Assistant Director (Tech Strategy)

Ministry of Transport; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Transport in Singapore is seeking an Assistant Director of Technology Strategy to drive the nation's transport and connectivity agenda. The role involves formulating policies, coordinating with stakeholders, and managing programmes that address emerging technologies.

Ideal candidates should have a tertiary qualification in relevant fields and at least three years of experience in public policy or data governance. Strong analytical and stakeholder management skills are crucial for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 3 years’ experience in public policy, S&T strategy, or data governance.
• Familiarity with futures thinking and public sector transformation.

Responsibilities

• Formulate science and technology policies aligned with transport goals.
• Monitor and assess emerging technologies relevant to the transport sector.
• Liaise with external partners to gather inputs.
• Implement capability development programmes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Stakeholder management

Cross-agency coordination

Education

Tertiary qualification in engineering, science and technology, or public policy

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Singapore is internationally renowned for our transport infrastructure and for being a global aviation and maritime hub. At the Ministry of Transport (MOT), we spearhead developments in our air, land and sea transport sectors to advance Singapore’s economic competitiveness and Singaporeans’ quality of life. We seek dynamic, analytical and committed individuals to join our able MOT team in realising our vision of a global interconnected transport hub. If you share our vision and possess the qualities we seek, do join us!

What the role is

As Assistant Director of Technology Strategy (AD-Tech Strat) in the Technology and Data Policy Department, you will support the Deputy Director to advance Singapore’s transport and connectivity agenda through science, technology, and data innovation. You will contribute to policy development, strategic planning, and cross-agency coordination, while managing programmes that address emerging technological trends, opportunities and risks.

What you will be working on

Key responsibilities include:

1. Policy Development & Strategic Planning
   • Formulate science and technology (S&T) and data policies aligned with national transport and connectivity goals.
   • Draft components of the MOT Family S&T Frameworks, programmes and plans, including supporting MOT's R&D agenda.
   • Plan and conduct workshops using futures thinking and horizon scanning methodologies to identify emerging issues, opportunities and risks.
2. Technology Evaluation & Risk Analysis
   • Monitor and assess emerging technologies (e.g., AI, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure) and their relevance to the transport sector.
   • Contribute to risk assessments and help identify regulatory gaps or strategic vulnerabilities concerning new scientific and technological advancements.
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
   • Liaise with other MOT HQ divisions, and Statutory Boards (SBs) to engage external partners like research institutions and industry ecosystem players to gather inputs and align policy directions.
   • Coordinate working groups and inter-agency meetings to support collaborative initiatives.
4. Capability Building & Transformation
   • Assist in implementing capability development programmes to enhance S&T planning and portfolio management, and data literacy across the MOT family.
   • Support transformation efforts in the SBs harness S&T and data effectively.

What we are looking for

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in engineering, science and technology, public policy or other relevant fields.
• Postgraduate qualification is an advantage.

Experience & Technical Skills

• 3 years’ experience in public policy, S&T strategy, or data governance.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Familiarity with futures thinking, innovation ecosystems, and public sector transformation.
• Knowledge in public infrastructure, transport and engineering sector.

Core Competencies

• Strong communication (written & verbal), stakeholder management, and cross agency coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multi stakeholder programmes with tight deadlines.
• Sound judgement, attention to detail, and high standards of governance.