Urban development in land-scarce Singapore is a complex, multidisciplinary challenge—one that calls for long-term vision, adaptability, and close collaboration. At the forefront of this effort is the Ministry of National Development (MND), which guides land use planning and development to ensure that our city remains a vibrant, inclusive and liveable home.

To advance this mission, MND seeks to nurture individuals who are not only passionate about shaping Singapore’s urban landscape and infrastructure development but also deeply committed to contributing to national policies that impact the daily lives of its citizens.

The MND EDGE Scholarship is one of the Ministry’s flagship talent development programmes. Jointly offered by MND and its key statutory boards, the scholarship grooms promising individuals to take on impactful roles in areas such as policy planning, environmental sustainability, urban development, and community engagement.

One such individual who has flourished under this programme is Christopher Lee Yi Shao, whose journey through various divisions in MND has sharpened his policymaking skills and allowed him to contribute to meaningful national initiatives.

Charting Growth Through Exposure

For Christopher, the MND EDGE Scholarship was more than just financial support for his education, it was a gateway to real-world experience and professional growth.

“Being immersed in real-life issues has helped me better understand how policies affect communities, and it’s strengthened my resolve to make decisions that have a direct and positive impact on people’s lives.”

The scholarship opened doors to diverse opportunities across the public service. Through roles in municipal services, public housing, and urban planning, Christopher gained the chance to shape the very spaces where Singaporeans live, work, and play.

“From the HDB flats to the green spaces and key amenities that we see all around us, MND’s work touches the everyday aspects of life,” he shared. “It’s not just about policy; it’s about solving real, everyday challenges—what I’d call ‘bread and butter’ issues that truly matter to people.”

A Multifaceted Career Path

Since joining MND in 2019, Christopher has completed several impactful rotations that have deepened his understanding of public policy and broadened his skill set.

In his first role at the Municipal Services Office (MSO), he led the development of systems such as the C3 platform to support Integrated Municipal Operations and the OneService chatbot, “Kaki”. The chatbot made it easier for residents to submit municipal feedback through popular messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp.

He explained: “We worked closely with residents in developing the chatbot, which involved everything from user interface design to engaging with the public to ensure that feedback could be submitted seamlessly, and even the design of the mascot, Kaki!”

Christopher later moved to the Housing Division, where he analysed public housing demand and worked on the planning of BTO flat supply. He also reviewed senior housing monetisation policies such as the Silver Housing Bonus and Lease Buyback Scheme.

“The challenge of making tough trade-offs—whether land should go to new BTO flats or other national priorities—has been eye-opening. Each decision requires a comprehensive view, ensuring we always make the best choice for Singaporeans,” he noted.

These rotations not only deepened his policy insights but also equipped him with a broad and adaptable skill set.

“Each rotation has allowed me to hone different skill sets—from communications, data analytics, residents’ engagement, strategic planning—making me a more versatile and effective policymaker,” he said.

Bridging Domains at MTI

Today, Christopher is a Senior Assistant Director in the Enterprise Development Division at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), where he leads a team of six in crafting strategies to support the growth of local enterprises.

“At the heart of what we do in the Enterprise Development Division is empowering local businesses to not just survive but thrive—especially in these uncertain global times,” he shared. “We focus on creating targeted, impactful strategies that help businesses across the spectrum, from heartland enterprises to global players, expand both locally and internationally.”

He credits his experience at MND with laying the foundation for success in this new domain.

“The emphasis on evidence-based policymaking taught me to use analytics to better understand and address business concerns,” he highlighted. “It’s been instrumental in designing effective enterprise development strategies.”

In addition, his rotations at MND helped him refine his communication skills, essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders, from residents to businesses, and for crafting targeted support strategies for enterprises at MTI.

Representing Singapore on the Global Stage

Beyond his policy work, Christopher has also had the opportunity to accompany Minister (National Development) to the 2023 World Economic Forum in Davos.

“It was inspiring to see global leaders and participants impressed by Singapore’s approach—whether during Minister’s speech or in the conversations that followed, where many sought to speak to us to find out more,” Christopher shared. “I was proud to be part of the team that helped share our country’s successes with the world.”

Building a Career With Purpose

Reflecting on his journey, Christopher shared this advice for aspiring scholars:

“My advice is to think about the kind of impact you want to have. This scholarship is not just about building your career—it’s about contributing to something bigger. Whether it’s improving the lives of Singaporeans through urban planning, housing, or municipal services, the work we do at MND is directly tied to the wellbeing of Singaporeans.”

He also emphasised the importance of embracing challenges and collaboration.

“Be ready to embrace challenges, think critically, and collaborate across teams. The public service needs passionate, driven individuals who are ready to make tough decisions and craft policies that truly matter.”