HTX shines at 2025 Public Service Transformation Awards

Following HTX’s third consecutive inclusion in Singapore’s Best Employers list in May, the agency’s excellent working environment has once again been recognised – this time at the Public Service Transformation (PST) Awards, where HTX received the Workplace Transformation Award.

The award recognises agencies that have demonstrated a strong commitment and excellent results in strengthening employee experience at the workplace.

That same afternoon on 8 July, multiple Xponents also picked up accolades at the award ceremony.

But more than a tally of wins, this year’s wins at the event underscored what truly powers public sector transformation: creativity, adaptability and collective effort.

These qualities are personified by Dr Terence Tan, the Deputy Director (Q1) of HTX’s Q Team Centre of Expertise (CoE), who was honoured with the Exemplary Leader Award. 

While the Q Team may evoke gadget guru Q (short for Quartermaster) from the James Bond universe, who is known for his brilliant inventions and prickly disposition, HTX’s agile CoE embodies the same spirit of cutting-edge problem solving — but with leadership that trades irritation for inspiration.

Terence, for instance, doesn’t just steer innovation – he nurtures it from the ground up. Colleagues have described him as an approachable and progressive leader who champions both their professional and personal development. 

“His dedication to learning drives our team’s innovation while highlighting vital soft skills like communication, collaboration, and resilience,” said a team representative. 

Receiving the Exemplary Leader award alongside Terence was Fae Toh, Deputy Director (Cybersecurity Audit), Audit division. Her teammates praised her hands-on leadership, strength in relationship-building and drive to “set ambitious goals, improve processes and challenge the status quo when necessary.”

Both leaders credited their teams for their success, with Terence pointing out a strong workplace culture that fuels innovation and encourages Xponents to experiment and charting their own learning journeys.

One such relentless learner is Arka Ray, Lead Engineer (Q1) at the Q Team CoE, who received the Exemplary SkillsFuture @ Public Service Award. Known for his curiosity and drive, Arka has stood out as both a technical powerhouse and generous mentor.

“My team, my bosses, and HTX have really encouraged me to keep pursuing new ideas and applying them without fear,” he shared. “Rather than just chasing outcomes, they’ve emphasised learning and understanding — and that mindset has been instrumental in my growth.” 

The same can be said for fellow awardee Ng Xiao Tong, Engineer (Marine Systems Maintenance) at Platform Systems Sustainment Centre. A firm believer in learning by doing, she applied her newly acquired digital skills to build user-friendly applications that improved processes well beyond her own department.

“When we keep learning, we don’t just build skills,” she reflected. “We build a culture that lifts everyone.”

That blend of curiosity, creativity and community doesn’t just power internal progress — it fuels groundbreaking partnerships, too. HTX’s collaborative ethos was on full display in two award-winning, multi-agency projects.

The Nationwide Sensor Grid, for example, created a unified picture of hazardous material (HazMat) incidents across Singapore. From plume modelling software customised for local needs to a live command-and-control system, the project showcased how innovation can scale across agencies. It earned the prestigious One Public Service Award. 

“We’re glad to have worked closely with fellow technical agencies to deliver this critical capability,” said Mavis Chng, Head of Hazmat and Early Warning Systems, Civil Defence Programme Management Centre (CDPMC). “It improves both effectiveness and operational coordination.”

Meanwhile, the TruCerts: Blockchain for Public Safety initiative clinched the Regulatory Excellence Award. This ground-breaking system uses blockchain technology to securely verify fire safety product certificates — making the process faster, more transparent, and harder to tamper with.

“Our work directly contributes to a safer built environment for all Singaporeans,” said Priscilla Lee, Engineer (Emergency Ops Systems), CDPMC. “This award affirms our drive to harness science and tech to strengthen public safety, and it motivates us to keep pushing boundaries.”

HTX’s achievements at the 2025 Public Service Transformation Awards bear testament to its firm belief in people — their potential, their ideas and their collective strength. 

This is neatly summed up by Terence: “We have learnt to aim high and set ambitious goals while staying grounded and realistic in our approach. But most importantly, we are always learning with humility, because the best ideas can come from anyone, at any time.”