Senior Assistant Director

Overview
The Smart Nation Group within the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) guides Singapore's digital transformation and the development of Smart Nation strategies. It drives the digitalisation of government services, oversees digital technologies and capabilities, promotes digital inclusivity, regulates data and online activities, and strengthens digital security to create a digitally empowered and inclusive society.
What you will be working on
The National AI Group (NAIG)
within Smart Nation is responsible for the development and implementation of the National AI Strategy (NAIS). It brings together government, industry, and research stakeholders to implement National AI Projects in key sectors in Singapore and builds AI ecosystem enablers to anchor AI development and deployment in Singapore. In addition to implementing the NAIS, NAIG facilitates collaborations with industry and R&D partners to build AI capabilities within the Singapore Government. You will be part of the Research directorate within NAIG.
Specific Job Responsibilities
- What do we expect from you?
You will lead a team to drive strategic research initiatives and design high-impact initiatives and schemes that strengthen Singapore's AI research capabilities and accelerate research translation.
Spearhead partnerships with agencies and industry players to leverage research outcomes for sectoral transformation, including identifying strategic use cases and developing essential research infrastructure.
Shape Singapore's international research collaborations and talent networks, enhancing our position as a global AI hub.
Provide thought leadership in developing policies and frameworks that advance Singapore's AI research ecosystem.
Collaboration
Working closely with leadership across key agencies including NRF, IMDA, EDB, public research institutions and industry corporate labs.
What makes this role unique
This role offers the opportunity to shape Singapore's position as a leading global AI hub, working with a dynamic team in a strategic and fast-moving domain.
What we are looking for
An ideal candidate should possess the following:
At least 8 years of relevant experience, with a proven track record in technology partnership development and research ecosystem building.
At least 4 years of supervisory experience in leading and developing teams.
Strong understanding of the AI technology landscape and the ability to engage credibly with technical experts and business leaders.
Experience in public sector or research organisation management.
Track record in driving cross-agency initiatives and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Familiarity with National Research Foundation’s Research Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) policies and processes is a plus.
Personal traits
Strategic mindset with the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
Strong leadership capabilities with proven ability to influence and align multiple stakeholders.
Excellent communication skills to engage with both technical experts and senior leadership.
Ability to drive execution and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates would be notified.
For more information on careers in MDDI, please access the Careers pages on the official government portals. For job vacancies, search for “MDDI” in the Careers portal.
About Ministry of Digital Development and Information
The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) drives Singapore’s digital development in four key domains — the economy, government, security, and society. MDDI oversees the development of infocomm technology, cybersecurity, and media sectors; government digitalisation initiatives; and national libraries and archives, as well as public libraries. The Ministry is responsible for effective public communications and Government information and public communication policies.
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