CPF Board has a 60-year history in safeguarding the long-term financial well-being and interests of Singaporeans. Every day, the organisation helps over 3.5 million CPF members save for retirement through lifelong income, healthcare financing, and home financing. CPF Board also aims to provide consistent, comprehensive and convenient services to its members.

As CPF Ambassadors, 26-year-old Janice Lim Xiu Ling and 27-year-old Yap Jit Yong are dedicated to CPF Board’s mission, knowing that what they do makes a real difference in the lives of their fellow Singaporeans. They provide us with an insider’s perspective into the fulfilling and rewarding careers that they have in CPF Board.

Serving a Purpose

At CPF Board, work is not simply about mundane routine work and waiting for the day to end. Officers at CPF Board play a hand in shaping the future of Singaporeans’ retirement. The impact of what they do is significant and far-reaching.

For Janice, who currently bears the role of Senior Manager in the Medishield Department, pursuing a career in CPF Board is her way of making a difference in the lives of her fellow citizens. She shares, “Work in the public service allows me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Singaporeans. Furthermore, the CPF system is something which is close to everyone’s heart. Most people save through thesystem for their retirement, to buy a home, and pay for their healthcare expenses. You get this irreplaceable sense of satisfaction when you realise that the policies that you have reviewed have a tangible effect on the lives of Singaporeans.”

Jit Yong shares Janice’s sentiments. Now working as a Senior Manager in the Policy Department, he tells us that the reason he chose a career in CPF Board was because he wanted to contribute to better lives for Singaporeans. “I could have worked in the private sector, but I didn’t want to work in a place that is solely driven by profit. I personally find more meaning working in the public sector,” he explains.

A Collaborative, Caring and Open Culture

CPF Board understands that the people are the most important part of an organisation. A warm familial culture permeates the organisation, and employees are given the proper guidance and support they need to flourish.

Jit Yong tells us that the positive working environment of the CPF Board is one of the things that sets it apart from other organisations. He shares, “The place has a strong family-like and collegial environment. The organisation promotes and facilitates activities that promotes staff bonding. We take part in activities like laser tag, baking, pottery-making, and karaoke, which really allow us to connect – not just as colleagues, but as friends. It really makes going to work every day fun when you know that you’ll be seeing your friends.

“As for my work relations with my superiors, I am able to work to the best of my ability because of the trust that my bosses place in me and I am truly grateful for the autonomy that I’m given. In fact, when I first interviewed with CPF Board, the thing that sealed the deal for me was being able to strike up a good rapport with my future Head of Department and supervisor. I left the interview feeling positive that my personal growth and development would be taken care of.”

On her part, Janice’s statements echo a lot of the things that Jit Yong brought up. She adds, “I appreciate the open culture and supportive environment in CPF Board. In the Board, we can freely discuss proposals with senior management. They are amenable to new ideas, and they are willing to offer a helping hand to guide us along the way. I also enjoy the collaborative environment, where my colleagues within and across departments are always ready to help one another.”

New Horizons

Those who are looking to join CPF Board can look forward to many opportunities. Janice tells us, “I’ve attended overseas seminars which were such unique experiences and great learning opportunities, allowing me to pick up useful points from international pension systems and share more about CPF with other countries.”

Jit Yong adds, “When you join the organisation, you can expect opportunities to work with Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and Deputy Secretaries from other Ministries. I have also been given the opportunity to manage projects that involve external stakeholders, so you can look forward to that too.”

When asked for words of wisdom to students who are thinking about a career in CPF Board, Janice tells us, “I would say to join CPF Board if you’re looking for an open, friendly and stimulating environment. Colleagues are an important part of your working lives, and I have gained many friends in my time here. You will gain exposure to a wide range of social policies. Work can be tricky at times, bu definitely satisfying once you see how policies get translated into action.”

“Banish any doubts that you might have about CPF Board and go for it whole-heartedly! I can honestly say that I can’t think of a better place to start one’s career,” Jit Yong concludes enthusiastically