Gan Hui Xuen

Having been part of the Students’ Council in junior college, I found it challenging to deal with the immense pressure to deliver and I felt that our work can sometimes be underappreciated. What kept me motivated through tough times was the idea of creating a positive impact and from there, I knew that I wanted my career to be meaningful in that aspect. The Public Service was thus a natural career choice for me! I believe that the Public Sector scholarship provides unparalleled opportunities for professional and personal development, such as the opportunity for post-graduate studies. This is thus an effective avenue to create an impact and serve the community around me.  

While I am passionate about service, I was initially hesitant about taking up the scholarship. Being a bonded scholarship, taking it up would require me to decide on a career in the Public Service before experiencing various modules and internships in university. I was also offered an unbonded scholarship by my university and I was attracted by the vast possibilities it would provide. However, I soon found out that there was no need for concern as the Public Service also offers diverse career development opportunities, even for scholarship holders on a specialized track. The decision to take up the PSC scholarship thus became a rather clear one for me.

The developmental programmes allowed me to know my peers within the same cohort, especially within my university! I found myself approaching them even for matters that do not pertain to the scholarship. They have truly been a great source of support.  

The internship programme was a very eye-opening experience where I had the opportunity to experience first-hand what being in the Public Service was like. My supervisor was extremely approachable and took the time each week to speak with me, during which I shared any queries I had, and he gave invaluable advice regarding my aspirations. These conversations helped me to be less nervous about entering the Service and gave me better clarity on my direction.

In university, I decided to try something completely different and joined the archery club even though I had no prior experience in the sport. I was only expecting to pick up a new interest, but I also gained a team and community. I eventually decided to take up the role of Captain to give back to the club which had given me so much. Even after stepping down from the role, I continued to assist in the training of the juniors.

I also had the opportunity to go overseas to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) for a month-long internship. While the internship was extremely short, I was able to catch a glimpse into the working culture of the Vietnamese. What stood out to me was the friendliness and warmth of the people there! I also had the opportunity to travel with my peers to other parts of Vietnam as well. The experience to travel with my peers was extremely memorable and something I would treasure.

I initially thought that working in the Public Service would be quite dull and cold. However, I got to meet others within the Ministry of Finance and Accountant-General’s Department through engagement sessions and internships, and I found out that I could not have been more wrong. The culture was in fact extremely vibrant, and everyone I met was welcoming! They were always more than willing to help and were always patient with our questions.

I would describe the Public Service as driven. Through my internship experience and interactions with others within the Public Service, I have found public officers to be extremely motivated and driven in what they do. They will also never hesitate to help and will always be willing to go the extra mile. For example, my supervisor during my internship went above and beyond to meet me each week and gave me advice on my career in the Public Service even though he was not obligated to. It is this drive which I feel is characteristic of the Public Service!

One advice I wish to share with you is to be genuine in your application, especially the interviews!

Since you have already done the necessary research, what is left during the interviews is to put your points across coherently and confidently. I think we have all heard of ‘fake it till you make it’, but I find it easier to put my points across with conviction and clarity if I genuinely believed in them. The confidence that comes with being genuine will shine through during the interviews!