The National Research Foundation (NRF) is a department within the Prime Minister's Office, and we set the national direction for research, innovation and enterprise (RIE) by developing policies, plans and strategies; funding strategic initiatives that strengthen our scientific and technological capabilities, grow our RIE talent base, and achieve economic and national impact; and fostering RIE collaboration in Singapore and internationally.
National Research Foundation
Deputy Director, Smart Nation & Digital Economy
Permanent/Contract
Closing on 31 Mar 2026What the role is
What you will be working on
• Be part of a dynamic team to co-own and drive the development of Singapore’s AI R&D plan, data and AI for Science initiatives as part of the broader national Data-AI-Hybrid Compute strategic thrust, in partnership with stakeholders in the RIE ecosystem, including the MDDI, IMDA, AISG, A*STAR, MOH TRUST Office and GovTech.
• Develop situational awareness of emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in digital innovations, cultivate collegial working relationships amongst SNDE partners and provide thought leadership in shaping a collaborative and vibrant digital tech R&D ecosystem for Singapore.
• Uphold strategic oversight of established governance framework and national funding initiatives related to AI and other digital tech focus areas. Assess the progress and impact of programmes and projects supported by RIE funding schemes, including identifying gaps/opportunities to nimbly respond to changes in macro trends or national imperatives.
What we are looking for
• Candidate should have an appreciable understanding of digital tech. Familiarity with Singapore RIE landscape, and some background in Infocomm tech related disciplines preferred e.g. computer science, mathematics, science or engineering subjects, but not a hard requirement. Open to consider candidates who demonstrate aptitude and prior competency in any of the above areas.
• Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and organisational culture.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a focus on delivering implementable solutions and impactful outcomes.
About your application process
This job is closing on 31 Mar 2026.
If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the job ad closing date, we seek your understanding that it is likely that we are not moving forward with your application for this role. We thank you for your interest and would like to assure you that this does not affect your other job applications with the Public Service. We encourage you to explore and apply for other roles within National Research Foundation or the wider Public Service.
About National Research Foundation
The National Research Foundation (NRF) was set up on 1 January 2006 as a department under the Prime Minister's Office. It was set up to perform the following:
a) To provide secretariat support to the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council (RIEC), chaired by the Senior Minister;
b) To coordinate the research of different agencies within the larger national framework in order to provide a coherent strategic overview and direction;
c) To develop policies and plans to implement the five strategic thrusts for the national R&D agenda; and
d) To implement national research, innovation and enterprise strategies approved by the RIEC, and to allocate funding to programmes that meet NRF's strategic objectives.
Learn more about National Research Foundation