Left: Quah Yan Hsien is a recipient of the Public Service Commission Scholarship (Engineering) and holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with a second major in Computer Science from NUS, as well as a Master of Engineering in Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge. He is now an Engineer at the RAUS Centre of Expertise and a Manager in Plans & Strategy at HTX.
Right: Chen Mei Jie is a recipient of the Public Service Commission Scholarship (Engineering) and holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science in Computer Engineering and a Master of Science in Technology Management from NTU. She was also a member of the UNESCO traineeship programme, sponsored by the Public Service Commission. She is now an Engineer in xCyber’s Cyber Research Team and a Manager in Plans & Strategy at HTX.
Choosing a career path is one of life’s most important decisions. For Quah Yan Hsien and Chen Mei Jie, their journeys led them to HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency), where they turn their drive for innovation into impactful outcomes.
The first agency of its kind in the world, HTX is home to a team of scientists and engineers focused on advancing Singapore’s safety and security through cutting-edge science and technology.
We spoke with Yan Hsien, an Engineer at the Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems (RAUS) Centre of Expertise, and Mei Jie, an Engineer at xCyber, to gain insights into their work at HTX. Both individuals are also managers at the Plans & Strategy division at HTX.
Let’s start with how it all began, what got you interested in engineering?
Yan Hsien: My interest in engineering stems from the same desire to serve the public—to make a meaningful difference in society. I decided to start my journey in public service with an engineering role to build a solid foundation in technical depth. I believed this move would also allow me to apply science and technology meaningfully for the greater good.
Mei Jie: My interest in engineering was sparked the moment I realised that I was no longer studying for the sake of studying. I could actually solve problems and make an impact with my knowledge. This revelation came in Secondary 3, when my teammates and I developed a Smart Wearable for Elderly Care that could detect when an elderly person living alone suffers a fall.
Mei Jie, what made you choose HTX as your parent agency?
Choosing HTX in 2019 was a leap of faith because the agency was not even formed yet. But 19-year-old me was convinced by HTX’s mission and purpose after speaking with Mr Allan Loi, who was then the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Science and Technology Strategy Office. I was inspired by the work that the Home Team was doing, and the thought of being able to contribute to enhancing their operations totally won me over.
Yan Hsien, how did the scholarship benefit you?
I have met people from diverse disciplines and life journeys, all united by the desire to serve the people of Singapore. The PSC community, together with the University Scholars Programme community at NUS, has broadened my horizons and allowed me to appreciate issues far beyond the technical domain. The conversations I’ve had with the community have pushed me to think differently and examine my blind spots. As a result, I have developed a deeper interest in how tech intersects with policy, sustainability, inclusivity, and social mobility. This has helped me become more aware of how broad the impact of engineering can be when we partner with other disciplines.
Both of you have interesting roles! What exciting projects are you diving into at the moment?
Yan Hsien: On the automation front, I’m building on the work of the passport-less and QR clearance team to develop a similar breeze-through concept for vehicles at the causeway crossings to help ease congestion. I’m also designing a motorised loader and stretcher dual system to reduce the physical load on our SCDF Emergency Medical Services officers. In terms of robotics, I focus on the fast-emerging field of embodied artificial intelligence (AI).
Mei Jie: As an Engineer at xCyber’s Cyber Research Team, I work on tools to augment the capabilities of xCyber in safeguarding the Home Team’s systems from cyberattacks. The cyber and digital landscape is evolving every day, so it is extremely important that we ensure our cyber defenses keep up with the evolving threats.
As a Manager at the Plans & Strategy’s Strategy Team, I work with my team to lead HTX’s Annual Strategic Planning Cycle. This includes conducting foresight exercises to understand developments beyond HTX, the whole of government, or even Singapore, and how they could impact us.
Taking on dual roles can be challenging. How has it been for you, Yan Hsien?
It has been most fulfilling! What’s also meaningful is being able to apply learnings across both roles. I’m grateful that my leaders trust me with autonomy. This trust gives me the space to grow and a determination to manage my workload well.
How would you sum up the work culture at HTX in three words?
Yan Hsien: Empathetic, innovative and exuberant. My grandmother was hospitalised during my first week of work, and I was moved when my supervisors gave me the space to be with the family, and trusted me to manage work on my own time.
Mei Jie: Empowering! There is a strong sense of trust that runs throughout the organisation. There is no micromanaging and there’s great flexibility in working arrangements. I really like this because it makes me feel that I’m trusted enough to make decisions for myself and my work!
Lastly, what are some cool opportunities future scholars can look forward to if they join HTX?
Yan Hsien: You’ll get to work on cutting-edge and emerging technologies. More importantly, you’ll have the chance to apply them in meaningful ways to keep our Home Team officers safe and our home secure.
Mei Jie: They can look forward to the opportunity of double hatting, just like me! They can also look forward to being immersed in a supportive network and community that believes in mentorship and cares for your well-being!
