Ministry of Home Affairs
Feature | MHA

At the Heart of Our Home: A Career with the Home Team

A Civilian Generalist career with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allows you to contribute meaningfully to the safety and security of our Home. Jansen Tham and Melissa Wee share about their dynamic career experiences across varied domains, and how their roles bring them to the forefront of action. At the heart of safety and security matters, they ensure that the Home Team’s operational capabilities are prepared for and potential threats, incidents or crises are mitigated. Beyond work, both appreciate the development opportunities and the strong supportive culture at MHA, with a good balance between work and well-being.
MHA

Left: Melissa Wee, Senior Manager, Regulatory Ops and Policy, Joint Operations Group, Ministry of Home Affairs Headquarters

Right: Jansen Tham, Assistant Director (Resource Planning), Planning & Organisation, Ministry of Home Affairs Headquarters

Melissa Wee

Melissa Wee  1

1. My role in the Regulatory Operations and Policy team at the Joint Operations Group (JOG) requires me to engage closely with our Home Team Departments, other government agencies and private sector organisations to tackle emerging security threats. My colleagues and I work together to ensure that our security policies and legislations remain relevant amidst an increasingly dynamic operating landscape. In what is an eye-opening and humbling journey so far, I am proud to play my part in ensuring Singapore’s safety and security.

Melissa Wee  2

2. There is truly a plethora of roles for Civilian Generalists, where rotations within and across domains are supported. I was previously from the Staff Development Division in the Singapore Prison Service, followed by the International Operations Management team at JOG where I formulated policies relating to anti-human trafficking, and represented Singapore at international forums such as the United Nations. I am also on the Home Team Leaders-in-Development Programme, and I look forward to honing my leadership competencies and the continued meaningful work as a future leader of the Home Team!

Melissa Wee  3

3. At MHA, culture matters. We make effort so that our officers are engaged at their roles and workplace. In my capacity as a Champion for Organisation Development, I contribute towards building a positive workplace culture and strengthening camaraderie amongst my colleagues through various engagement initiatives such as the “Kindness Corner” – where we express appreciation towards each other. I have also forged strong professional and personal relationships across the Home Team. I enjoy the nurturing environment at MHA, and the opportunity to grow and contribute alongside committed colleagues.

Jansen Tham

Jansen Tham  Part 1

4. In my role at the Planning & Organisation Division, I work closely with external and internal stakeholders to plan the deployment of the Home Team’s budgetary and manpower resources. I am currently overseeing the resource allocation and deployment for the implementation of Police cameras across Singapore. Together with my team, we ensure that the project is on track to meet an important outcome - to detect, deter and solve crimes.

Jansen Tham  Part 2

5. In my role at the Planning & Organisation Division, I work closely with external and internal stakeholders to plan the deployment of the Home Team’s budgetary and manpower resources. I am currently overseeing the resource allocation and deployment for the implementation of Police cameras across Singapore. Together with my team, we ensure that the project is on track to meet an important outcome - to detect, deter and solve crimes.


Jansen Tham  Part 3

6. MHA Civilian Generalists come from all backgrounds and fields of expertise. As an Engineering graduate, I am appreciative of the varied posting opportunities across domains to broaden my views in security-related issues. Being on the Public Service Leadership Programme also availed many development opportunities, such as the Public Service Commission Scholarship and pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. During my Masters, I received opportunities for professional internships with established organisations, and an overseas exchange programme to the John Hopkins University (United States of America)!