Teo Hong Sen - Associate, Enforcement Department Graduate Officer, joined in 2018
Trained in analytics under the School of Business in NTU, the opening for an analytics role in MAS' Graduate Officer program piqued my interest. The notion of being able to contribute not just to an organisation, but also to Singapore, was intriguing. Thus, I joined MAS as an officer in the Enforcement Department (ENFD) in 2018.
In my department, we focus on regulatory breaches that warrant more rigorous investigation as they pose higher regulatory or market conduct risks. Specifically, I am responsible for the use of analytics to support the detection of abusive, manipulative or illegal trading practices in the capital markets, particularly for breaches of market misconduct offences under the Securities and Futures Act (SFA).
MAS’ vision for transformation is for the organisation to be digital, agile and efficient. As with any transformation journey, there are bound to be new initiatives that require changes to the way we work. Often, changes in business processes do not occur smoothly due to inertia. However, after my time here in MAS, I am glad to say that these worries were unfounded. My department is very open to innovation, with constant discussions on how we can leverage technology to improve processes and serve the public better.
One example of such an initiative would be the Augmented Intelligence (AI) tool known as Project Apollo. This project was memorable as it was the first project assigned to me after entering MAS. In essence, Project Apollo is a tool used alongside other analytical frameworks in the triaging of cases for review and investigation. As it is able to automate some of our manual processes, our officers are enabled to perform higher-value work. The support from ENFD and their willingness to explore new ways of doing things better played a key role in the successful implementation of this project.
MAS’ vision for transformation can be seen and felt in all aspects of our organisation. I believe that this conducive environment will provide fertile ground for new initiatives to develop, and ultimately benefit MAS and the public we serve.