Singapore’s public housing system has long been the bedrock of our thriving society. With over 80% of Singaporeans calling Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats home, these spaces have become more than just places to live. They are the heartbeat of communities, shaping identities and playing a pivotal role in Singapore’s success story.

At the heart of this ongoing mission is Gao Shuxin, a Senior Estate Manager at HDB. With a passion for data and a deep-rooted belief in accessible public housing, she is dedicated to creating affordable, quality homes and vibrant environments where communities can flourish.

Making Numbers Matter

Shuxin’s academic journey was guided by a natural affinity for numbers. From a young age, she was drawn to the logic and structure of Mathematics. However, it wasn’t until her time in Junior College where she studied Economics, that the pieces truly fell into place.

“I was instantly drawn to its unique combination of quantitative rigour and real-world applications,” Shuxin recalled.

This growing interest led her to pursue a degree in Economics and Mathematics at Boston University, supported by the HDB Undergraduate Scholarship (Overseas). The scholarship not only funded her education but also opened doors to opportunities that shaped her path.

Shuxin would go on to complete a Master’s in Statistics from Stanford University, where she delved into statistical learning and modern science data methods. This interdisciplinary foundation proved invaluable in her work at HDB, where data-driven decisions are key to shaping the future of public housing.

Mapping the Way to Meaningful Change

For Shuxin, working at HDB is more than just a career. It’s a commitment to a larger purpose. Growing up in an HDB flat, she experienced firsthand how well-designed housing could positively impact lives.

“As I learned more about Singapore’s housing policies, I came to appreciate that our experience was not by mere chance but the result of careful policy design,” she explained. “From allocation policies and targeted subsidies to ensuring fairness in ethnic integration policies for social cohesion, each aspect reflects thoughtful planning with a clear social purpose.”

This inspired her to pursue a career that would allow her to create similar positive changes for others. The scholarship provided opportunities for two internships at HDB—one in car park policy and another in housing policy—which helped her bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. These experiences, along with mentorship from a senior scholar, gave Shuxin the confidence and skills to move forward in her career. She later took on a varied job scope that included assessing applicants’ eligibility for resale flats, processing housing grant applications, handling lease-related matters and contributing to policy enforcement.

Today, as a Senior Estate Manager, Shuxin’s role spans a broad range of responsibilities, from managing stakeholder relationships to leading communication strategies. However, it’s her expertise in data analysis that has truly set her apart.

One of her most significant achievements has been her involvement in the development and launch of the Resale Flat Listing (RFL) service. This platform allows flat owners to list their properties for sale directly on the HDB Flat Portal, creating a transparent, efficient, and user-friendly platform for buyers and sellers alike. During her management of the RFL service, she refined HDB’s publicity campaigns by analysing user engagement patterns to identify untapped audience segments and optimal outreach opportunities.

“Seeing how our work can make a tangible difference in helping Singaporeans buy and sell homes more easily has been incredibly rewarding,” Shuxin reflected.

Her knack for leveraging data to drive system improvements makes her work particularly meaningful. “There is something deeply satisfying about translating raw unstructured data into actionable recommendations that benefit the organisation,” she said. From optimising outreach to enhancing user engagement, her data-driven approach has helped shape a smoother housing journey for all.

Where Collaboration Drives Change

Shuxin’s time at HDB has not only been defined by her individual contributions but also by the collaborative environment that the organisation fosters. “At HDB, we are constantly pushing boundaries to serve Singaporeans better,” she shared. The work culture at HDB is rooted in collaboration, with colleagues from various teams coming together to solve complex challenges. Shuxin’s ability to work seamlessly with different departments has been key to her success in delivering impactful projects.

“What makes HDB truly special is how we build connections beyond our professional roles,” she added. Whether it’s brainstorming innovative solutions or tackling team-building activities like escape rooms, the blend of purpose-driven work and meaningful relationships builds a strong sense of community at HDB, which creates an environment where Shuxin and her colleagues can thrive both professionally and personally.

Looking ahead, Shuxin is eager to continue growing within HDB. “I’ve recently moved to the Housing Market Analysis team, where I monitor and analyse the public housing market, with a particular focus on the resale market,” she noted. In this role, Shuxin provides crucial insights that will guide policy decisions and help ensure the continued affordability and accessibility of Singapore’s public housing.

Embracing Growth at Every Turn

Reflecting on her journey, Shuxin offers this key piece of advice for anyone considering a career at HDB: “Keep an open mind and embrace every role as a chance to grow.” She believes that taking on diverse challenges, even those that initially seem outside one’s expected path, has been instrumental in her development. She said: “Some of my most valuable skills were developed in unexpected situations. In public housing, this willingness to learn and serve has not only enhanced my capabilities but also deepened my understanding of how we can make a meaningful difference in Singaporeans’ lives.”