Meeting entrepreneurs in Manila, working with Meta in San Francisco: How staff shape global careers early

It was 6am when Mr Hafiz Nasruddin Nasir prepared to set out on a boat ride to a solar farm in Sumatra, Indonesia. 

This was not an adventure holiday, but one of many work trips he made as a senior associate at the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), where his work focused on the South-east Asia region.

In just under four years, Mr Hafiz visited vegetable farms, nurseries and factories in Batam, chicken farms in Bintan, and data centres in Johor. He also met start-up founders in Manila, and business and government leaders in Bangkok.

On a three-week immersion trip to Jakarta, Mr Hafiz also learnt how to engage with local businesses. 

All these opportunities arose after he expressed a keen interest in South-east Asia’s “young, enterprising” markets during EDB’s Associate Programme – a structured, year-long development programme that allows young officers to gain broad exposure across different areas of expertise.

“What excites me about South-east Asia is its enterprising and resilient spirit, and rich cultural diversity. There is real beauty, energy and growth in this region,” says the 30-year-old.

The diverse nature of the work keeps him motivated. “You don’t meet the same people, learn the same things or solve the same problems every day, so you always get very fresh perspectives about business and politics.” 

In his previous role where he engaged directly with global businesses, Mr Hafiz could be analysing how artificial intelligence automates business processes, or exploring the evolving carbon credits market and sustainable aviation fuel.

Just as rewarding is his current role as a manager in the brand, marketing and communications division, where he draws on his past experiences and brings Singapore’s economic story to life for global businesses, as well as audiences at home. 

“I feel privileged to contribute to EDB’s mission of driving economic growth and creating good jobs for Singaporeans. Unlike larger nations, Singapore doesn’t have the same population, resources and hinterland. This reality inspires – and challenges – me to continue Singapore’s economic growth story,” he says.

He adds: “Geopolitical shifts constantly cause our positioning and messaging to evolve, and that brings a real sense of dopamine and drive to the work. It’s never boring.”

Work is dynamic, but we lift one another up

Vice-president Lynn Khoo, who leads a team in the global enterprises division, shares that sense of excitement.

As a fresh graduate, she was drawn to EDB as it would give her the chance to work with international businesses and people from day one.   

The 37-year-old began her career in 2011 with the European food and nutrition portfolio in the consumer businesses team. Four years later, she was posted to EDB’s San Francisco office for three and a half years, where she worked with big tech names such as Apple, Google and Meta. 

During her stint overseas, she was seconded to sovereign wealth fund GIC’s Technology Investment Group. After a period in the private sector later on, she returned to EDB in 2023.

“At work, we are united by a shared mission to contribute to Singapore. We have motivated, hardworking people who are willing to help one another. To say you have a great culture and team is a very underrated value of an organisation.”

In many organisations, overseas exposure comes only after you have climbed the ranks, she says. But at EDB, which has 20 offices worldwide, these training opportunities start from day one, she adds.

Now a mother to a five-year-old son, Ms Khoo values EDB’s work culture as much as the opportunities. 

This is just one of the reasons EDB has been named one of Singapore’s best employers in a survey conducted by Statista in collaboration with The Straits Times.

Ms Khoo is also thankful for the nine-month mentorship programme for assistant vice-presidents, which helps mid-level officers receive tailored guidance from senior leaders in EDB.  

In 2024, she requested a female mentor to discuss balancing public service with family life.  “My mentor was able to give me perspectives on things beyond just work and I learnt a lot from her.”

Mr Hafiz has similarly benefited from EDB’s strong support system. When he joined, his manager frequently checked in to see how he was doing. “There is a lot of knowledge sharing, and career growth and mentoring for younger officers are taken seriously here.”

Officers also have regular conversations with supervisors to map out growth goals, which include an annual Individual Development Plan exercise. 

The far-ranging support network extends beyond career matters. One volunteer initiative – Balance for Better – organises regular small-group chats where employees exchange stories and solutions around caregiving. 

These personal touches complement flexi-work policies. Staff can opt for job-sharing arrangements, staggered hours and hybrid work schedules. On the last Friday of each school term, employees – who affectionately call themselves “EDB-ians” – are encouraged to leave work early to spend time with their families. 

This degree of flexibility is also appreciated by Mr Hafiz. “You are not so constrained, and knowing that there is this trust makes it easier.”

Beyond work, regular social activities foster camaraderie. In addition to volunteering excursions and an annual “Kidz@Work” family event during the year-end school holidays, initiatives like Wellness Week give employees a chance to decompress with workouts, health and nutrition workshops, and massages. 

Ms Khoo says: “EDB has a knack for building a sense of belonging. Those who leave often say that it’s the people here that they miss.”

Read more about Singapore’s Best Employers 2025 here.