When thinking of a National Library Board (NLB) Scholar, you might not immediately picture someone integrating data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) into their work. However, for Syaiful Iylia Bin Jamalluddin, it’s this exciting blend that ignited his passion for a career in Singapore’s knowledge landscape.

As NLB reimagined libraries and archives for the digital age, its aim to make knowledge accessible to all struck a chord with Syaiful, who was on the cusp of adulthood and preparing to enter university. Driven by a desire to serve the public and promote a love for reading, he was inspired to apply for the NLB Scholarship.

Now, as an Assistant Manager of Digital Content & Services, Syaiful oversees the value chain management of NLB’s trove of eResources. He finds great fulfillment in his work, contributing to the future of digital content within the library space.

“I find my day-to-day work at NLB engaging and meaningful,” he shared. “The opportunity to play a part in fostering a reading culture and lifelong learning in Singapore aligned well with my personal goals.”

Opening Doors to Academic Fulfillment

The NLB Scholarship gave Syaiful the freedom to explore his interests while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Politics and Philosophy at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

“My time studying in London was filled with enriching experiences, but what stood out the most was the strong community we formed despite the challenges faced during the COVID pandemic,” he recalled fondly.

Studying abroad offered Syaiful invaluable lessons that transcended the classroom, profoundly broadening his worldview. A key highlight was his summer exchange at Sciences Po in Paris.

“I had the opportunity to learn French as an elective which deepened my appreciation for France’s rich culture and arts due to the countless museums and galleries in Paris,” Syaiful shared. “This added a valuable dimension to my academic experience.”

During his time at Sciences Po, Syaiful was deeply engaged in his studies, focusing on global diplomacy and international relations. He enjoyed the interactive approach of the curriculum, which included classroom debates and tabletop negotiation exercises.

Syaiful also took several data science and IT courses, laying the foundation for his career at NLB, including leveraging technology to make reading and learning resources more accessible to Singaporeans.

Additionally, his internship with NLB following his first year of study provided insights into a full- time career with the organisation. Collaborating with dedicated NLB staff and external partners to promote reading nationwide helped him to develop transferable competencies such as communication and stakeholder engagement. This experience boosted his confidence in public speaking, a skill he now uses when conducting internal training for his colleagues.

Borrowing Made Easy

Upon joining NLB, Syaiful recognised how his background in data and technology aligned with the organisation’s mission. This sparked his interest in digital content. As an avid reader with a preference for eBooks, he was eager to understand the needs and expectations of Singaporeans.

NLB currently boasts over 2.3 million digital resources, including eBooks, eMagazines and audiobooks. Syaiful plays a key role in managing these resources, curating and updating the online catalogue, and enhancing the user experience on digital platforms.

“Many people might not realise the extent of data analytics involved in digital resource management. We analyse usage statistics, user behaviour patterns, and emerging trends to make informed decisions about our digital collections and services,” he explained.

Syaiful’s curation of thematic online collections based on usage data enables the addition of more copies of popular titles, enabling more people to borrow eBooks instantly.

“I’m proud to have introduced measures to enhance the borrowing and reading experience of e-books,” he enthused. “It has hopefully led to happier borrowers who are more satisfied with our services.”

Unfolding Chapters of Development

For Syaiful, shaping NLB’s digital offerings has fostered a genuine appreciation for the complexities of digital resource management. He is particularly excited about the potential of machine learning and generative AI in this space.

“I find it fascinating how we can leverage technology and GenAI to improve information accessibility and usability, and pivot towards an increasingly technologically savvy society,” he remarked.

In this dynamic environment, Syaiful values NLB’s commitment to nurturing its officers’ growth through various learning opportunities, from formal training to expert sharing and curated projects. He is grateful for the nurturing environment that promotes continuous growth.

“My supervisors and colleagues have been very generous and supportive in their guidance, enabling me to gain valuable experiences beyond my usual job scope,” he said.

Syaiful regularly looks out for opportunities to widen his perspectives on digital developments. This includes taking up the opportunity to be a liaison officer at the ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting 2024 held earlier this year in Singapore where he could plug into the latest discussions on international cooperation in the digital sphere, and also engaging NLB divisions and senior management during their discussions on digital programmes and initiatives for patrons.

“These experiences have broadened my perspective on NLB’s work and contributions, providing a wider strategic outlook,” he added.

Finding Purpose and Pathways

Syaiful continues to find a deep sense of purpose in his work, which allows him to adopt a broader and more strategic outlook as he grows in his role at NLB. For those aspiring to join NLB, Syaiful shares some encouraging words.

“NLB is probably bigger than you think. No matter your academic background, NLB offers myriad opportunities and diverse career paths in both traditional and emerging library fields to meet the aspirations of our officers,” he said. “If you’re looking to make an impact, innovate and transform our libraries and archives, NLB is the perfect organisation for you!”