In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we spotlight Ministry of Home Affair’s (MHA) Senior Director of Finance and Administration Division, Ms Tay Wee Li’s impressive journey within the Home Team. From her start on the front lines in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) to her strategic role in MHA headquarters, Ms Tay shares her insights on leadership, female empowerment, and the power of community in policing.
TEXT: DENNIS YIN
PHOTOS: TAY WEE LI
Could you outline your career trajectory, including the roles and committees you’ve served on?
My journey began as an Investigation officer in Central Police Division in 2003. I became a team leader in Clementi Neighbourhood Police Centre before taking on staff roles in planning and operations thereafter. In 2012, I moved on to my first milestone leadership role as the Commanding Officer at Bukit Panjang Neighbourhood Police Centre, followed by a series of leadership roles across different departments, from Integrated Checkpoints Command, Police’s Operations Department, Police Intelligence Department to Police Coast Guard, culminating in my current position as Senior Director of the Finance and Admin Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs since 2023. Alongside this, I am a member of various committees, namely the Police Paracounsellor and Women’s Committees, and I’m on the board of POLWEL Co-operative Society Limited and the Management Committee of HomeTeamNS.
What motivated you to join the SPF, and how did your experiences shape your journey within the organisation?
At the core of public service is a genuine desire to assist others. For the Singapore Police Force, our goal is also to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. This mission has guided my decision-making, be it with policies or operations, and fuelled my commitment throughout my career.
You’ve led the planning and execution of various major public events, including the National Day Parade, the Singapore Grand Prix, and the Trump-Kim Summit. Which experience stands out for you?
Definitely the Trump-Kim Summit; the operation was an eye-opener. It showcased the remarkable efficiency of all the agencies involved, given that the turn-around time was extremely tight. Despite the sleepless nights, the effort was all worth it.
Could you share an example of a task that didn’t go as planned and how you addressed the challenges?
When it comes to challenges, I believe facing them head on objectively and maintaining clear communications with stakeholders are essential. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and improve.
As Deputy Chairwoman of the Police Paracounsellor Committee, why do you believe this role is vital?
Empathy, support, and resilience are crucial traits for our paracounsellors, who are the organisation’s bedrock for mental well-being. Their roles include providing peer support and counselling to fellow officers; promoting resilience and mental well-being efforts within the SPF; supporting affected officers and next-of-kin during crisis; and operational ground sensing.
Having been a paracounsellor for 20 years, I’ve realised that Police work is challenging, and our officers carry a lot of emotional burden due to their cases on top of personal challenges in their own lives. Being on this committee has been a very gratifying journey and it’s deeply fulfilling to be able to support colleagues and learn about oneself in the process.
What was the career transition like going from working in the SPF to your current role in the Ministry of Home Affairs?
The transition was smooth, thanks to the support from the Ministry and my colleagues. Apart from the job scope, there is no difference in what is set out at the Ministry level and at the ground level. The core mission remains the same: to make Singapore a safe and secure place.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt working with the Home Team, and how has it influenced your approach to leadership and teamwork?
In the Home Team, we often have to deal with real-time incidents. We are expected to multitask and make decisions fast to the best of our capabilities. When things don’t go as planned, we should not shy away from accountability; we should work with relevant stakeholders to improve the situation.
In light of the demanding roles you’ve undertaken throughout your career, how do you stay motivated?
Always remember why you joined the force and remain optimistic during challenging situations. Challenging times often foster the strongest team bonds.
As a HomeTeamNS Management Committee member, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your involvement?
It is heartening to see how the committee’s efforts have helped to enhance the clubhouses’ facilities for our Home Team community. It makes me proud to visit our HomeTeamNS facilities.
What future aspirations do you hold for HomeTeamNS?
I hope to see every Home Team officer and National Serviceman think of HomeTeamNS facilities as their first choice for private or official use.
As a member of the Police Women’s Committee, what are some key initiatives you have been involved in, and how have they impacted gender equality and empowerment within the force?
The committee is dedicated to enhancing the work environment, creating opportunities, and offering robust support to our female officers. There are many equal opportunities that are given to both female and male officers in the Police Force. Indeed, many capable female officers serve in various frontline and specialist units, working hand in hand with their male counterparts. We aim to position the SPF as a desirable career choice for women. In fact, we’re celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Women in Policing this year with a special recruitment event on 13 April, so be sure to look out for it!
In my own sub-committee, we also look at family-friendly initiatives. For example, one of our initiatives is designed to help pregnant and post-partum female officers transit into roles where they can continue to excel and manage life-stage changes effectively.
How do you balance your professional and personal life, considering you are a mother, wife, daughter, and friend?
I am grateful for having supportive family, supervisors, and peers. What matters is to be able to spend quality time with them. Having the ability to multitask and prioritise also helps with managing one’s time.
What advice would you offer women seeking work-life balance in demanding careers?
Do not be shy about asking for help when you need it. There may be many issues that demand your attention and if you need the extra pair of hands, do shout out.
To thank our Home Team Officers for their contributions to the safety and security of Singapore and Singaporeans, eligible Home Team officers, national servicemen, and those serving in the Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) and Civil Defence Auxiliary Unit (CDAU), will be given a complimentary one-year HomeTeamNS membership from mid-March 2024 onwards. Click here and here for details.
Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App, and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.
