The Economic Development Board (EDB) is the leading government agency in Singapore responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore’s position as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. Behind its success are purpose-driven individuals like Kevin Goh, an EDB Scholar who strives to make a positive difference for Singapore’s economy and people.

As an Account Manager with EDB’s Healthcare division, Kevin engages with multinational corporations (MNCs) and partners to identify investment opportunities and support industry development. In the coming months, he will be moving to a new role in corporate planning and analytics, where he will have the opportunity to utilise data science and analytics skills to support various workstreams in EDB.

We caught up with Kevin to learn more about his career journey at EDB.

What sparked your interest in EDB and what kind of support did you receive through the scholarship?

I first learned about EDB during a scholarship fair held in my junior college. EDB’s mission immediately resonated with me – it was the opportunity to impact the economic well-being of fellow Singaporeans that sparked my interest in EDB. The scholarship covered the monthly tuition fees and living allowance for the duration of my studies.

How has the scholarship contributed to your academic journey during your pursuit of a degree at Cornell University in the United States?

The scholarship made studying abroad possible and allowed me to focus on my studies and personal development when I would otherwise have had to worry about affordability. Studying in the States really broadened my horizons – the U.S. liberal arts system encourages undergraduates to pursue a wide range of subjects and interests, and I maximised my time doing just that.

Can you tell us more about your current role and responsibilities at EDB?

As an Account Manager with the Healthcare division, my day-to-day revolves around working with various MNCs. We work with these companies across all aspects of their activities in Singapore – whether it be facilitating their expansion, or ensuring the success of their continued operations. This means plenty of meetings across each company’s business units, staying up to date with their evolving needs in the shifting economic landscape, and exchanging ideas with our colleagues and industry to keep afloat of things.

I am also taking on a new role as Manager with the Corporate Planning & Analytics division, and my responsibilities will evolve in the coming weeks – but this just speaks to the wealth of developmental opportunities in EDB.

How have you been able to apply what you have learnt in university to your current work?

With most majors, I believe the primary value of study is in the development of critical thinking skills. EDB requires an analytical rigour of its officers as we strive tirelessly to seek what’s best for Singapore’s long-term interests. So, I think the subject matter expertise I developed from my undergraduate degree in Economics and Government, and the clarity of thought with which to apply the said expertise that I developed from my Philosophy major, helped significantly.

Kevin Goh

What is your most significant career achievement to date?

Over the years – and in particular, the aftermath of COVID-19 – the achievement I hold closest to my heart has been supporting the many MNCs in the healthcare sector to establish new manufacturing capabilities, which will eventually meet the healthcare needs of Singapore and the region. I most appreciate the fact that as part of the Healthcare division, any projects we support will not only drive economic development but also serve to plug gaps in healthcare products and services.

What are the opportunities for officers to develop new skills and competencies?

EDB is incredibly supportive of officers looking to develop new skills. For example, in 2021, I discovered an interest in data science and analytics. Since then, EDB has supported me in pursuing external courses in data science and giving me the opportunity to work part-time with the Corporate Planning & Analytics team on in-house data science projects. This has allowed me to gradually develop competencies and affirm my interest in this area. More recently, EDB also supported my full-time transfer to the Corporate Planning & Analytics team – the transition is underway and will be complete by October 2023.

While a scholar myself, I can say with full confidence that EDB treats everyone equally and withmeritocracy. Everyone has the same opportunities, and this includes the opportunity to stretch and expose yourself to the ins and outs of various industries and meeting with the senior management of some of the world’s largest companies, to drive real change in Singapore.

EDB’s culture is incredibly collaborative, supportive, and nurturing. We work hard to deliver because our work can have a real impact on Singaporeans, and ultimately, I can trust my team and bosses to look out for me at every turn.

Finally, what would you say to someone considering joining EDB?

Nietzsche is instructive in this regard: “He who has a why (to live for) can bear almost any how.” In the context of your budding career, I think your “why” must comprise your mission and life priorities. When both are aligned with your job, you will both be willing and able to push through the highs and lows of your career.