Head of Data Science and AI, Singpass

Government Technology Agency; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Leave benefits

Wellness programs

Total rewards approach

Job summary

The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is seeking a senior leader to guide Singpass's Data Science and AI function. You will set the direction, build a production-ready data and AI platform, and partner with product teams to deliver measurable outcomes.

With 8+ years of leadership in data science and a strong track record in fraud detection, digital identity, and responsible AI, you will hire, mentor, and champion data scientists while ensuring secure and ethical AI practices across

Qualifications

• 8+ years leading data science, ML or applied AI teams, with at least 3 years in supervision and hiring.
• Strong foundations in statistical modelling, machine learning, experimentation and modern data platforms.
• Strong product judgement, with ability to prioritise based on user and operational outcomes.
• Experience taking data science and AI capabilities from exploration into reliable, production-ready use.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, balancing innovation, delivery, security, privacy and responsible use.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead Singpass Data Science and AI strategy.
• Identify and prioritise areas where data science, ML and AI can create impact.
• Build a coherent portfolio across fraud detection, product analytics, automation and emerging AI use cases.
• Measure initiatives by outcomes, not their technical novelty.
• Lead, hire and develop Singpass’ data scientists and AI practitioners.
• Ensure Singpass’ use of data and AI remains secure and responsible.

Skills

Data science leadership

Statistical modelling

Machine learning

Product judgement

Stakeholder management

Responsible AI

Job description

The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is the lead agency driving Singapore’s Smart Nation initiatives and public sector digital transformation. As the Centre of Excellence for Infocomm Technology and Smart Systems (ICT & SS), GovTech develops the Singapore Government’s capabilities in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Application Development, Smart City Technology, Digital Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity.

At GovTech, we offer you a purposeful career to make lives better. We empower our people to master their craft through continuous and robust learning and development opportunities all year round. Our GovTechies embody our Agile, Bold and Collaborative values to deliver impactful solutions.

GovTech aims to transform the delivery of Government digital services by taking an "outside-in" view, putting citizens and businesses at the heart of everything we do.

Play a part in Singapore’s vision to build a Smart Nation and embark on your meaningful journey to build tech for public good. Join us to advance our mission and shape your future with us today!

Learn more about GovTech at tech.gov.sg.

About Singpass

Singpass is Singapore’s national digital identity platform, enabling citizens and businesses to securely access digital services across government and the private sector. As a critical part of Singapore’s digital infrastructure, Singpass must remain trusted and resilient while continuously improving the experience of millions of users and thousands of partners.

Data and AI help us detect fraud, understand product performance, make better decisions, automate operations and develop new capabilities.

This isnot traditional analytics or reporting role.

You will lead Singpass’ Data Science and AI function across:

• Trust and Safety
• Data Platform
• Product analytics
• Applied AI and automation

Your mission is to make Singpass:

• Safer, through better fraud detection and real-time intervention
• More data-informed, through meaningful metrics and actionable insights
• More effective, through responsible use of AI and automation
• Better equipped to innovate, through reusable data and machine-learning capabilities

You will set the direction for how data science and AI are applied across Singpass, while ensuring the function remains grounded in real product and operational problems.

What you will be working on

Data Science & AI Strategy

• Define and lead Singpass’ Data Science and AI strategy.
• Identify and prioritise the areas where data science, machine learning and AI can create the greatest impact.
• Build a coherent portfolio across fraud detection, product analytics, automation and emerging AI use cases.
• Measure initiatives by their outcomes, not their technical novelty.

Trust & Safety

• Advance Singpass’ fraud detection capabilities using machine learning, graph methods and other emerging techniques.
• Improve detection accuracy while reducing false positives and unnecessary user friction.
• Develop capabilities for real-time risk assessment and intervention.
• Strengthen collaboration between data scientists, engineers and fraud operations to improve detection and response.

Data Platform & Product Analytics

• Establish trusted product and mission metrics, supported by strong instrumentation, experimentation and backtesting.
• Build reusable data capabilities, such as data products, feature stores and querying services, that enable better product and operational decisions.

Applied AI

• Identify and deliver practical AI use cases with clear measures for the value delivered by AI, such as time saved, quality improved or cases automated.
• Turn successful prototypes into reliable, maintainable production capabilities built on reusable infrastructure and patterns.

Capability & Responsible AI Leadership

• Lead, hire and develop Singpass’ data scientists and AI practitioners.
• Build a flexible function where data scientists remain close to product teams while contributing to Singpass’ highest-priority problems.
• Ensure Singpass’ use of data and AI remains secure and responsible.
• Establish standards for model development, evaluation, deployment and monitoring, in partnership with Security, and Governance & Risk teams.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for a leader who combines strong technical depth with product judgement and organisational leadership.

You should have:

• At least 8 years of experience leading data science, machine learning or applied AI teams, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity including hiring and developing technical talent.
• Strong technical foundations in statistical modelling, machine learning, experimentation and modern data platforms.
• Strong product judgement, and ability to prioritise based on user and operational outcomes.
• Experience taking data science and AI capabilities from exploration into reliable use.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills, with sound judgement in balancing innovation, delivery, security, privacy and responsible use.
• Experience in trust and safety, fraud detection, digital identity or public-sector technology will be an advantage.

What we offer you:

GovTechis an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diverse voices and perspectives, as we believe that diversity is the foundation to innovation.

Our employee benefits are based on a total rewards approach, offering a holistic and market-competitive suite of perks. These include leave benefits to meet your work-life needs and employee wellness programs.

We champion flexible work arrangements (subject to your job role) and trust that you will manage your own time to deliver your best, wherever you are, and whatever works best for you.

Learn more about life insideGovTechat go.gov.sg/GovTechCareers.
Stay connected with us on social media at go.gov.sg/ConnectWithGovTech