Q: YOU ARE ONE OF THE PIONEER STALWARTS IN OSHD WITH PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS IN ENFORCEMENT, TRAINING & PROMOTION CENTRE AND NOW WSH COUNCIL. HOW DO YOU SEE OSHD PROGRESSED AND EVOLVED TO WHAT IT IS NOW?

The development of WSH in Singapore has simply been phenomenal. We used to be largely dependent on very prescriptive requirements, but our WSH landscape is now more industry-driven. The foundation is now all set for a pervasive WSH culture that will flourish and go beyond the traditional industry players, professionals and the government, to the community at large – whether in schools or social clubs.

Q: WHAT MORE CAN OSHD DO TO UPLIFT THE WSH STANDARDS OF THE INDUSTRY TO AMONGST THE BEST IN CLASS?

Moving forward, OSHD must take on greater facilitation roles in order to fully harness the huge reservoir of talents and creativity at our workplaces. I envisage stronger partnerships and goodwill amongst all stakeholders that share the common goal of WSH, which is adding value to our continuous economic success and embrace WSH as a part of life. Quality Life.

Q: THERE ARE MANY WSH RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS AROUND THE WORLD, HOW CAN SINGAPORE CONTRIBUTE TO THAT GLOBAL POOL?

We should not be reinventing the wheel; there is already a lot of good work done by established institutions. We should seek collaboration and partnership with these institutions whenever possible for enhanced synergy. What is important is to identify what is relevant for Singapore, collaborate with these experts, and create new knowledge and solutions for the industry to advance WSH practices in the region.

Q: HOW DO YOU SEE THE SINGAPORE RESEARCH SCENE EVOLVE IN THE FUTURE?

With the Singapore government committing more resources to fund research, the research scene is set for growth, enhanced opportunities and greater vibrancy. For WSH Institute, we will continuously work with the local institutes of higher learning on research collaborations so as to further increase the vibrancy of the WSH research community. This collaboration will make way for new knowledge and solutions to advance WSH in Singapore.

Q: HOW CAN RESEARCH CHANGE THE WSH LANDSCAPE IN SINGAPORE?

Through the conduct of translational WSH research, the WSH Institute generates new knowledge and practical solutions to help companies better manage WSH issues, improve industry practices, and protect workers’ safety, health and well-being at work. These will bring about improvements and good WSH outcomes, and change the WSH landscape in Singapore.

Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE EVENT THAT YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THROUGHOUT YOUR YEARS WITH THE MINISTRY?

My most memorable event would be joining OSHD in 2004. WSH was a completely new field for me back then. I had opportunities to visit workplaces to evaluate the compliance of requirements for medical examinations and advised workers on preventive measures for occupational diseases. The work made me realise and understand the importance of WSH at workplaces and how it can impact one’s life.

Q: Q WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST MEANINGFUL AND GRATIFYING ABOUT YOUR WORK IN SHAPING THE POLICY LANDSCAPE FOR WSH?

In comic books and superhero movies, there is always a hero to save the day. Unfortunately in real life, we cannot rely on “Superman”, but there are many super men and women in the WSH field who are striving to improve work conditions to keep workers safe and healthy. Realising that the work I do serves a larger purpose motivates me to push on with my efforts and explore new frontiers.

Q: COMING FROM ONE OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION STAFF, WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF OSHD?

My hope for OSHD and Singapore is that together, we can eliminate injury, death and ill-health arising from work. This is the key principle of our Vision Zero Movement. To achieve this, it has to be embedded in every individual’s DNA that doing work safely and ensuring a healthy work environment cannot be compromised. Fundamentally, it is about protecting the most important asset of our country – our PEOPLE.

Q: OSHD HAS COME A LONG WAY IN THE WAY IT CONDUCTS WSH INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS. WHAT WAS IT LIKE CONDUCTING INSPECTIONS IN THE PAST AS COMPARED TO NOW?

In the past, officers had to deal with stakeholders with varying educational backgrounds and had to be guided on industrial safety issues. Inspection was conducted with an approved checklist with descriptive safety provision requirements. Now, officers are now more knowledgeable, proactive and equipped with the latest electronic gadgets to assist them during inspection.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO THE YOUNGER INSPECTORATE STAFF WHO ARE STILL NEW TO WSH?

As an enforcement officer or an officer handling WSH issues, be well-versed with the law. Not knowing them will result in ineffective enforcement and communication in your daily work. With the availability of SkillsFuture, continue to upgrade yourself and gain knowledge to realise your fullest potential, so that you can elevate yourself to the next level of personal development and progress to become a more mature and efficient officer.

Q: ENGINEERING SAFETY IS AN IMPORTANT AREA IN THE WORK OF OSHD. IN YOUR MIND, WHAT WOULD BE SOME OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL CONTRIBUTIONS MADE IN THIS AREA OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS?

In recent years, sophisticated machinery such as mini cranes and large capacity lorry cranes have been introduced into the industry. This has raised concerns on the competency of the people operating such machinery. Our Engineering Specialists strive at ensuring that these machinery are used safely. We also encourage the use of technology to raise WSH standards such as the introduction of data loggers in tower and mobile cranes.

Q: OSHD IS CELEBRATING ITS 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. HOW DO YOU SEE OSHD IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS?

OSHD has certainly come a long way from the time it was known as the Department of Industrial Safety. Challenges lie ahead for us, especially in the areas of further reducing and preventing workplace incidents and occupational diseases. I believe that our aim towards Vision Zero will be achieved, as I see the committed, united and persevering spirit of Team OSHD!

Q: HOW HAS WSH EVOLVED SINCE THE 1970S TILL NOW? HAVE YOU EVER FORESEEN HOW MUCH WSH WOULD ADVANCE IN SINGAPORE?

There has been a rapid transformation of WSH in Singapore since 2004. Today, our WSH standards are among the best in Asia. We have a robust regulatory framework, greater public awareness, strong industry support through our WSH Council and valuable inputs from our international experts. I am thankful to be part of the WSH journey, which has been a dream come true.

Q: YOU ARE ONE OF THE HIGHLY RESPECTED WSH LUMINARIES BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. WHAT ARE THE USEFUL LIFE LESSONS AND ADVICE YOU CAN SHARE WITH THE YOUNGER STAFF IN OSHD TO INSPIRE THEM TO BE HIGH-ACHIEVERS.

There is a time for sowing and a time for harvest. Take time to nurture your capabilities and passion. Find others with a similar passion. See how WSH benefits society. Be willing to learn and change. Pace yourself. Be patient. Work with others to bring about meaningful change at the right time. Enjoy your work. Continue learning and contributing.

Q: WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGAGING THE INDUSTRIES? WHY IS THAT SO?

To me, engagement is more than creating buzz and excitement. It is about how to progress from interest to positive actions. To inspire action, we need to understand our stakeholders so that we can provide the catalyst for them to transform and grow. Also, engagement is a two-way street. It is not only about what we want to communicate, it is also about listening to the industry and understanding their challenges. In this way, policy and initiative formulation would be more well-balanced, useful and practical.

Q: WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH WITHIN 10 YEARS, WHAT ELSE DO YOU THINK OSHD CAN ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS?

World’s best WSH performance.

Q: YOU HAVE WORKED WITH THE MINISTRY FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION TO KEEP THEM AS MOTIVATED AS YOU?

Motivation at work can be achieved through teamwork, respect, care and professionalism. Understanding our goals at work as well as skills upgrading enable us to provide excellent service. It is also important to have a healthy lifestyle and positive mind set, to be better prepared for the various work dynamics.

Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE EVENT THAT YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THROUGHOUT YOUR YEARS WITH THE MINISTRY?

My best moment was when computerisation first took place in our department. It removed errors in manual calculation and improved productivity in the processing of work injury compensation. I have also learned to be more confident when using the computer, especially when I was tasked to do trial runs before the system was launched.

Q: THE JOB OF A WSH INSPECTOR IS ALWAYS EXCITING AND DYNAMIC AS YOU ARE CONSTANTLY ON THE GO INTERACTING WITH THE COMPANIES ON THE GROUND ON WSH COMPLIANCE. IN YOUR MIND HOW HAS OSHD HELPED YOU GROW PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?

I have gained more knowledge through my exposure to different industries and interacting with companies on the ground. It may be intimidating sometimes when the occupiers are not welcoming. But over time, the exposure I gained has boosted my confidence during inspections.

Q: WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF OSHD?

I hope we are able to reach out to an even bigger audience, especially the smaller companies, and involve them in gaining greater awareness of WSH, as well as work towards a safer and healthier working environment for everyone.

Q: YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE MINISTRY FOR OVER 40 YEARS, WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING FOR SO LONG?

I have been attached to various departments in MOM, where I have done all kinds of duties such as statistics, HR, finance, data processing, procurement and, finally, e-registry data information in OSHD. Work has been challenging, but what has kept me going for so long is the fulfilment from knowing that my job helps OSHD’s mission in saving lives, and the fact that I am able to serve the Ministry and our people.

Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE EVENT THAT YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THROUGHOUT YOUR YEARS WITH THE MINISTRY?

I have never understood Mandarin until I was challenged to learn it due to my work in the 1980s, where I had been assigned to interview foreign workers in Mandarin. Although it was tough, that unforgettable experience has made me a trilingual (English, Malay, Mandarin) person today!

Q: IN YOUR AREA OF WORK MANAGING WORK INJURY COMPENSATION CLAIMS, YOU WOULD HAVE PROBABLY ENCOUNTERED MANY INTERESTING CASES AND EXPERIENCES, IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR STORY THAT STOOD OUT AND WHY?

There was a particular incident that stood out last year when I was handling a fatal work injury compensation claim. The mother of the deceased employee approached us to file a claim for compensation. When I was explaining the claims procedure, the mother broke down in tears. This episode highlighted to me the importance and impact of our work.

Q: OSHD IS CELEBRATING ITS 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. HOW DO YOU SEE OSHD IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS?

Although OSHD has made good progress in reducing the workplace fatality rate in the past 10 years, we cannot be complacent and should continue to remind ourselves of the importance of “Vision Zero”. In the next 10 years, I see OSHD as a global leader in WSH, where we are looked up to for our best practices.