T he Central Provident Fund Board (CPF Board) stands at the heart of Singapore’s comprehensive social security system, serving as the custodian of every Singaporean’s retirement savings and financial well-being. With a commitment to fostering financial security and promoting lifelong saving habits, the CPF Board continues to evolve its services and schemes, empowering citizens to plan for a fulfilling and worry-free retirement while safeguarding their healthcare and housing needs.

The smooth running of a vital agency like the CPF Board requires an unfaltering commitment to public service, constant innovation and meticulous attention to detail. Dedicated individuals like Senior Managers Isabel Lui Min and Benedict Ng Kay Suen are intent on working with the agency to do just that – and make their own indelible impact on society along the way.

Isabel is currently a Senior Manager in the Data Science Accelerator Department of the CPF Board. Her job scope consists of a host of responsibilities, including establishing and reviewing data security policies, liaising with stakeholders regarding data security initiatives, supporting the exploration of data security tools to assess their suitability, and more.

Benedict, on the other hand, works with the CPF Board as a Senior Manager in the Policy Department. He reviews policies relating to CPF interest rates and investment schemes to ensure they remain relevant and are able to secure members’ retirement monies.

We sat down with them to learn more about them and their pivotal roles within the agency.

What intrigued you about the CPF Board in the first place?

Isabel: I had always wanted to serve the public, especially because I grew up listening to stories from my parents who had worked in the public sector. I wanted to find a meaningful job that resonated with me. During my job search, I chanced upon the CPF Board. As I looked through the website and social media channels, the organisation’s work spoke to me. The fact that CPF forms the foundation for our members’ retirement, all while supporting them through various stages of life was particularly inspiring to me.

Benedict: The CPF Board is a critical institution in Singapore’s social security framework, and the work they do is meaningful! It allows me to influence the lives of Singaporeans and help them build a secure retirement. The relatively flat hierarchy within the organisation and everyone’s willingness to teach and share is also a big plus!

That’s very admirable! What sparked your interest in your respective fields?

Isabel: As a communications student, I had limited exposure to data science in school. However, I was given opportunities to work on various projects and came to realise the importance of being able to make sense of good-quality data to derive valuable insights. Such insights are important when it comes to facilitating decision-making, and I am still learning how to work with data to maximise its value to business decisions!

Benedict: I was first posted to the Retirement Savings Department, where the work was more operational in nature, and that made me curious about how policies were formulated. Hence, I applied to join the Policy Department for my second posting.

Can you tell us more about your daily responsibilities?

Isabel: I champion data security and remind fellow colleagues of its importance in the Data Science Accelerator Department. A typical day could involve working with fellow colleagues to address and resolve data security-related queries and issues, propagating awareness or pioneering guidelines for safely implementing nascent technology within the Board. It also involves brainstorming strategies to encourage transformation and smarter ways of working with data amongst officers, such as through organising events and creating publications.

During my time in the Housing Schemes Department, a typical day would involve helping members resolve housing-related CPF queries, and working on projects to resolve roadblocks and enhance the user experience for members seeking to utilise CPF for their flats. This involved developing a guided experience on the website and improving the way we correspond with and engage members based on data-driven research.

Benedict: I look into improving existing policies to ensure that they remain relevant in today’s context. As part of the department’s work, we also take part in formulating new policies to address gaps that arise from emerging problems. On a typical day, I study and dive deep into data to derive insights into policy issues and arrive at feasible solutions. I also participate in discussions with various internal and external stakeholders that impact and lead to policy decisions.

In my previous posting in the Retirement Savings Department, I handled the day-to-day operations of the Retirement Sum Topping-Up Scheme and implemented more efficient processes for members. For example, we worked with our colleagues from the Finance Department to introduce Pay Now as a method for members to top up their retirement accounts with greater convenience.

What would you say are the most fulfilling aspects of your job?

Isabel: I enjoy how every day has been a journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Witnessing the successful project implementation that I’ve played a part in and knowing that my contributions have made a real, positive impact on CPF members bring me a great sense of fulfilment.

Benedict: My job is especially rewarding when new policies that benefit our CPF members get implemented after many months of hard work. For example, we pushed out a policy change to help more elderly seniors effectively decumulate their savings and enjoy their fruits of labour with greater ease. As a result, seniors born before 1948 who previously had not started receiving their monthly CPF pay-outs would have started receiving them automatically from June 2023 onwards.

One of my proudest achievements in the Policy Department was when I was given the opportunity to present a new policy idea to the Minister of Manpower earlier this year, and we were able to secure the Minister’s support – which was challenging, but a hard-fought win!

That’s sounds very fulfilling! Can you tell us more about how the CPF Board has facilitated your personal and professional growth?

Isabel: There are opportunities to rotate and take on different roles within the organisation, which facilitates exposure to diverse job scopes and projects. This helps us to gain a deeper understanding of the different parts that contribute to a better experience for both members and our own workforce.

Benedict: The superiors in the CPF Board genuinely want to help individuals grow, both personally and professionally. They not only guide us at work but also mentor us and monitor our well-being and progress. Apart from direct superiors we interact with, there is also a mentorship programme, which allows us to gain exposure to seniors from outside of our usual working interactions.

Finally, do you have any advice for job seekers who are looking to join the CPF Board?

Isabel: As with any job, I would encourage you to do your homework by assessing whether the organisation’s mission and your personal values are aligned to help you achieve a good head start. If you decide to join us, do try and approach the job with an open mindset as there is just so much to learn!

Benedict: Find a job with us that gives you meaning and purpose. Be open to learning, so you don’t have to dread coming to work every morning.