MFA Press Statement: Appointment of Singapore’s High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa

The Government has appointed Mr Bernard William Baker as Singapore's next High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa with effect from 16 March 2009.

Mr Baker joined the Singapore Foreign Service in 1982. In 1989, he left to do a stint in the private sector before re-joining the Foreign Service in 1991.

He began his career on the Eastern European Desk before becoming Assistant Director for Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea. He later served in the Policy, Planning and Analysis Directorate IV, Technical Cooperation Directorate and International Economics Directorate. Mr Baker has also served in the Singapore High Commissions in Wellington, New Delhi and Pretoria, and as Singapore's Consul-General in Vancouver.

In April 2006, Mr Baker was appointed Director/Public Affairs and Press Secretary to the Foreign Minister, posts he held until early-February 2009.

Mr Baker was awarded the Long Service Award (15 years) in 2005.

Mr Baker is married to Madam Susan Ong. They have two children.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
25 FEBRUARY 2009

Biographical Summary

Mr Bernard Baker was born on 17 April 1957. He last served as Director/Public Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was concurrently the Press Secretary to the Foreign Minister.

Mr Baker graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science (Political Science) Honours Degree from the National University of Singapore in 1982. He was with the Singapore Foreign Service from 1982 to 1989 during which he served on the Eastern European Desk, and Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea Desks (Political Division) before being posted to the Singapore High Commission in Wellington (1985 to 1989).

Mr Baker was appointed Assistant Director/International Organisations/PPA Directorate IV in December 1991. He has served in the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi (1992 to 1995). Mr Baker was Deputy Director/Technical Co-operation (1995 to 1996) and subsequently Deputy Director/International Economics (1996 to 1997). He was Acting High Commissioner in the Singapore High Commission in Pretoria (1997 to 2002). He later served as Deputy Director/PPA Directorate IV (February 2002 to April 2002) before he assumed post as Consul-General in Vancouver (2002 to 2004).

From September 2004 to October 2005, Mr Baker served as Deputy Director/Special Projects/Public Affairs. In November 2005, he was appointed Acting Director/Public Affairs. He was appointed Director/Public Affairs in April 2006.

Mr Baker was awarded the Long Service Award (15 years) in 2005.

Mr Baker is married to Madam Susan Ong. They have a son and a daughter.

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Feb 09