Xponents sharing a laugh with Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong (right) when he stopped by HTX’s headquarters. (Photo: MDDI)
For Chen Mei Jie, the launch ceremony during which then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled HTX to the world in 2019 is a moment she will never forget.
Mei Jie, who was attending the ceremony as a Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholar who had chosen to serve her bond with the agency, recalled that hearing the hopes this eminent figure had for HTX wasn’t just a rousing affirmation of her career decision – it also amplified her desire to make a difference in society.
This was why Mei Jie, who is presently double hatting as a Cybersecurity engineer as well as Plans and Strategy manager in HTX, felt that getting to speak to the very man who left such an indelible impression on her six years on was utterly surreal.
Senior Minister Lee visited HTX’s headquarters on 4 December 2025, during which he met with Xponents like Mei Jie and learned about how they force multiply the Home Team.
Mei Jie (front row, centre) joined fellow Xponents in welcoming SM Lee (behind cake table, centre), Senior Minister of State (SMS), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms Sim Ann (left of SM Lee) and Minister of State (MOS), MHA and Ministry of Social and Family Development Mr Goh Peh Ming (second to the right of SM Lee). (Photo: MDDI)
“It was interesting to hear his perspective on public safety matters,” quipped Mei Jie.
“Him taking time to visit was also as affirming as it was six years ago – it showed how much he recognises the importance of HTX.”
Mei Jie wasn’t the only Xponent who was stoked about chatting with SM Lee.
Elfeiz Fadhil, Head, Marine Systems (Engineering), Platform Systems, was just as elated with the opportunity, especially since he missed the launch ceremony six years ago due to work commitments.
Along with other HTX pioneers and Chief Executive Chan Tsan (in white), Elfeiz (second from left) got to chat with SM Lee (right) about his role in supporting the Home Team’s needs. (Photo: HTX/Damian Koh)
“We had an interesting conversation on Singapore’s re-election to the International Maritime Organisation, and the plans HTX has lined up to enhance the Home Team’s marine vessel fleet,” Elfeiz shared.
“I was really heartened to hear how he appreciates the significance of our work, which is not often visible. That makes my job a whole lot more meaningful.”
Natasha Koh, an AI products engineer at xData, also found SM Lee’s views on public safety inspiring.
“When we spoke about my work in developing and managing the Report Lodging Co-Pilot (R-COP), I was impressed by how quickly he offered his views on potential experiences or barriers for its users, who are members of the public,” she mused.
“The conversation reinforced my conviction that our AI-assisted approach to developing solutions for citizens is on the right track. It also reminded me of the importance of keeping the public’s diverse needs at the centre of our development priorities.”
Natasha (sixth from left) was one of the young STEM talents who discussed public safety needs with SM Lee (fifth from left) and HTX Chief Executive Chan Tsan (right). (Photo: MDDI)
Several Xponents also got to showcase the cutting-edge science and technology solutions they’re developing for the Home Team during SM Lee’s tour of several research and development (R&D) laboratories located within HTX’s headquarters.
Among the presenters was intern-turned-engineer RK Suriya Varshan from the Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems (RAUS) Centre of Expertise (CoE), who found himself presenting his work to SM Lee just four months into the job.
“It’s not every day that a senior minister stops by to learn about our work,” Suriya quipped.
“I’m thankful I got to represent my CoE and share about the work we’ve done, and to celebrate HTX’s sixth birthday with SM Lee!”
Suriya (gesturing) explaining how HTX’s humanoid robots can be deployed in HazMat operations via tele-operation. HTX will deepen its research on humanoid robotics and embodied AI when its Home Team Humanoid Robotics Centre (H2RC) officially opens in 2026. (Photo: MDDI)
HTX senior forensic scientists Dr Eddie Tan (left) and Dr Ngeow Kao Chin (centre) share with SM Lee how microscopic human DNA particles in the air can be captured using a specialised air sampler to identify persons-of-interest – a game-changing technique the Forensics CoE has been developing to augment the Home Team’s crime scene investigations. (Photo: MDDI)
It was an afternoon to remember for these Xponents who helped organise the visit. (Photo: HTX/Eddie Tan)
