Jingzhan has always harboured a desire to pursue a career that transcended personal ambition, aiming to contribute to something greater. Today, his role as Assistant Director in the Plans, Strategy and Transformation Office at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), as well as prior roles in defence diplomacy and finance over the last five years have reinforced this aspiration, providing him with a meaningful avenue to serve his country.

Reflecting on his decision, he shared, “I was motivated to pursue a career in the defence sector because of its crucial role in safeguarding Singapore’s peace and security. I resonated strongly with the quote ‘what you cannot defend is not yours’ and was intrinsically motivated to contribute to a cause greater than myself.”

His sense of purpose deepened during the six months when he extended his National Service (NS) prior to his university studies, during which he interacted closely with NSmen from all walks of life.

“I was also particularly interested in NS’ role as a social lever and its contribution to Singapore’s nation-building,” he added.

Fostering Future Leaders in Defence

With a steadfast resolve to contribute to Singapore’s defence and security, Jingzhan applied for the Defence Merit Scholarship (DMS). The DMS paves the way for promising young individuals within the defence sector to pursue an education in some of the world’s most prestigious universities.

“I applied for the scholarship because it allowed me to pursue my interest in Accountancy and Finance while aligning with my desire to make a meaningful impact within my field of study,” he elaborated.

The scholarship offered a pivotal opportunity for Jingzhan, affording him invaluable flexibility and autonomy in his pursuit of academic and personal aspirations. As Captain of his school’s Tchoukball team, Jingzhan was able to pursue his passion while leading the team to receive multiple accolades.

The various pursuits have developed his critical thinking, interpersonal and leadership skills, while cultivating a deeper understanding of strategy, governance, quantitative reasoning, and risk management at the same time.

“These competencies have allowed me to drive strategic resource planning in my current role, as well as in my previous role where I helped to plan and optimise the allocation of the Defence Budget.”

Driving Strategic Resource Planning

MINDEF works in tandem with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to enhance Singapore’s peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy. Jingzhan plays a pivotal role in these efforts in his role at the Plans, Strategy and Transformation Office.

“I drive the medium to long-term resource strategy and propose recommendations on resource allocation for senior management’s consideration,” he explained, “Amidst the tightening manpower and fiscal situation, I work with various stakeholders across the MINDEF family to develop plans, frameworks and processes to optimise resources while strengthening alignment with strategic priorities.”

Maintaining positive relations with stakeholders within the ministry is a critical part of Jingzhan’s role. “Co-creating win-win solutions with stakeholders to advance the organisation is the most rewarding aspect of my job,” he stated.

A Dynamic Career With Multiple Pathways

Jingzhan’s journey with MINDEF in the past five years has been marked by diverse roles, ranging from defence diplomacy and finance to strategy planning. From working with the Ministry of Finance on the Defence Budget to advancing and safeguarding MINDEF’s interests in ASEAN, Jingzhan has many noteworthy professional accomplishments.

“My most significant professional accomplishment would be during my first appointment in the Defence Policy Office,” he recounted. “Faced with a steep learning curve with no background in international relations, I had the privilege of working with my incredible colleagues and ASEAN counterparts to draft various concept papers which helped to enhance defence cooperation in the region.”

Reflecting on the ample opportunity for growth and professional development in MINDEF, Jingzhan expressed appreciation for MINDEF’s supportive environment for learning and development at both professional and personal levels.

“At the functional level, my supervisors supported my participation in courses that equipped me with professional skills and knowledge such as budgeting, workforce planning, and risk management that are relevant to my job area. As Defence Executive Officers, we are also given training credits to pursue self-initiated learning to enhance our core competencies.”

To anyone determined to follow in Jingzhan’s footsteps, he offered these words of wisdom: “Be open to learning; collaborate and seek win-win solutions. Most importantly, always understand the higher intent and remember the purpose.”