Deputy Director, Future Communications & Frontier Tech Strategy

Public Service Division; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

IMDA is seeking an Assistant Director/Deputy Director to lead Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) efforts in Future Communications and Frontier Technologies. You will guide national R&D strategies, collaborate with agencies, industry and academia, and champion high-level proposals to secure strategic investments.

You will mentor a team, build thought leadership, and represent Singapore in international tech discussions, shaping the country’s digital future.

Qualifications

• Holds at least Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering or a related field.
• At least 15 years of experience in relevant field(s).
• Familiarity with the RIE ecosystem.
• Strategic thinker with collaborative attitude and a strong team player.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as strong presentation and engagement skills.
• Strong stakeholder management skills to work with both local and overseas partners and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of national R&D strategies in Future Comms and Frontier Tech, identifying capability gaps and strategic interventions.
• Work with public agencies, industry and academia to drive RIE funding initiatives and guide research programmes.
• Champion proposals through high-level RIE approvals with senior officials, ensuring alignment with national priorities.
• Spearhead strategic technology fore-sighting and horizon scanning to anticipate disruptions and geopolitical shifts.
• Architect R&D programmes to support trusted digital infrastructure, progressive regulations, and product/service innovation.
• Drive international collaborations and position Singapore as a neutral hub for global tech dialogue.
• Represent Singapore at research forums and standards committees; establish thought leadership via blogs and papers.
• Mentor and coach the team to foster curiosity, continuous improvement and development.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Collaborative mindset

Excellent communication

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Familiarity with RIE ecosystem

Education

Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering or related field

Job description

IMDA is seeking an Assistant Director/Deputy Director to lead Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) efforts in Future Communications and Frontier Technologies. You will guide national R&D strategies, collaborate with agencies, industry and academia, and champion high-level proposals to secure strategic investments.

You will mentor a team, build thought leadership, and represent Singapore in international tech discussions, shaping the country’s digital future.