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A Career in the Public Sector?
1 March 2009
 Above: Ariel Yak (Left), contributor of this entry A group of 15 Northwestern University (NU) Singaporean students attended the Contact Singapore Public Sector Career Event held at the Hyatt Chicago on Sunday, March 1st. The event provided a unique opportunity for Singaporeans in Chicago to meet and engage in discussion with public sector luminaries, as they offer insights on how Singapore and its vibrant public sector are rising to the economic challenges as well as seizing the opportunities presented by the global financial crisis. The morning began with a networking session that was followed by an engaging panel which included Singapore’s Ambassador to the US, Professor Chan Heng Chee, Singapore’s first Permanent Secretary, Ms Lim Soo Hoon and Regional Director for the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Mr. Aaron Tham. They shared their journey in the Civil Service and provided great perspectives on the culture, lifestyle and people working in the public sector. NU students who attended event had very positive feedback. “It was a good experience…certainly gave me exposure to the opportunities available and what it’s like to work in the public sector”, said Ms. Zhihui Yap, a McCormick sophomore.  From left: Mr. Kwang Xiong Sim, Ms ZhiHui Yap and Ariel Our very own NU Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholar, Mr. Kwang Xiong Sim felt that the Government was headed in the right direction. ” I think they provided an opportunity for overseas Singaporeans to re-connect with the Singapore society”, he said. Kwang Xiong is a McCormick junior who interned with Ministry of Finance in summer 2008. He added, “And hopefully some might even reconsider a career option that is meaningful through the frank experience sharing sessions of the senior civil servants”.  Clockwise from bottom: Jireh Chua, Heng Jie Tan and a participating employer Heng Jie Tan and Jireh Chua, both EDB scholars and McCormick Freshmen were helping out with registration and logistics for the event. They had arrived at the hotel an hour earlier to help prepare and make sure that everything was in good shape. Heng Jie said, “Helping out at the event was a great way to spend a Sunday. The event provided many opportunities to connect Singaporeans within Illinois as well as insights into how the various agencies in Singapore function”. Despite being relatively familiar with the public sector, Heng Jie felt she learned a lot from the panel. “I especially enjoyed the lively banter during the forum session, it was thought provoking yet entertaining at the same time!”, she quipped. The event was truly an eye-opener for many of us. Even I was convinced that the public sector might be a good place to start one’s career. Well, I will be interning with EDB this summer and am really excited to be learning more! Will keep you all posted on how it goes! Till then, Hail Singapore! Smiles, Ariel |