The Kazakh delegation visited Singapore to study best practices in public financial management

The Kazakh delegation visited Singapore to study best practices in public financial management

Over the last years, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s administration has undertaken large-scale political, economic and social reforms aimed at building Just Kazakhstan: from modernizing the governance system to improving the welfare of citizens and developing a competitive economy.

In his State-of-the-Nation Address of 1 September 2021, titled ‘Unity of the People and Systemic Reforms are a Solid Foundation for the Nation's Prosperity’, President Tokayev tasked the Government with “introducing a block budget with increased responsibility of administrators of budget programmes”. 

This important endeavour is expected “to simplify budget processes, and radically reduce bureaucracy in this matter”. Indeed, the block budgeting implies increased flexibility and independence of state bodies within the processes of budget planning and execution. 

As the block budgeting has approached the phase of practical implementation, the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE), in collaboration with the Center for Strategic Initiatives (CSI) (Kazakhstan), National University of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Singapore, organised the ‘Excellence in Public Financial Management Study Programme’ 
from 7 to 11 April 2025.

The programme was attended by a 16-strong group of Kazakh officials representing various ministries, agencies, local administrations, and the Embassy of Kazakhstan. The group was led by Vice-Minister for Finance Mr. Abzal Beisenbekuly.

This course has been designed to provide valuable insights into Singapore’s approach to fiscal management and public financial governance. It aimed to equip and help its participants achieve the following objectives:

  1. Gain a deeper understanding of Singapore’s fiscal management and budgeting processes, including the principles that have shaped Singapore’s sustainable and disciplined financial framework.
  2. Explore innovative fiscal policies that have enabled Singapore to adapt to global economic changes while ensuring long-term financial resilience.
  3. Learn about the complementary systems and governance mechanisms that reinforce Singapore’s public financial management, such as robust auditing, digital transformation, and strategic investment initiatives.
  4. Discuss ways to adapt Singapore’s financial management model to Kazakhstan’s own economic and administrative context, fostering practical and impactful applications.

Over the 5-day intensive course in Singapore, the Kazakh team engaged with Singaporean policymakers, financial experts, and thought leaders who generously shared their experiences and insights. There is no doubt that the new valuable expertise gained in Singapore will strongly contribute to advancing Kazakhstan’s public financial management journey.

In the meantime, the Programme was yet another testament of the strong partnership between Kazakhstan and Singapore, strongly reinvigorated after the historic visit by President Tokayev in the Lion City in May 2024.

As the programme has successfully concludes, our special thanks go Mr. Kong Wy Mun, CEO of SCE, and his most powerful team, including Ms. Daisy Boon, Director for Central and South Asia, and Yvonne Lim, Senior Manager for Central and South Asia. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to Prof. Francesco Mancini, Vice-Dean (Executive Education) of the LKYSPP. They all were integral in making this programme a reality.

In the years to come, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Singapore looks forward to the continued exchanges of knowledge and best practices between our two friendly countries.