Meet our MOT officers

The transport industry is dynamic, forward-looking and engaging. Meet our MOT officers who embody these characteristics as they share with you what MOTivates them at work everyday.

"There is rarely a “typical” day at work here in MOT.  Here in the Sea Transport division, I work on issues  from the development of a pro-business environment  to support our maritime sector to environmental  issues, and from maritime security to labour policy.  The nature of work also varies from long-term projects  like inter-agency strategic studies, to issues requiring  immediate action, such as responding promptly to  queries from businesses and members of  the public. Without doubt, the work is always challenging and demanding. Nonetheless, what keeps me going is the knowledge that every policy issue I deal with has far-reaching impact, so it is crucial that each issue is well thought through. Working in MOT requires me to have good analytical ability, and trains me to be even more so on the job. It never ceases to amaze me how our work is intertwined with economics, engineering and international relations, among others. At the same time, I am constantly plunged into having to learn more about various issues, and it is always a huge plus to be able to pick up the phone or walk over to someone’s desk to tap on their vast knowledge, experience and contacts. My work also requires me to work with people from other agencies across the public sector. This allows me to interact with people with even wider breadth of knowledge and experience, as well as different perspectives on various issues. Just a few short months into the job (my first, no less), I have been given opportunities to travel on official visits with my Minister, meet visitors from other governments and meet with industry leaders and experts from all over the world. In this time, my work experience has been nothing short of hectic, but I have definitely learnt to think more deeply, to be more sensitive to developments around me, and to interact better with others. At the end of each day, there is always a sense of fulfillment at helping to shape policy, while also having bettered myself in the process. If you ask me, that’s a pretty good deal for a job."

Mr Sidney Koh Policy Executive, Sea Transport Division

"There's never a dull moment working on land transport issues. I get to see how the policies underpinning our urban transport system all fit together - be it planning for and putting in place a worldclass public transport system, extending our road network, vehicle ownership and usage measures or traffic management. They all have to work together to keep our transport system going. I also get to see firsthand how all this affects the everyday lives of Singaporeans."

Ms Tan Shin Gee Assistant Director, Land Transport Division

"If you enjoy having a hand in shaping Singapore's  aviation landscape, you are looking at the right place.  At MOT's Air Transport Division, I work very closely with  my colleagues from CAAS in matters ranging from  Changi Airport operations, Air Services consultations to  understanding the needs of the aviation industry in  general. As you can see, the job scope cuts across a  broad spectrum of diverse issues. This provides me  with the opportunity to interact with a good mix of  people from both the government and private sector. But in case you are wondering - No, I do not get any discounts on air tickets!"

Mr Yuen De Zhao Assistant Director, Air Transport Division

"As an IR officer, the work I handle is not only wide-ranging but definitely also very challenging! On a daily basis, I get the opportunity to be exposed to different experiences - from personal interactions such as handling foreign dignitaries on their visits to Singapore, to representing Singapore at larger multilateral forums such as APEC and ASEAN. All these experiences do not just allow me to learn about Singapore's national and foreign policies, but also groom me in personal skills such as public speaking, etiquette and diplomacy."

Ms Stephanie Ho Assistant Director, International Relations and Security Division

"The Corporate Development Section, as the name  suggests, is in charge of organisational development  and excellence. In a dynamic environment, one has to  be alert and responsive, innovative and enterprising,  open and ready for changes, and to be able to think  and act strategically to achieve the best results. In  MOT, I promote organisational excellence through  such initiatives as ISO certification and Singapore  Quality Class (SQC) certification. MOT is also  implementing the Balanced Scorecard for its corporate and strategic planning. At the end of the day, the value of what I do is to enhance organisation excellence to realise higher quality outcomes."

Mr Raymond Toh Executive, Corporate Development Division