At the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), many hands work together to reach for the same goal – to develop progressive workplaces as well as a productive workforce. This mission ensures Singapore workers can achieve better jobs and a secure retirement.

MOM officers are guided by its four core values comprising ‘people-centredness’, ‘professionalism’, ‘teamwork’, and ‘passion for progress’. These values guide officers to become empathetic and zealous individuals.

MOM officers, Edwin Tham and Star Chai share with us their roles to fulfil MOM’s mission, and how the organisation strives to ensure its employees’ well-being.

Share with us some little-known facts about MOM.

Star Chai: Generally, MOM is seen as an enforcement agency by the general public. However, many overlook the backend corporate functions which support the frontline enforcement functions. In this regard, I think officers in both types of functions complement each other well - we are firm and steadfast in our decision yet professional, empathetic, and assertive in carrying our work.

Star Chai Wan Seen
Finance Executive, Corporate Planning and Management Department

Diploma in Accountancy & Finance, Nanyang Polytechnic

Edwin Tham: MOM gives its staff the chance to upgrade themselves through courses. It also nurtures a positive work environment, and ensures its staff achieve work-life balance. Taken together, these aspects do much to boost our productivity.

Furthermore, I believe you can never find an MOM counterpart in another country that is able to process work pass applications in one working day!

Tell us more about your job. What are your roles and responsibilities?

Star: As a Finance Executive of the Corporate Planning and Management Department, I manage the various departments’ budgets in addition to all finance matters. I also provide advice to departments with regards to their day-to-day finance duties, and ensure all processes adhere to our internal guidelines.

Edwin: As a Work Permit Applications Executive in the Work Pass Division, I process work permit applications that are submitted manually, as well as through our online system. I also handle unique cases escalated by the public and help people solve the problems they encounter. Part of my responsibilities also include testing our online system to ensure its functionality.

How do you overcome your challenges at work?

Star: There are bound to be challenges in any profession. Personally, I make a conscious effort to build up my knowledge on public service finance, in order to ensure prudence in spending and uphold integrity.

Edwin: There are quite a few challenges we face at work. One of them would be handling difficult customers. We have to see to them even when they are raising their voices on the phone. To overcome this, we have to remain calm and listen to their problems patiently, and try our best to find a solution for him/her efficiently.

Edwin Tham Weng Hong
Executive, Work Permit Applications, Work Pass Division

Diploma in Information Communication, Singapore Polytechnic

How has MOM facilitated your personal and professional development?

Star: MOM leverages on the strengths of its diverse talent pool in order to be an effective organisation. For instance, I was appointed as the treasurer of the Healthy Lifestyle @ MOM committee. As committee members, we all play a part in planning and organising the committee’s events and initiatives. This allowed me to share my passion for exercise with MOM officers, and play an advisory role to the committee with regards to its budget status, allocation, and utilisation.

Edwin: I like that MOM gives us the chance to go for external courses – such as customer service, language, and IT courses. There are not many organisations that support their employees’ development as committedly as MOM. We officers are also able to give our input on projects that catch our interest, ensuring we grow personally and as a team.

Why should fresh graduates consider a career at MOM?

Star: At MOM, people are the core of our work. From policy, corporate services, to operation groups, MOM offers a wide range of job opportunities. There is definitely a concerted effort to work together to realise MOM’s vision – A Great Workforce, A Great Workplace – as an organisation.

Edwin: MOM has in place initiatives where we employees can achieve work-life balance, which I find extremely important. This assures us that we always have time for our family.

What advice do you have for those who wish to join MOM?

Star: As a public servant, you must be committed and have the passion to serve the public. As a young officer, I always remind myself that public servants must be compassionate and caring towards our society. This ensures the public sustains its trust in the Government and that Singapore remains cohesive, united, and confident to tackle future problems.

I also think it is important to accept work tasks with an open mind and cultivate the willingness to work with people from all walks of life.

Edwin: Those who wish to join MOM must possess a positive work attitude. MOM officers must always be willing to learn and serve the public. Our bosses in MOM try to bring out the best in us and take steps to ensure we stay on the path of constant improvement. Taken together, our resolve and support from bosses make us feel ever ready to take on future challenges.