Pivoting to a new industry or entering the workforce for the first time doesn’t have to feel daunting. Progressive employers such as the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) prioritise transferrable skills and employee growth over mere paper qualifications.

“I felt like a lost lamb when I first switched to a new role,” said Ms Dinah Lim. The 29-year-old started out at the frontlines of the hospitality industry and had reservations about her lack of experience in an event-planning role. 

Like Ms Lim, Mr Muhamad Mikhail Muhamad Tahir, 31, was concerned about not having the right experience. A fresh accounting graduate, he was keen to pursue marketing but initially faced a tough job hunt.

For Ms Tan Yen Nee, one of her key concerns when joining STB in 2003 was whether it aligned with her longer-term career interests. Today, after 21 years, her contributions to the tourism industry, the wider economy and society at large continue to fuel her sense of purpose and drive. 

Discover STB’s supportive environment and extensive learning opportunities, and learn how Ms Lim, Mr Mikhail and Ms Tan’s careers have flourished under STB’s guidance.

A MID-CAREER SWITCH: WALKING THE AGILE PATH

At STB, employees have the opportunity to develop themselves through e-learning platforms, gaining proficiency in a new core skill such as design thinking. There are also initiatives such as Flexi-Fridays and Recharge Weeks, where staff get uninterrupted time to catch up on work, learn something new or pursue wellness-related activities.

Beyond these activities, STB is at the forefront of driving digital transformation and sustainable growth in the tourism sector. Through initiatives like upskilling programmes, promoting use of digital tools and the Agile iterative design process, STB is empowering its workforce and strengthening its teams’ capabilities.

These opportunities appealed to Ms Lim, who made the leap from hotel guest relations to event planning, and then digital transformation. Despite the steep learning curve that came as a “big shock”, Ms Lim was buoyed by the support of her bosses and the various training opportunities offered by STB. Her desire for knowledge and the nurturing STB management environment motivated her to pick up Agile methodology and robotic process automation (RPA). 

This focus on learning within STB has created a conducive environment for career growth, especially for employees seeking a diverse array of opportunities. “The management team regularly checks in with me to discuss my career progression and goals, which gives me a sense of direction and reassurance,” said Ms Lim. “If I’m driven to try something else, I can explore it should an opportunity arise.” 

FRESH OUT OF SCHOOL: FINDING MEANINGFUL GROWTH

As a people-centric employer, STB is not just committed to the growth of existing employees, it also values the opportunity to nurture fresh graduates by providing a strong foundation for career growth, equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills to thrive in their roles.

For Mr Mikhail, STB stood out not only for its innovative marketing approach and creative tourism campaigns spotlighting Singapore, but also the positive reviews about its workplace culture. “I had wanted to join a multinational corporation, but then I found out about STB’s Management Associate Programme (MAP) and the unique work that they do,” he said.

STB sees hundreds of applicants each year from a range of educational backgrounds for its MAP and scholarship opportunities — many of which come from employee referrals — noted an STB spokesperson. In the initial months of joining the MAP, Mr Mikhail completed foundational courses focusing on presentation skills, discovered his working styles, and gained hands-on experience at the Singapore Visitor Centre. “These opportunities not only developed my professional skills, but also familiarised me with STB’s vibrant culture,” he said.

Three years into his career, an internal rotation opportunity arose for an overseas posting to Indonesia. There, he was heavily involved in developing mutually beneficial partnership initiatives that drove tourism to both Singapore and Indonesia. “Moving to a foreign country required a high level of independence,” shared Mikhail. “STB provided invaluable support and resources to facilitate the transition.”

He was also guided by the area directors of STB’s Indonesia office. His mentors went the extra mile to ease him into the role, and even introduced him to a community of peers.

By collaborating with online travel agents and mall developers, he honed his skills in stakeholder management, strategic planning and innovation. Now back in Singapore after completing his overseas posting, Mr Mikhail is raring to explore the next phase of his career as part of the Branded Entertainment Partnerships team.

A FULFILLING CAREER: MAKING A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION

For Ms Tan, joining STB was a serendipitous career move. “I wasn’t actively looking for a change, but it just so happened that my [previous] supervisor joined STB and told me that there was a vacancy,” she said. 

Even in her starting role as a media officer, she saw a culture and environment that was progressive, innovative and driven. “From reimagining and rejuvenating precincts such as Orchard Road, to redefining our cityscape with world-class attractions like Gardens by the Bay, the work that STB sets out to do is challenging but exciting and meaningful in many ways,” she shared.

One of Ms Tan’s most enriching roles came with a relocation to STB’s Europe office in 2016, where she served as its regional director for over four years. She found herself taking on new challenges and responsibilities while also immersing herself and her family in new cultures.

“Navigating unfamiliar work environments and honing my cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability not only contributed to my growth but also enhanced my ability to thrive in multicultural settings,” she said.

During her tenure, the team achieved consecutive years of record international visitor arrivals from Europe and positioned Singapore as a must-visit cruise destination in Asia through content partnerships, social media advocacy and consumer-centric marketing initiatives.

When asked how she’s stayed with STB for so many years, Ms Tan admits it hasn’t felt that long. “We spend a larger part of our waking hours at work; I want to make sure that those hours serve a useful purpose and are well spent.” She added that it is a point of pride knowing that her contributions to the tourism landscape also enhance the quality of lifestyle options for people living in Singapore. “It is truly fulfilling when the impact of my career goes beyond my personal benefit.”

What inspires and energises her the most are her talented colleagues – like-minded people who push through roadblocks with fierce commitment and an indomitable can-do spirit. “We’ve built a camaraderie. I’m surrounded by people who foster respect, care and collaboration, and I draw strength from these values and lasting relationships that follow me through my STB career,” she said.