Please tell us about your professional journey so far. What initially inspired you to pursue a career in public service, and how has your role evolved over the years?

The Spark: Why Public Service?

My journey began in 1992, the year I sat for the Bhutan Civil Service Examination. At that time, entering the civil service wasn't just a career choice; it was a calling to be part of a nation in transformation. I was inspired by the opportunity to contribute to a system built on the values of Gross National Happiness and the profound sense of duty instilled in us by the Throne. To serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum (The King, Country, and People) remains the guiding North Star of my professional life.

The Foundation: Building Expertise (1993-2014)

I spent over two decades within the Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC). These formative years were my "bootcamp" in administrative discipline and fiscal responsibility. Starting in 1993, I learned that the machinery of government relies on precision, protocol, and accountability. This period taught me that even the most technical roles are, at their heart, about serving the citizenry fairly and efficiently.

The Evolution: Leadership and Systemic Change

As my career progressed, my focus shifted from departmental management to national-level policy and systemic reform.

?The Ministry of Finance: Serving as the Secretary of Finance allowed me to oversee the nation's economic health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic that required complex resource mobilization.

?The Cabinet Secretariat: On October 12, 2022, I was deeply honored to be appointed as the Cabinet Secretary by His Majesty the King. In this role, the work has evolved into a strategic bridge between the Royal Commands, the Prime Minister's directives, and the administrative execution across all ministries.

Philosophy: The "Enlightened Entrepreneurial Bureaucrat"

Over three decades of service, my perspective on the role of a "bureaucrat" has undergone a fundamental transformation. I no longer view the civil service as a rigid or static machine. Instead, I advocate for what His Majesty the King calls an "Enlightened Entrepreneurial Bureaucracy". In today's volatile landscape, I believe a civil servant must embody three core attributes:

● Versatility: The ability to pivot seamlessly from technical fiscal policy to urgent crisis management--such as navigating current Middle East fuel contingencies.

● Proactivity: Moving beyond reactive administration to solve systemic problems before they become national disruptions.

● Empathy: Leading with a human touch, whether in my role as Cabinet Secretary, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) or as a mentor to the next generation.

You are a recipient of the Red Scarf awarded by His Majesty the King of Bhutan, a significant national honour. Could you share what this recognition means to you personally and professionally?

Receiving the Bura Marp (Red Scarf) from His Majesty the King during the 118th National Day was a deeply humbling milestone in my 33-year career. This honor was not just a recognition of past years, but a reminder of the weight of the responsibility I carry for the future of our public service. The Red Scarf is a reminder that in our Kingdom, service is the highest calling--and it is a calling that is open to everyone who serves with a clear heart and a resolute sense of purpose. Beyond the personal honor, my greatest hope is that this serves as a powerful symbol of possibility for women and young girls across Bhutan. I hope it provides tangible hope and inspiration, showing that with dedicated service and a resolute sense of purpose, women can attain the highest levels of leadership within our government.

His Majesty the King of Bhutan confers the Red Scarf to Cabinet Secretary Dasho Kesang Deki during the 118th National Day, 17 December, 2025

Looking Forward

Today, my role is as much about mentorship as it is about administration. I strive to set a precedent for women leaders in Bhutan, ensuring that our legacy is one of visibility, integrity, and tireless dedication to the vision of our King.

In your current role, what are your key responsibilities, and what priorities guide your work in contributing to Bhutan's development and governance?

As Cabinet Secretary, my work is centered on three strategic pillars designed to ensure the stability and progress of the nation:

● Synchronizing the National Vision: I serve as the strategic bridge that ensures the seamless execution of Royal Commands, Prime Minister and the Cabinet directives. My priority is to harmonize these mandates across all ministries, ensuring that cornerstone policies like the Economic Stimulus Programme, 13th Five-Year Plan, 21st Century Roadmap are implemented with high-level precision and inter-ministerial alignment.

● Institutional Resilience & Agility: I am committed to moving the bureaucracy toward a "plug-and-play" readiness. This means moving beyond static planning to build a civil service that is agile enough to manage global disruptions--such as fuel or regional crises--instantly and without administrative friction. I prioritize a culture of accountability that transforms challenges into operational strengths.

● Normalizing Social Leadership: In my capacity as Chairperson of NCWC, I advocate for the protection and systemic visibility of women and children. My priority is to normalize women's leadership at the highest levels of government, setting a precedent that leadership is defined by merit, grit, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the main opportunities and challenges facing Bhutan over the next five to ten years, particularly in your area of work?

A key opportunity that will significantly shape Bhutan's trajectory is the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City.

From a governance and coordination perspective, there is a strong opportunity to further strengthen whole-of-government delivery systems. With increasing emphasis on results-based planning and accountability, we can enhance inter-agency coordination, streamline decision-making, and ensure timely implementation of national priorities. The ongoing digital transformation of public services will also play a critical role in improving efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement.

Economic diversification remains another important opportunity. Beyond traditional sectors such as hydropower, tourism, and agriculture, Bhutan can explore emerging areas including the digital economy, green industries, and creative sectors. Strategic partnerships and targeted investments will be essential to create meaningful employment, particularly for youth.

However, these opportunities come with notable challenges. One of the foremost is ensuring effective and timely implementation. Large-scale initiatives will require strong institutional coordination, clear regulatory frameworks, and sustained capacity across agencies. Bridging gaps between policy intent and execution will be critical.

Human resource constraints also remain a key concern. Retaining skilled professionals and aligning workforce capabilities with evolving national priorities will require focused investments in capacity development and public sector reform.

Additionally, balancing rapid economic development with environmental sustainability and cultural preservation will continue to require careful and deliberate policy choices. As Bhutan expands its economic frontiers, maintaining this balance will be essential to safeguarding its long-term development philosophy.

In my area of work, the priority is to reinforce coordination mechanisms across government, ensure that strategic initiatives are translated into tangible outcomes, and strengthen a culture of accountability, performance, and adaptive governance.

What have been some of the most significant professional challenges you have encountered? Are there particular initiatives, reforms, or milestones that you found especially meaningful or rewarding?

One of the most significant challenges in public service has been ensuring effective implementation in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing environment. While policy formulation is important, translating decisions into timely, coordinated, and impactful outcomes across multiple agencies remains demanding. This requires strong institutional alignment, clarity of roles, and sustained follow-through.

Another challenge has been navigating periods of uncertainty--particularly during times of economic pressure or external disruptions--where decisions must balance immediate needs with long-term national priorities.

In terms of meaningful milestones, I have found the opportunity to contribute to institutional strengthening and system improvements particularly rewarding. Efforts that enhance coordination across government, improve accountability, and streamline processes tend to have lasting impact beyond individual tenures.

Serving in leadership roles that influence national policy, and more recently, mentoring and guiding the next generation of civil servants, have also been deeply fulfilling. Ultimately, what is most rewarding is seeing policies and reforms translate into tangible benefits for the people.

What motivated you to pursue your Master's degree at GRIPS, and what was your field of study? How has your academic experience in Japan shaped your professional perspective and approach to public service?

My decision to pursue a Master's degree in Public Finance at GRIPS was driven by a strategic necessity for Bhutan. At the time, we were navigating a transformative era with the enactment of the Income Tax Act of 2001. I recognized that for our new legal framework to succeed, I needed to deepen my understanding of modern tax administration.

The program's practicum at the National Tax Agency in Tokyo provided an invaluable immersion into advanced tax systems. Furthermore, my specialization in UN and OECD Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) became a technical cornerstone for my career. It equipped me to serve on the technical team that negotiated Bhutan's first-ever DTAA with the Government of India in 2013. Beyond the technicalities of revenue, GRIPS provided the tools to view public finance as a lever for national development and efficient expenditure management.

Some impressions of Kesang Deki during her time at GRIPS with classmates and professors, 2003/04

Since graduating from GRIPS, have you maintained professional or personal connections with Japan?

Yes, I have continued to maintain both professional and institutional connections with Japan following my graduation from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS).

These engagements have been particularly meaningful in the context of Bhutan's ongoing bilateral cooperation with Japan, especially through agencies such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Over the years, Japan has remained a key development partner, supporting Bhutan across sectors including infrastructure, human resource development, and technical cooperation. Maintaining these professional linkages has facilitated continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, and smoother coordination on joint initiatives.

How do you balance the demands of your professional responsibilities with your personal life? What activities or interests help you recharge outside of work?

Balancing the intense responsibilities of a role at the center of government requires a disciplined approach to both work and restoration. In a high-pressure environment where it is difficult to "switch off," I have found that effectiveness is sustained not by equal time allocation, but through intentional pauses and a strong support system. My approach to maintaining this balance is built on four pillars:

● A Dedicated Support System: I am fortunate to have a very supportive husband who manages our home responsibilities. This grants me the vital space to work from home, where I find the quiet necessary to reflect on national priorities and clear administrative backlogs.

● Strategic Segmentation: While my days are consumed by meetings and discussions on urgent matters, I reserve my time at home for deep reflection and finalising official correspondence and emails.

● Physical and Social Connection: I stay grounded by going to the gym to exercise, which resets my mind, and by being intentional about making time for my family and friends.

● A New Phase of Service: With my children now grown, I am in a fortunate position to focus my energy more singularly on my professional responsibilities and my service to the Kingdom.

Ultimately, these pauses--supported by my family--ensure I return to my duties with renewed focus and radical clarity.

Dasho Kesang Deki and Family with His Majesty the King of Bhutan during her appointment as the Cabinet Secretary (2022)

Reflecting on your time at GRIPS and in Japan, what are some of your fondest memories? Were there particular experiences, lessons, or cultural aspects that left a lasting impression?

Looking back at my time in Japan, one of the most lasting impressions was the profound cultural commitment to punctuality and precision. Experiencing a society where 'being on time' is a shared mark of respect and efficiency profoundly shaped my own approach to professional discipline and public service.

Beyond the professional lessons, I am most grateful for the enduring international friendships I formed at GRIPS. More than two decades later, I remain in close contact with several of my former colleagues. These relationships have evolved into a global support network that continues to provide both personal joy and professional perspective.

Some impressions of Kesang Deki during her time at GRIPS with classmates and professors, 2003/04

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering studying at GRIPS what would it be?

Approach the GRIPS experience with a resolute sense of purpose. While the academic curriculum is rigorous, the true value lies in the enduring networks you build and a deep immersion into Japanese culture. I also encourage you to look beyond the classroom to understand Japan's pivotal role on the global stage. These professional connections and global insights are the "long-term dividends" that will anchor your career.

Finally, how would you like to stay engaged with GRIPS and the alumni community going forward? Do you have ideas on how the GRIPS alumni network could further strengthen collaboration, policy dialogue, or knowledge exchange?

Although my intense professional duties have kept me away from recent alumni activities, my appreciation for the GRIPS experience remains steadfast. I would welcome the opportunity to re-engage and offer my services for any strategic initiatives or mentorship programs where my background in Public Finance and executive leadership can be of use to the community. I look forward to contributing to the network's collective success going forward.