from staff management to customer relations because these are elements we cannot avoid.
“I believe that roles will eventually change; for instance, when I retire as Sarawak Secretary, my successor will undoubtedly introduce new ideas. Ultimately, success comes down to effective change management,” he said during his keynote address at the JUSA Grade 14 Career Development Programme, titled “Thinking Like a Leader: Improving Leadership Skills for Senior Civil Service Officers in Sarawak,” held here on Sunday.
He also urged senior officials to move beyond purely conventional methods, advocating for a “field approach” within the SCS.
This strategy encourages leaders to be physically present and aware of ground-level needs, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to facilitate the smooth execution of every task.
The programme saw the participation of 19 Heads of Department, serving as a critical self-development milestone for officers before their promotion to Main Grade C (VU7).
