For many, the airport’s beauty lies in the way it epitomises different experiences of life, from separations and silent tears of longing to reunions and echoing peals of laughter. The airport is the home that greets you after a long, tiring trip and also the gateway that leads you to a world beyond familiar shores.

By Becky Lo

With ever-rising energy demands, harnessing and maintaining sustainable and affordable energy has always been one of Singapore’s core priorities. Two young talents are getting ready to sweep into the scene with their relentless focus and passion to make a difference.

By Becky Lo

There are two types of people in politics: those who want to be somebody great and those who want to do something great. 19-year-old Lai Su Lyn certainly hopes to be both, albeit in the energy sector. Her enormous intelligence is surpassed only by her compassion and commitment to better society.

When Su Lyn was in secondary school, she did a short tutoring stint at Beyond Social Services, an organisation that helps young delinquents and dysfunctional families. That experience opened her eyes to the harsh reality of life and her heart to the less fortunate. It was there and then that she decided to devote her life to serving the public.

“My parents have always taught me that it’s important to give back to the country, especially for the education that I’ve received,” explains Su Lyn with a sweet, shy smile.
“Everything in the world is affected by the actions of governments, so I want to be part of it because I care about what happens to the people.”

The Winds of Change
Spurred by this passion, Su Lyn decided to join the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the body that oversees the regulatory aspects of the energy market and forges a progressive energy landscape for sustained growth in Singapore.

The MTI is entrusted with a mission to promote Singapore’s economic growth and create jobs, so that Singaporeans can achieve an overall higher standard of living. It’s a noble aim, fraught with challenges but filled with opportunities and a deep sense of satisfaction, as these two officers can attest to.

By Becky Lo

When Joanna Tan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies in 2009, she was ready to take on the world.

Filled with that indefinable, fearless and unbridled enthusiasm that only the optimism of youth can provide, the then 24-year-old dived right into her first job at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and has never looked back since.

Now, the Nanyang Technological University graduate is the Assistant Director of the Emerging Markets Division (EMD), focused on finding ways to improve and eventually grow Singapore’s economic links with the Middle East and Africa.

If you think working in the tax sector is a dreary proposition, these two versatile, energetic IRAS officers will certainly change your mind.

By Becky Lo

To most people, taxation is a subject they rather not deal with, let alone talk about. Yet, chatting to Goh Pei Shan and Loh Sok Fang is such an interesting and enjoyable experience; you will almost forget that you’re actually talking about taxation.

These two young ladies are clearly in their element at the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), their eyes sparkling when they share their experience working at the Singapore’s tax authority.

Two scholars share how Sime Darby’s commitment to people development and societal causes make their future career more rewarding and meaningful.

By Becky Lo

Built on years of heritage, Sime Darby has come an extremely long way.
Starting out from the humble rubber plantations of Malacca, Sime Darby has grown in size and stature through the decades, establishing itself as Malaysia’s leading multinational conglomerate.

Besides being a key player in various sectors like plantation, property, industrial, energy & utilities, and motors, Sime Darby is also actively involved in various social projects related to education, environment, sports, and the community.

Three students enjoy a head start in their careers with their first steps into the world as MFA scholars.

By Becky Lo

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) prepares their scholars to take on the ever changing international landscape.

With more than 40 overseas missions worldwide, the Ministry promotes bilateral and multilateral relations and addresses issues that are of Singapore's interest, such as climate change issues.

Two IRAS officers share how they find fulfillment in jobs outside their initial scope of study.

By Becky Lo

Every morning before Tax Officer William New faces his first customer at his booth, he looks at the poster on his wall that says, “In difficult situations, behave like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like mad under the water.”

Incidentally, this is an apt description of how the 24-year-old handles the throngs of taxpayers that he meets every day at the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

Since the Temasek Polytechnic alumnus joined IRAS one year ago, he has been handling enquiries from walk-in taxpayers and answering correspondences like emails and letters. Being part of the Enforcement Division, William also takes recovery actions on companies that do not comply with their tax obligations.

Two university students share how their internships at Symantec have illuminated their future career paths.

By Becky Lo

Accountancy student Athena Wang had a plan in mind when she applied for a summer internship at Symantec in April last year. Instead of heading for the big four accounting firms in Singapore, she decide to choose an MNC to learn how her course of studies can be relevant outside of a professional accountancy firm.

To protect and save lives and property for a safe and secure Singapore.” This is the mission of the SCDF and the commitment deeply rooted in staff officer, MAJ Tan Teck Ming’s personal faith.

By Becky Lo

Like any fresh graduate taking his first step into the corporate world, Major Tan Teck Ming used his past education as a compass for his future career path. After six years of polytechnic and university training in electrical engineering, it seems like a natural choice for him to take up an engineer position offered by a German company. However, after three years in the company, the predictability of his job started to take its toll.