Left: Radiya Binte Jamari (left) is First Secretary (Public Affairs), High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur. She is a recipient of the MDDI Information Service Scholarship. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Master of Science in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Oxford.
Right: Matthew Chia is an Information Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office. He is a recipient of the MDDI Information Service Scholarship. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media and Communications from Goldsmiths, University of London, and will be pursuing a Master of Science in Behaviour Change at University College London.
Radiya Binte Jamari
1. Diverse Postings, Both Local and Overseas
I’m the First Secretary (Public Affairs) at the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. Prior to this role, I was at the President’s Office as part of the Media Strategy and Communications team. I also spent two years at MDDI, where I was given opportunities to rotate in various departments.
2. Going Beyond Communications
Singapore and Malaysia share strong bilateral relations. In my current posting in Kuala Lumpur, I play a part in supporting these ties through public diplomacy—by engaging media, working with stakeholders, and promoting people-to-people exchanges. It is a unique role that has given me exposure to both diplomacy and communications work as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment!
3. Never a Dull Moment
During my time at the President’s Office, I was part of then-President Halimah Yacob’s press team. Her schedule was always packed and I learnt a lot from simply observing how she connected with people from all walks of life. I could be staffing her at a local community event one day and an overseas State Visit the next.
4. Finding Purpose and Meaning
I have had the privilege of serving in different postings which have enabled me to acquire different skills. I wanted a career that offered a sense of purpose and mission—one where I could contribute to something greater than myself. I am grateful to have been able to find that through the Information Service scholarship.
Matthew Chia
5. Exposure to Diverse Communications Functions
As an Information Officer, I have had the opportunity to build up my skills across different communications functions. I started my journey in MDDI, where I learnt about how the media works, and how to run a marketing campaign, such as running roadshows to publicise the Pioneer Generation Package. Since then, I have been posted to different agencies such as the Ministries of Transport, Manpower and Law.
6. On the Frontline of Shaping Narratives
Information Officers are everything, everywhere, all at once—to develop and execute communications efforts that resonate with the public. The job is dynamic. We always have to be prepared to shoot a video, create collaterals, arrange an event, craft a media pitch, or engage the public for their feedback—sometimes all at the same time!
7. Varied Learning Opportunities
Diverse postings such as working on CPF policy and serving as press secretary to a minister have opened my eyes to different perspectives. With each role, I have learnt more about the intent behind policies and new ways to help the public understand them. Each posting reinforces the learnings from previous ones, and makes me a more versatile Information Officer.
8. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Pulling off a large communications campaign is a team effort, requiring close collaboration with colleagues in other departments and agencies, the media, and vendors. I am grateful to have made friends from across postings, and to have a trusted network of contacts whom I can tap on for help.
