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Providing an exclusive and unique opportunity for Saints to engage with established industry professionals & participate in work attachments to gain deeper insights into various fields
On the 20th Of November, I had the opportunity to attend a career seminar organised by the College. We were lucky enough to have with us Ms Joelle Chen, Head Of Sustainability @ Landlease as well as Mr Jake Tan, Founder and Cheif Commercial Officer @ Marvel. During the keynote discussion with the 2 highly established individuals, I managed to take away various important insights that I have found most valuable.
From Ms Joelle, one thing that stood out prominently to me was the importance of humility in continuous learning. She emphasised the significance of maintaining curiosity and an inquisitive mindset, urging us to persistently seek knowledge and mentorship. Ms Joelle also stressed the need to build a reputation based on credibility and trustworthiness, highlighting the value of being a reliable and persistent individual. She advised against getting too caught up in networking without simultaneously focusing on personal development. Ms Joelle encouraged us to envision the traits we desire, view Singapore as a stepping stone to regional opportunities, and emphasized the importance of leaving a positive paper trail through written notes. Furthermore, she shared insights on building renewals, self-leadership, and the courage to take leaps and embrace failure, emphasizing openness to all possibilities. During a job interview, she underscored the importance of showcasing personality and the ability to learn new things.
From Mr Jake Tan, I understood the significance of networking and preparation. According to him, networking is not just about connections but also involves thorough homework and research before approaching mentors with thoughtful questions. Mr Jake also highlighted the importance of understanding one's strengths, suggesting that knowing what you can do opens doors before who you know. He discussed the value of taking calculated risks, citing an example of giving discounts when facing challenges in delivery but still maintaining profitability through a larger customer base. Furthermore, he emphasised the dynamic nature of the market, accentuating the need to stay adaptable and keep up with constant changes.
In conclusion, this event provided me with a wealth of knowledge and practical advice from industry leaders. It underscored the importance of personal development, continuous learning, building a strong reputation, strategic networking, and the ability to embrace change in a dynamic market. The insights shared by Ms Joelle and Mr Jake have left a lasting impact on my perspective, inspiring me to approach my career with a proactive and resilient mindset.
On the 20th Of November, I had the opportunity to attend a talk by Mr Sean Tay, a HR Business Partner at the Public Service Division (PSD) as part of our CareerSAdvance Seminar. Moreover, as part of my Saints Ambassador duties, I had the privilege to moderate and facilitate the entire session.
It was interesting to note that out of the entire session, this was almost everyone's first time hearing what PSD is. Mr Tay shared that The Public Service Division (PSD) in Singapore plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies and systems that encompass the entirety of the nation, extending across various ministries. With a vision focused on achieving a first-class public service for a successful and vibrant Singapore, the PSD's impact resonates not only within the public service officer community but also significantly influences the daily lives of the general populace.
As the central human resources agency, PSD takes charge of developing and fostering the people and culture within the Public Service. This is accomplished through the formulation and implementation of HR policies, practices, and initiatives designed to promote transformative changes. The far-reaching influence of the PSD is evident as these HR policies and practices are adopted by more than 16 ministries and statutory boards.
The emphasis on centralisation and consolidation, exemplified by its new initiatives such as the building of a central hotline connecting all the various ministries, reflects PSD's commitment to streamlining and enhancing efficiency in the public service sector, ultimately contributing to the overall success of Singapore's governance.
On the 21st Of November, I had the opportunity to attend a virtual career seminar organised by the College with Mr David Mok, specialising in Financial Tech @ Mastercard as our speaker. From his sharing, I managed to gain a deeper insight and understanding into Fintech and its relevance in our world.
He shared that in recent years, the financial industry has witnessed significant growth and increased competition, driven by advancements and a shift toward digital solutions. Key milestones, such as India's 2016 demonetization initiative, accelerated the digitization of transactions, while the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for contact-free solutions. Governments globally are engaging in bilateral agreements to facilitate cross-border payments, reflecting the industry's dynamic response to challenges.
He also touched that the integration of AI will further shape the industry's future, as demonstrated in Mastercard's exploration of AI's impact on commute, travel, and retail. In retail, AI applications leverage computer vision to efficiently identify objects with reduced computing power. For instance, consumers can scan items through their mobile screens, streamlining the purchase process within the mobile app. This innovation not only enhances efficiency but also offers a more convenient and frictionless retail experience.
Looking ahead, AI is expected to automate various aspects of development work, contributing to ongoing technological evolution across industries. The financial landscape continues to diversify, driven by a commitment to maximizing value through cost optimizations.
Overall, the industry's trajectory reflects a dynamic blend of technological innovation, global partnerships, and a responsive approach to societal and economic shifts.
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