Chew Jia Yi - Assistant Director, International Department Graduate Officer, joined in 2013
With a business and accounting degree, the natural career path was for me to join accounting firms or banks after graduation. Similar to my peers, practical considerations over remuneration, career prospects and promotion mattered, yet a part of me yearned to do something more fulfilling - to make a difference for a greater cause, no matter how small a role it might be.
This was the reason why I decided to join MAS in 2013. The opportunity to contribute to the financial industry of Singapore, as well as to improve the daily lives of Singaporeans, appealed to me.
I first joined the Capital Markets Intermediaries (CMI) Department. As a young officer, there was a lot of guidance given by my bosses and colleagues, and the journey was enriching. I had to develop technical knowledge on MAS’ regulations, regulatory instruments and policy positions on the various issues, make legislative amendments to reflect new policy intent, conduct inspections on CMIs, and understand new business models in order to license and supervise new entrants. The work was meaningful as I could see the direct impact and value of my work for e.g. imposing certain regulatory or enforcement actions against CMIs/individuals for lapses/misconduct so as to protect ordinary Singaporeans, including my parents, from their egregious conduct.
After 4.5 years in CMI, I was given the opportunity to join the Regional Division of the International Department (INT) in 2018. One of the highlights of my time here was Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship where my team was involved in the ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in April 2018. I vividly recalled two weeks into the job, I had to represent MAS at an ASEAN working-level meeting and to explain what MAS’ exchange-rate centred monetary policy is. The learning curve was steep, but it has been a rewarding experience.
On top of gaining exposure to various topics that cut across the different departments in MAS, I also had the opportunity to participate in discussions on issues of strategic interests to MAS or Singapore. That enabled me to form a holistic view of how each department’s work links up and contributes to MAS’ overall mandate.