When Dexter graduated, he knew he wanted his work to make a difference. What he did not know yet was where that ambition would take him: into the world of AI.

In his first role at CPFB, Dexter is part of the Data Science Accelerator team, getting a firsthand look at how AI could reshape the way an organisation works and serves its members.

We sat down with him to discover what he’s learning at CPFB and how he is turning the possibilities of AI into meaningful impact.

What were you hoping to find in your first job as you approached graduation?

I have always valued a broad approach to growth and learning. As I approached graduation, I wanted to build a career in public service that would keep me learning while doing impactful work.

Having studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), I wanted to bring together the different perspectives and ways of thinking I had developed, and CPFB aligned closely with my interests.

I have also always been fascinated by the concept of a secure retirement. It’s something people spend their whole lives working towards, and CPF is a cornerstone of enabling Singaporeans to retire well.

What made you choose the Management Associate Programme?

CPFB’s Management Associate Programme gives us exposure across multiple departments and opportunities to work closely with colleagues from all walks of life. I wanted to experience a wide range of work and understand what it means to be part of an organisation that enables a secure retirement for Singaporeans.

Rotating across roles doesn’t just broaden your perspective. It puts you in the driver’s seat of your own career, fundamentally changing how you think, lead and grow.

Do you find yourself drawing on what you studied in your work? If so, how?

PPE involved studying different but interconnected subject areas, which taught me to look at issues from multiple perspectives and draw connections across different fields.

I apply this multidisciplinary approach in my work today. Shaping AI strategy means considering where AI can create business value and how it could reshape mindsets, ways of working and team structures. It also means looking beyond the technology itself to understand the needs of the people who will use it, anticipate the changes it may bring and consider how we can support colleagues in adopting it effectively. Bringing these considerations together helps us develop AI solutions that are not only innovative, but also practical and meaningful.

Could you tell us more about your role in the Data Science Accelerator team and how you’re helping to drive AI adoption across CPFB?

In the Data Science Accelerator team, I’m driving CPFB’s AI Strategy and AI Capability Development efforts alongside passionate innovators. We explore how AI can shape the future of work, and most importantly, create value for both members of the public and our staff.

Driving AI adoption comes down to three key enablers: People, Process and Platforms. People means empowering and upskilling staff; Process means rethinking how we apply AI to our work; and Platforms mean integrating AI into our workflows.

CPFB has always had a culture of learning and innovation. When we run workshops and events, many colleagues are eager to take part. In many ways, they are the true drivers of AI adoption!

One of your projects is for a member-facing Digital Assistant. What is it intended to help members with?

One of the questions we have to answer as AI transforms the way we work is whether members of the public want and need an AI Assistant to support their interactions with CPFB. That’s why we are exploring a member-facing Digital Assistant to see how recent advancements in AI could enable a more personalised experience that goes beyond a conventional chatbot.

Members have different needs depending on their stage of life. For example, at age 65, a Digital Assistant could potentially guide members through relevant considerations around their CPF LIFE plan, rather than having them search for and piece together information themselves.

What excites me is the possibility of reimagining the way people interact with CPFB and opening a whole new avenue to create value for our members.

Could you tell us more about Made-in-CPF and how working with people from different teams has changed the way you think about solving problems?

Made-in-CPF is CPFB’s intrapreneurship initiative, where officers work in cross-functional teams to tackle workplace challenges to improve employee experience, productivity, and efficiency from the ground up.

For one project, my team looked at internal processes that relied heavily on Excel sheets, which could be tedious when information had to be consolidated or shared. We explored moving away from this approach by developing a centralised web application where colleagues could access the same information, collaborate and update it in one place, saving time in the process.

Bringing together people from different teams was valuable because each person saw the challenge through the lens of their own work and experience. These diverse perspectives helped us uncover needs and considerations we might otherwise have missed, challenge our assumptions and shape a more practical solution.

The experience showed me how collaboration can be a spark for innovation.

What has been your favourite part of working at CPFB so far?

The people here have been my favourite part of working at CPFB. Whether through everyday interactions with colleagues or collaborations across different teams, everyone I have crossed paths with has been genuinely approachable and supportive.

It’s amazing to work with colleagues who share the same goal of creating positive impact for Singaporeans.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming rotations?

Each rotation is an opportunity to gain knowledge, skills and experience in tackling new and interesting challenges. I am keen to develop a deeper understanding of CPFB’s core work and schemes, particularly after gaining experience in a more corporate-focused role during my current rotation.

My next rotation will be with a team in the Services Delivery job function, where I will work on retirement-related matters. I am looking forward to gaining greater exposure to the member-facing and operational aspects of CPF and understanding how the Board’s work translates into services and experiences for members.

Beyond these opportunities, I’m also very much looking forward to meeting new people!

What would you say to students who are keen on joining CPFB but are still figuring out the “right” career path?

Come in with an open mind and the desire to make a difference. Genuinely wanting to solve challenges will bring you a long way.

Don’t be too worried about finding the role that you think would fit you best. You might find yourself working in areas you never thought you would do well in.

It never once crossed my mind when I was in school that I would be working on AI Strategy in my first role here at CPFB, but here I am!