Dinesh, 49, has helmed AIC since 2023 – first as CEO-designate before taking on the role officially in February 2024. - ST
SINGAPORE: Dinesh Vasu Dash, the chief executive of the Agency for Integrated Care, is expected to resign in the next few days and join politics, The Straits Times has learnt.
His resignation would be the latest among a raft of senior public servants who have left the service in the last few weeks, ahead of the next general election expected by mid-year.
Dinesh, 49, has helmed AIC since 2023 – first as CEO-designate before taking on the role officially in February 2024.
AIC is the agency that coordinates care services for seniors.
Under his leadership, AIC rolled out programmes to encourage more seniors to volunteer and supported the implementation of Healthier SG, among other initiatives.
Before joining AIC, Dinesh was director of the Health Ministry’s crisis strategy and operations group during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He was also behind the push to vaccinate Singaporeans against the virus, for which he received the Public Service Star (Covid-19) award in 2024.
The special edition of the national award was given to those who led major efforts contributing significantly to managing the impact of the pandemic on Singapore.
Before joining MOH in 2020, Dinesh spent more than 25 years in the Singapore Armed Forces and rose to the rank of brigadier-general.
He was commander of the 2nd People’s Defence Force, and led an SAF taskforce providing security during the 2018 summit between United States President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The Straits Times has contacted Dinesh for comment.
His expected departure follows the announcement of resignations of three senior civil servants on March 25.
They are: second permanent secretary Jeffrey Siow from the Ministry of Manpower and Trade and Industry; Budget director Shawn Loh from the Ministry of Finance, where he was director of security and resilience programmes; and director of the Smart Nation Strategy Office Goh Hanyan, who is also director of the national AI group for policy and strategy in the Ministry of Digital Development and Information.
Earlier, ST reported that deputy secretary (policy) Jasmin Lau from the Health Ministry and director for private and future mobility Foo Cexiang from the Ministry of Transport had also resigned.
They will all leave the service within the next two weeks.
The PAP has traditionally tapped public service leaders when sourcing for candidates. Those who are chosen to stand often resign in the lead-up to the election, as they are not allowed to participate in political activities while in the service. - The Straits Times/ANN
