The global economic landscape is constantly evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities at every turn. Navigating this complexity requires strategic action. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) paves the way forward through investment promotion and industry development, working closely with international businesses to drive economic growth and create good job opportunities for Singapore.

As a Senior Associate with the Healthcare Division at EDB, Chiang Yan Qi is an outstanding young talent, who is passionate about shaping Singapore’s economy and developing industries. She works with her team to engage and cultivate corporate clients, collaborate with industry stakeholders and government agencies to formulate and implement strategies that foster a vibrant healthcare ecosystem in Singapore. Yan Qi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and a Master of Finance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States.

We speak with her to learn about her impactful role at EDB.

Why was the EDB Scholarship the right fit for you?

I’ve always been interested in the intersection between the public and private sectors and was drawn to EDB’s work in industry development. I was looking for a role that would enable me to gain a global perspective while delivering value and impact. I find EDB to be a good coalescence of these values, which is why I applied for the EDB Scholarship.

How has the scholarship contributed to your growth?

Outside of my formal degrees, EDB was very supportive of my personal and professional development and encouraged my language learning endeavours. Before starting university, I studied Japanese full-time under EDB’s foreign language development programme. I also attended winter school at Waseda University in Tokyo, where I continued my language studies. Beyond language abilities, EDB encouraged me to immerse myself in the local landscape to better understand the culture and environment.

I also had the opportunity to do an internship with the Energy & Resources division, where I worked on a study to determine the demand-side implications of electrification for Singapore. This involved exploring the decarbonisation potential of electrification and identifying new economic opportunities for Singapore. I was able to develop my analytical skills and deepen my understanding of industry trends through market research while also gaining valuable exposure to account management by engaging with our key companies.

That’s impressive! What does a typical workday look like for you?

No workday is really the same! Work at EDB is pretty dynamic whether it’s speaking with companies about new projects, visiting established plants, attending conferences, or engaging in internal discussions before negotiations. This variety keeps us constantly adapting and learning from new experiences.

That definitely keeps things fresh and challenging! What opportunities for professional growth have you found at EDB?

I was given the opportunity to helm a piece on the impact of US-China tensions on the biopharmaceutical industry. This was a major work piece as it involved monitoring an evolving situation and assessing its impact on the global industry and by extension, Singapore. It was my first foray into exploring the implications of international developments on our industry development strategy and plans, which allowed me to hone my critical thinking and analytical abilities.

What’s one project you’ve worked on that stood out for you?

Sanofi’s Modulus facility! Previously known as the Evolutive Vaccine Facility, this is the first of its kind in Singapore. Modulus is a manufacturing facility that allows for flexibility and modularity, meaning that Sanofi can quickly switch the production lines to produce different types of products.

This is a big breakthrough, as it could mean that the facility could very quickly switch to manufacturing life-saving therapeutics and vaccines should another pandemic hit us. We are also very proud that Singapore was chosen as the first country outside France (where Sanofi is headquartered) to house Modulus. This project is truly impactful and a big win for Singapore.

How would you describe EDB’s work culture?

It has a very strong collaborative team culture and I truly treasure how people are always open to sharing their knowledge and experience. We are encouraged to speak up, and our opinions and ideas are always valued, even if we are the youngest person at the table.

Lastly, any advice for readers considering a career with EDB?

EDB places a strong focus on the growth of our officers and hence, the opportunities are limitless. Many of us have had the chance to rotate across different divisions to experience various types of work such as account management, policy and strategy, while also building new functional competencies.

You also get to work alongside a close-knit team of fun, vibrant, and passionate individuals who strongly believe in EDB’s mission and making a positive impact on Singapore and Singaporeans. While we work hard, we know how to play even harder! I particularly enjoy the activities organised by our Recreation Club, our Dinner & Dance, and simply hanging out with my teammates.

Join us if you are looking for an exciting yet meaningful career and want to be a part of our fun and driven team!