A career with MFA takes you to the forefront of witnessing history in the making as Singapore makes her mark in the international arena.

By Prasana Ramachandran

The rigours of safeguarding and promoting the interests of Singapore through effective diplomacy is the mission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Two dynamic individuals with diverse educational backgrounds, Novene Li and Kenneth Kwa, have eagerly embarked on this challenging career path with the Ministry.

Attracted to the possibilities of working overseas, Novene joined MFA in 1998, after graduating with a diploma in Business Studies from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Eager to upgrade herself, she studied part-time and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Manchester in 2003.

As for Kenneth, who studied Marketing at Nanyang Polytechnic and Business Administration at Macquarie University in Australia, his studies put him in good stead for a career in MFA.

Achieving their aspirations
Today, both Novene and Kenneth have flourishing and fulfilling careers with MFA. Novene serves as Assistant Consular Officer at the Consular Directorate for the Middle East, East Asia and South Asia, while Kenneth is an Attaché at the Singapore Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar.

When they took their first steps into the working world, both were keen to embark on satisfying careers and shunned the desk-bound rigmaroles of a nine-to-five job. Spurred by an adventurous spirit, they were keen to work in foreign countries.

“I was elated when chosen to be posted to the Singapore Embassy in Washington DC as an Attaché in 2003, three years after joining MFA. I spent four years there, assisting in the daily activities of officers and the Ambassador, learning the inner workings of a foreign mission,” says Novene.

“The embassy is involved in every aspect of looking out for Singaporeans, from helping them with everyday occurrences such as accidents, robbery, loss of travel documents, to more serious incidents of natural disasters and hostage-taking situations,” she adds.

The job entails dealing with both Singaporeans and the host country. “It’s a fast-paced job as people expect you to react quickly to their needs, more so when they are in need of help in emergencies,” she says, highlighting the importance of attention to detail, good people relations, and the ability to keep a cool head.

Other than consular duties, Novene says that she also had to perform protocol duties whenever our leaders visited Washington DC. She helped out in the logistical arrangements, from making hotel room reservations, arranging transport and organising functions that involved the VIPs, to ensuring that their luggage reaches their hotel rooms seamlessly. “This requires one to be level-headed and organised at all times,” says Novene.

One must also be a team player, emphasises Novene, whose core function at the Consular Directorate in Singapore involves assisting Singaporeans overseas.

Armed with her experience working locally and abroad, Novene is keen to spread her wings once again. “This time, I’d like to work in an Asian country, perhaps China, Korea or Japan,” she says with a hint of an expectant smile.

Unequalled opportunities
Kenneth tells a similar story of career progression fused with unique experiences.

As a student pondering the future, he had wanted a meaningful and fulfilling career. “Being part of the public service allows me to serve Singaporeans. I have a passion for international relations and politics. I was keen to work overseas and experience different cultures and lifestyles. MFA provided these unique opportunities,” says Kenneth, who believes that MFA is one of the most interesting and challenging ministries in the Singapore Civil Service.

He began his career as a Foreign Service Administration Specialist, starting out as an Assistant Desk Officer. “Officers who display promise and potential are able to move up the ranks to middle management,” he reveals.

And although MFA grooms officers to work in foreign countries, only those with the qualities to work effectively and represent Singapore as diplomats will be considered.

In February 2006, Kenneth was posted to Yangon, Myanmar – his first overseas posting. “Working in a foreign country is definitely worth facing the challenges as the experience gained in the embassy is priceless,” says the 31-year-old.

Currently, he manages visa applications and handles consular cases. “I interview Singaporeans detained by the police and visit Singaporean prisoners in Myanmar. I also deal with Singaporeans who have lost their passports, organise embassy functions and VIP visits, and occasionally sit in for meetings and official meals to record conversations for the Ambassador.”

One of MFA's core missions is to provide worldwide consular assistance and protection for Singaporeans abroad. This is where Kenneth comes into the picture as he has to be ready to assist Singaporeans anytime, he says.

Kenneth has experienced some unforgettable moments over the past three years in Yangon, such as when Cyclone Nargis struck in May 2008.

“It was the first natural disaster I had ever encountered. The strong winds and heavy rains which hit Yangon had me staying up the whole night. The windows in my home rumbled and rain seeped through the window panes, flooding my apartment. I spent the whole night clearing rainwater and observing projectiles of flying roof tiles and debris and trees swaying outside,” he recounts.

He is thankful to have escaped unhurt, and does not in the least regret his tenure in Yangon or his chosen career.

At the front line
The experience at MFA has given Novene and Kenneth insights into international politics and the importance of diplomacy in safeguarding and advancing Singapore's interests.

Certainly, the fast-evolving and dynamic environment at the Ministry will give you a front row seat to witness history in the making. However, to truly excel, you should possess a keen interest in current affairs, sensitivity to foreign cultures, and good networking and interpersonal skills, to name a few.