Taxes serve as a vital source of funding for the Singapore Government, supporting the nation’s economic growth and development.

As the tax authority in Singapore, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) provides service in the administration of taxes and enterprise disbursements. It also advises the Government and represents Singapore internationally on tax matters.

Armed with a First Class Honors degree in economics, Scholar Sean Chan brings his analytical prowess to his role as a Manager (Tax Policy & Rulings) at IRAS. His academic background equips him with the analytical and evaluative skills needed to navigate the complexities of tax policy formulation and implementation.

Sean currently specialises in Goods and Services Tax (GST) and excels in handling intricate tax assessment cases. His adeptness in tackling challenges underscores his dedication to his role at IRAS.

We hear from Sean as he shares personal insights into a fulfilling career with IRAS.

Sean, what motivated you to pursue a career in IRAS?

I have always been intrigued by the constant developments in the field of taxation and its influence on our nation’s stability and growth appealed to me. IRAS stood out as an organisation that offered not only the opportunity for me to contribute towards national development but also the prospect of continuous learning and professional growth.

After reading up on the various career development opportunities offered by IRAS, I was convinced that it was an environment where I could cultivate a diverse range of skills and develop into a well-rounded individual. Additionally, the work ethics and values upheld by IRAS strongly resonated with me, reaffirming my decision to be part of this organisation.

How has the IRAS Overseas Undergraduate Scholarship impacted your academic and professional development?

With the scholarship, I was able to pursue my studies in economics at the University College London (UCL). I chose to study economics as it is an academic discipline that is closely intertwined with taxation. In addition, it allowed me to hone analytical and evaluative skills to navigate the complexities of policy formulation and implementation.

The scholarship also offers scholars the opportunity to intern at IRAS so that they gain an early exposure to the culture and diverse work areas in the organisation.

I was given the opportunity to work in the frontline services and it provided me with much insight into the “bread and butter” work of IRAS and the ground operations flow and management. Interacting with taxpayers also enabled me to improve my tax knowledge and customer service skills. Handling complex and sensitive tax enquiries brought to my attention the importance of engaging our diverse groups of taxpayers and stakeholders.

I was also tasked to work on projects to further improve IRAS frontline operations during my internship. With guidance from the CONCEN (Contact Centre) team (now known as Service Experience Centre (SVE), I learned to solve real life challenges in the workplace by analysing work environment and conditions. A key takeaway for me was the importance of taking a people-centric approach when drafting solutioning measures to successfully integrate independent data with user behaviour and operations knowledge.

Tell us about your current role in IRAS

As a Manager (Tax Policy & Rulings) within the GST Division, I am currently involved in the drafting of legislative amendments to the GST Act, with the aim to provide clarity on the treatment of GST for regulatory fees.

This project deeply underscores the unwavering commitment of IRAS to upholding governance and integrity at the highest standards. We continually review our processes and systems and tighten them where necessary. I also had the opportunity to work closely with colleagues from the Ministry of Finance, as well as the legislation team from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, which further enriched this experience.

Additionally, I provide advanced rulings on various tax treatments and advise taxpayers on how to comply with these rules.

Your work sounds meaningful! What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding?

I find myself inspired by my colleagues’ dedication to do their best and similarly challenge myself to do the same. The supportive culture at IRAS is something I deeply appreciate, and I have received valuable mentorship and guidance from everyone I work with. This positive environment has truly cultivated a sense of motivation and uplift in my work.

Can you tell us more about the work culture at IRAS?

At IRAS, there is a culture of continuous improvement, where the status quo is constantly being challenged and enhanced. For example, my policy team oversees the organisation of regular partnership dialogue sessions with the Singapore Chartered Tax Professionals (SCTP) to discuss tax policies or issues. I value the open collaboration with external stakeholders who set the new standards for excellence with their solutions and experiences.

I am also heartened by IRAS’s direction of analysing current challenges to build towards future opportunities and evolve ahead of the increasingly sophisticated needs of our taxpayers.

Finally, what advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to join IRAS?

Be sincere and transparent about your aspirations and expectations. Keeping an open mind and having a genuine passion will help you grow and contribute meaningfully.