SINGAPORE — From pounding the streets as a police constable to thwarting a local terror plot as the Internal Security Department (ISD) director, Mr Benny Lim has seen — and done — much as one of the nation’s top public servants.

And after 37 years in the public service, the 59-year-old Mr Lim — who Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said is “respected and loved as a leader” — will be retiring at the end of this month.

“We will miss him,” said Mr Lee in a tribute to Mr Lim at a promotion ceremony and dinner for the Administrative Service yesterday. “The ministers, in particular, will miss his political acumen, strong heart and clear mind. Thank you, Benny, for your valuable contributions,” Mr Lee added.

Mr Lim began his career as a police constable, where he was later spotted by the commander of his police division, former Commissioner of Police Tee Tua Ba. Mr Tee, who found Mr Lim to be smart and capable, wondered why the young man did not attend university and called him up for an interview.

Mr Lim said he wanted to be a policeman, and Mr Tee encouraged him to apply for a police scholarship to study at the then-University of Singapore. Mr Lim was later awarded the scholarship by the Public Service Commission.

After graduation, Mr Lim was posted to the ISD, where he rose through the ranks to become its director.

In 2001, Mr Lim led the ISD in thwarting plans by the terrorist group, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), to bomb multiple targets in Singapore.

Mr Lee said Mr Lim’s “experience and judgment were critical” in the authorities’ efforts to deal with the JI. The ISD “actively managed” public reactions and helped the Government to rally the wider population, Mr Lee said.

“We reached out to our Muslim religious leaders, and encouraged them to set up the Religious Rehabilitation Group which successfully rehabilitated many detainees,” added the Prime Minister.

Mr Lim, who was the permanent secretary at several ministries, left his mark in many areas. For example, as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Lim strengthened the Home Team.

In 2011, when Mr Lim became Permanent Secretary of National Development, new housing schemes were introduced to meet emerging needs.

During yesterday’s ceremony, 65 officers were promoted, including Mrs Ow Foong Pheng, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Trade and Industry; and Mr Loh Khum Yean, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Manpower.