Senior/Assistant Director, Innovation, Research and Development Division

Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry; Singapore; On-site; SGD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry in Singapore seeks a policy professional to shape and implement national R&I and enterprise policies. You will evaluate programmes, oversee agency performance, and engage government, industry and research stakeholders both domestically and internationally.

Key focus areas include governance of A*STAR, NSAS development, and RIE2030 initiatives, with metrics reporting on outcomes and translating research into economic value.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical thinking and ability to synthesize complex information.
• Experience or interest in public policy, economic strategy, or international engagement.
• Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills.
• Self-driven with ability to work across government, industry and research ecosystems.
• Willingness to develop familiarity with new technology areas.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies and strategies for national R&D and enterprise.
• Evaluate programmes and funding proposals and oversee performance.
• Engage stakeholders across government, industry and overseas.
• Coordinate with agencies to strengthen Singapore's innovation and IP hub.
• Monitor and translate research into economic outcomes and value.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Research & synthesis

Public speaking

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Job description

What the role is:

What the role isSingapore faces increasing constraints in manpower, land, energy and carbon. Research, innovation and enterprise policy therefore plays an important role in strengthening our economic competitiveness, developing new growth opportunities and creating good jobs for Singaporeans. This requires us to make strategic choices about the technological capabilities Singapore should build, and to translate our research strengths into economic and societal outcomes.As Singapore embarks on the new Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 tranche, MTI’s Innovation, Research and Development Division develops policies and strategies to strengthen Singapore’s innovation-driven economy. We work across government, industry and the research ecosystem to identify strategic opportunities, translate research into economic outcomes and ensure that public investments in R&D deliver value for Singapore.

What you will be working on:

You will develop and implement policies and strategies, evaluate programmes and funding proposals and oversee agency and programme performance. The role involves engaging stakeholders across government, industry and the research ecosystem in Singapore and overseas. Your responsibilities may include:

• A*STAR Strategy and Governance. Shape MTI’s strategic oversight of A*STAR and work with the agency to align its research, innovation and corporate strategies with Singapore’s economic priorities. This includes reviewing and advising on strategic and resourcing proposals, strengthening the translation of research into economic outcomes, monitoring organisational and programme performance, and communicating the impact of A*STAR’s initiatives.
• National Space Strategy and Agency Development. Develop and coordinate policies and strategies to advance Singapore’s national and economic interests in space, and oversee the development of NSAS as the national space agency. This includes working with NSAS and relevant stakeholders to ensure NSAS is sufficiently resourced to achieve their mandate, and measuring, tracking and communicating the outcome of NSAS’ initiatives.
• Innovation & enterprise. Assess emerging technologies and growth areas to identify where Singapore can build a competitive position, and develop policies and programmes to support their growth. This includes analysing industry and technology trends, reviewing Singapore’s innovation and enterprise landscape, monitoring RIE2030 initiatives, and working with agencies to strengthen Singapore’s position as an innovation and Intellectual Property (IP) hub.
• Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity RIE Domain. Work with economic agencies, industry and research stakeholders to develop R&D strategies for priority economic sectors. Evaluate programme and funding proposals, monitor portfolio performance, and recommend policy and resourcing decisions to ensure that public R&D investments support Singapore’s economic priorities and deliver intended outcomes.
• International Relations. Advance MTI’s science, technology and innovation interests through bilateral and multilateral engagements, working across whole-of-government to further our interests. This includes monitoring and assessing global innovation and R&D policy trends and strategic directions, identifying collaboration opportunities, representing MTI on international science and technology platforms (e.g. G20, ASEAN), and developing partnerships that support Singapore’s economic and technological priorities, while taking into account of geopolitical considerations.

What we are looking for:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to examine complex, economic and technical issues, synthesise information for different audiences, and support decision‑making with rigorous analysis and well‑considered recommendations.
• Experience or interest in public policy, economic strategy, programme or scheme design, strategic planning, programme evaluation, project management as well as international relations/engagements.
• Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills
• Self‑driving and highly‑motivated, with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to work across government, industry and research ecosystem; and
• An interest in science, technology and innovation, and a willingness to develop familiarity with new technology areas. A technical or scientific background may be useful but is not essential.

About Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry

Working at METI places you at the heart of Singapore’s economic policy‑making. We drive productivity‑led growth, safeguard and expand our economic space, and build a future‑ready economy where firms can thrive. Together, we create a Singapore which is a city of possibilities, a home to great firms, and a place where the world connects — with people at its heart.When you join METI, you contribute to our mission of creating good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans, enabling them to improve their lives and secure a better future.