Eugene Lee
Executive Planner URA
[Internships@GOV was formerly known as the Civil Service Internship Programme] Tan Chen Yeh, Participated in CSIP 2009Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUSAgency: Ministry of Home Affairs (Prisons)Project Title: To Develop Prisons' Historical Case Studies for Training Purposes"Still remember on the first day, we were 'jaw-dropped' to learn that the workplace will be Home Team Academy, an 'ulu' place along the old Choa Chu Kang Road. Fortunately, it has been an enjoyable experience under prison service, making the long distance travel worthwhile. It was an interesting sight to see how the civilian staff and uniform officers work together as "Captains of Lives". The job preview to Tanah Merah prison was an especially eye-opening experience, giving me valuable insights of an officers' job as well as the life of an inmate. It is indeed inspiring to hear the stories of fellow colleagues; a great learning opportunity, to be able to "take a peek behind the closed door"."[back to top] Sarabjeet Singh, Participated in CSIP 2009Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUSAgency: Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR)Project Title: Energy Efficiency Circles Programme for Industry"I must admit that the thought of working at a Ministry was intimidating for me at first. The CSIP program however made it a real enjoyable experience. My take home message and lesson learnt from participating in CSIP , and as an intern at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), is that while anyone can fill in to get a job done at any organisation, very few make conscientious effort and venture to know the organisation very well. This includes getting to know every individual, every department or even the person that sits right at the top of it all. Both CSIP facilitators and my supervisors at MEWR stressed and impressed upon me this key message and I made full use of this rare opportunity accorded to me. I am very thankful to be a part of the CSIP experience and take back fond memories of working with my peers and supervisors through CSIP and at MEWR."[back to top]
"Before embarking on my internship at the Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS), I must admit that I had some misconceptions about a career in the Public Service. My interactions with fellow interns and staff during learning journeys and networking sessions have given me a clearer understanding of life in the Public Service. I realise the great diversity in the Public Service, having heard personal stories of day-to-day experiences. i learnt that each agency is characterised by its own unique culture, yet they share a common vision and spirit of dynamism. I was most surprised to discover a high level of interconnectedness and co-operation among government agencies.
I am impressed to learn that agencies are actively reinventing themselves in their quest towards excellence. In the course of my internship, I worked on a communications proposal for CCS, an enforcement and economic agency. I was continuously challenged to come up with workable ideas that serve to address the needs of stakeholders. There were no limits to the suggestions that I could put forth. The internship experience opened my mind to multiple perspectives, especially since I was exposed to the workings of the entire 'ecosystem' of the Public Service."[back to top]
"It is thanks to the CSIP that I got to spend my summer vacation in a most meaningful and enlightening way. In addition to this being my second internship stint in the civil service, the plethora of opportunities to interact with interns allowed me to have a better understanding and deeper appreciation of the different Ministries - their mission, their values, what they do, hoe they work - and how they combine into a larger picture of producing an efficient and effective public service. It was an honour to be surrounded by passionate and dedicated individuals in the Singapore Prison Service and they made me realise that the civil service is more than just about brains, quick-thinking and strong leadership - it is also a lot about heart.
This CSIP has definitely reinforced my positive impression of the civil service and I am more than convinced that I want to pursue a career in the service upon my graduation. It is not just another job but one about passion and duty. Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank the friends I've made and the wonderful people from PSD for making this CSIP a most enjoyable and memorable one."[back to top]
"CSIP is an internship like no other. I've taken part in a few internships before but never have I experienced an internship that is so people-oriented. My supervisor was friendly and approachable and guided me along whenever I has problems with my project, but gave me the independence and freedom to do the project my way. My opinions were also taken very seriously. I felt a great sense of responsibility and accountability as I was shown and subsequently realised how my project was going to benefit CPIB. Even though the nature of CPIB work precluded the interns from being directly involved with the sensitive operations of the organisation, the management did their best by including us in many activities and meetings that were not sensitive in nature so that we can have a taste of what life in the Civil Servie was like. I was also able to work and interact with dynamic motivated colleagues who had passion and drive for their work. I've never regretted joining the CSIP programme and would recommend it to my juniors who are interested in finding out what Civil Service has to offer!" [back to top]
"I must say that the Civil Service probably gets a lot more flak & cynicism than is warranted. No organisation is unflawed, and when one is reminded how huge the entire civil service is as a whole body, it really is pretty impressive how everything runs like a well-oiled machine (or at least seems to!). That in itself is quite an achievement which is often overlooked or drowned out by the grouses on the ground. If there's something I've picked up from this short stint at the civil service, it is a newfound appreciation for the civil servants who really do work hard at keeping Singapore safe, competitive and clean. Afterall, there are a million and one ways to run a country and no matter which route is picked, there are bound to be detractors. I think as citizens, as much as we shouldn't be passively uncritical and apathetic about how things are run, there should be a healthy balance of constructive crticism and appreciation where appreciation is due."[back to top]
"MCYS gives me both the opportunities to do exciting preliminary research and exposure to the workings of the Child Protection Service. My internship is made colourful by the interactions with civil servants, allowing me a glimpse of what they do.CSIP has opened up another perspective for me to better appreciate the workings of the Civil Service, this time from the inside out. Although it is not always perfect, I am now attracted to be part of it." [back to top]
"My summer CSIP internship at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) was, to quote the Singapore Tourism Board (a statutory board under MTI), a 'Uniquely Singapore' experience. My weeks at MTI allow me to gain a better understanding of Singapore civil service and the hard work of the civil servants who toil day and night to make this sunny island a better place for her denizens. I learned loads during my internship, especially from my mentor, who was really kind and generous with her advice and encouragement. And even though I was an intern, I was allowed to sit in and observe the many meetings which helped me gain a better understanding of the MTI's work.Besides that, CSIP added another dimension to my experience through the learning journeys to other ministries and statutory boards and hosting a dialogue session for us to learn more about a Public Service career. In all, it was a truly enriching and memorable experience, and I am glad to have this opportunity to learn more about the Civil Service work."[back to top]
"My 7-week internship with MICA provided me with a unique perspective of the creative industries in Singapore - one that looked at the economic development strategies to propel our local creative sectors forward. I was fortunate to have received invaluable guidance from my supervisor and colleagues in the Industrial Development department - a very lovely bunch of people indeed! All in all, it was an intellectually stimulating few weeks for me which also exposed me to the nuances of worklife in a civil service environment. Thank You, PSD for this one-of-a-kind experience you've given me through CSIP - definitely a worthwhile way to spend my summer!"[back to top]
"The CSIP Internship was one which I had benefited a lot. As an intern attached to MAS on the CSIP program, it allowed me to have a clearer understanding of the different roles statutory boards and Ministries play within the public service. It was an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, as on top of being able to embark on a relatively ‘hot’ project on financial regulatory reforms in major jurisdictions like the U.S. and U.K., I got to work with fellow MOF interns to prepare for the APEC Senior Finance Officials’ Meeting in July 2009. Such inter agency/ ministry collaboration was indeed a rare chance for interns like me and I considered myself extremely fortunate. Getting to participate in MAS events like the recently concluded National Day Celebrations as well as learning journeys to MFA and LTA served to enhance the whole experience greatly. Most importantly, it was through this internship that I forged good friendships and got to learn about myself regarding my working abilities and how I interacted with others. I had a sense where my key weaknesses and strengths lie and it had truly been a self-discovering experience. As synonymous with the civil service tag line, it was indeed a "one internship, infinite opportunities" for me and I would like to thank the PSD team for their efforts in organizing the program."[back to top]
"To quote a fellow intern: 'There is no work life balance, there is only life'. So far, this internship has showed me the realities in the civil service, the positive and negative sides. Fortunately, I was given the full workload as expected, so as to best gauge the suitability of a career here. I think the main impact is that we can really make a difference in the lives of Singaporeans, to build a safer and better place for all (since my internship deals with policy work). I just hope that this internship, which is a great opportunity, is open to students who may have less than stellar academic performance. For they may have more new and unique contributions."[back to top]
"MCYS rocks!" CSIP provided me with a first-hand experience of the workings of Civil Service, and it was really different from what I had expected (in a positive way). Having a great time here, I will definitely consider coming back."[back to top]
"CSIP provided me with a first-hand experience of the workings of Civil Service, and it was really different from what I had expected (in a positive way). Having a great time here, I will definitely consider coming back ."[back to top]
"At the beginning, public service appeals to me as I thought I will be able to make a positive change to society. However, it takes less than a fortnight into my internship before it dawned upon me that it takes more than a pair of hands and gears to formulate the policy/initiate changes. Today’s learning journey attest to that. Even in the prison service, teamwork is the key to reintegrate worthy inmates to society. One cannot expect to leapfrog to significant positions in public sector but much lessons and experiences must be garnered."
"Experience they say is over-rated.Almost everyone has experience at an internship somewhere but joining an internship through a formal programme (CSIP) has completely redefined the experience. These past few weeks at PSD have felt like an interactive learning centre where every day is exciting.Days are filled with laughter because the people are simply amazing and the work is interesting because you know whatever little you do, does makes a difference to society. An opportunity as such, is truly one of a kind and I couldn't be happier to be part of it."[back to top]
"Undertaking an internship at the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS), a department of the Prime Minister's Office, has certainly allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the factors affecting Singapore's national security.
This internship at NSCS is unique as it has also given me the opportunity to work alongside civil servants from different agencies as my department comprises of many civil servants who are on secondment from other ministries and government agencies.
Interacting and working with them on a daily basis on projects has been an extremely rewarding and enlightening experience. It has certainly strengthened my resolve to work for the Civil Service upon graduation."[back to top]
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"CSIP had given me an opportunity of a lifetime. I gained a lot of insight to the governance of Singapore from fellow interns posted to various ministries, as well as meeting civil servants who share the passion of making Singapore a better place to live in. Furthermore, working on the project I was assigned to was indeed a dream come true. Doing such a project gave me a clear understanding to the correctional education and system of the Singapore Prison Service. This internship had just further developed my interest in research work in the subject I am currently reading at the University.And I believe the internship experience had spurred me to work much harder in life - for the betterment of myself, my family and the society."[back to top]
Annabelle Chiong, Participated in CSIP 2008Imperial College LondonMinistry: NRFProject Title: Dual USe Technologies
""It has been an interesting and enriching journey thus far. I've learnt from my director that the work done here have far reaching effects and the bottom line is the public good. I'm pretty inspired by the passion my colleagues have in their work. Envisioning an idea and seeing it through. It has been a valuable experience! :) "[back to top]
Lau Pui Fen Catherine, Participated in CSIP 2008Imperial College LondonMinistry: MHAProject Title: Testing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for HazMat Operations
"What I really appreciated about my internship experience was the chance to find out what exactly goes on in the Civil Service. It was a great eye-opener and the programme was very well-structured, which made for a truly enjoyable and meaningful time at the department I was attached at. It was definitely an interesting and educational experience, and the department I was attached to was great fun to be at, since I hadn't expected to be exposed and introduced to the operational aspects of the department. The Civil Service Internship Programme is definitely a great opportunity to understand Singapore's Public Service and to try something different from most other internships."
"The CSIP was an excellent introduction to the depth and breadth offered by a career in the public service. Interning at the PMO’s Strategic Policy Office, I saw first hand how public servants are encouraged to think out of the box in order to anticipate and prepare for future challenges the government may face. Surrounded by creative minds and driven personalities, I was stretched as much by the intellectual exchange with my colleagues as by the demands of my project. The various field visits organized for interns were an effectively complement, acquainting me with the wider scope of public service work beyond my ministry and department. It framed my work experience in the context of the larger team effort that individual public servants are a part of.The CSIP showcased how the public service was both inclusive and cohesive - providing opportunities for diverse and often unconventional talents, while developing a strong sense of common purpose to serve fellow citizens. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience."
Aaron Foo, Participated in CSIP 2008 Brown UniversityMinistry: MTI (Industry Division)Project Title: Singapore F1 Grand Prix
Brown UniversityMinistry: MTI (Industry Division)Project Title: Singapore F1 Grand Prix
" I wanted to find out more about the Civil Service, the work and the challenges of the civil servants, whose responsibility, scope and the environment they face have changed much over the space of a few years. The CSIP became the perfect opportunity for me- The activities, dialouge session and the fast-paced internship work provided a deep insight into the Civil service that challenged conventional stereotypes and satisfied my curiosities.In addition, I must add that it is difficult and rare to find an internship opportunity that places much responsibility on the intern, in terms of providing the platform to influence tangible outcomes, all within an intellectually stimulating environment that engages the individual. Through the internship, I developed, by means of constant interaction with my supervisor, a multitude of skills, in analysis and communication, which I strongly believe will be valuable to me in career and life."
Lim Guang Cheng, Roger, Participated in SIP 2007Nanyang Business School (Accountancy), NTUMinistry: MTIProject Title: Be Part of Making Singapore a More Pro-Enterprise
"The Civil Service is indeed a nexus for world class professionals! I take pleasure in coming to work every morning. There is never a typical day at work. The only modus operandi is the visit to the coffee machine in the morning. The SIP allows us to learn a great deal on the job. The workplace has a family-like culture which provides a nurturing ground for budding talent.[back to top]
"My internship at Civil Service College International can be described in two words: rewarding and exhilarating! The learning journeys where I visited many government agencies, as well as my conversations with friendly colleagues and other civil servants I met, thoroughly enriched my internship experience during the last eight weeks. I was also able to interact with foreign delegates and learn about their rich and fascinating cultures without even leaving [back to top]
