Head of Data Science and AI, Singpass

About the role

You will define and lead the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence strategy for Singpass, Singapore's national digital identity platform, ensuring that data and AI directly support the Smart Nation mission and public sector digital transformation. In this role, you will own the end to end lifecycle of data science and AI initiatives, from problem framing and opportunity prioritisation through to implementation, measurement, and continuous improvement. You will work closely with product owners, engineers, fraud specialists, and operations teams to embed responsible AI and advanced analytics into real products that millions of users and thousands of partners rely on every day. Your focus will be on building a coherent portfolio of work that makes Singpass safer, more data informed, more effective, and better equipped to innovate over time. You will set the technical and methodological direction, govern model lifecycle and quality, and ensure that every initiative is grounded in clear outcomes rather than experimental novelty.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define and lead the Data Science and AI strategy for Singpass, aligning with product roadmaps and government priorities.

Identify and prioritise opportunities where machine learning, advanced analytics, and automation can create measurable value across trust and safety, product analytics, and operations.

Establish trusted product and mission metrics, designing robust instrumentation, experimentation frameworks, and backtesting approaches to validate impact.

Build and govern reusable data capabilities such as data products, feature stores, and querying services that enable data informed decisions by product and operational teams.

Advance fraud detection capabilities using graph methods, machine learning, and emerging techniques to improve accuracy while reducing false positives and user friction.

Develop and deploy capabilities for real time risk assessment and intervention, enabling timely and proportionate responses to suspicious activity.

Strengthen collaboration between data scientists, engineers, and fraud operations to streamline detection workflows and response playbooks.

Establish reusable machine learning capabilities and data infrastructure that accelerate delivery of new AI use cases and support scaling in production.

Identify practical AI use cases with clear value measures, translating prototypes into reliable, maintainable, and compliant solutions.

Measure initiatives by concrete outcomes such as time saved, quality improved, or cases automated, rather than by technical novelty alone.

Champion responsible AI practices, ensuring models are explainable, fair, and aligned with regulatory and ethical expectations.

Partner with product and operations teams to embed data insights into daily decision making, improving user experience and operational efficiency.

Champion continuous learning and experimentation within the data science function, encouraging structured testing and knowledge sharing.

Set standards for model lifecycle management, including monitoring, versioning, and performance tracking in production environments.

Act as a thought leader for data science and AI across Singpass, representing the function to both internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

You possess a strong background in data science, machine learning, or a closely related quantitative discipline, with demonstrable experience applying these skills to large scale, high impact problems.

You have extensive experience designing, building, and deploying machine learning models into production, with a track record of turning analytical insights into operational reality.

You show deep expertise in data and AI strategy, including portfolio prioritisation, outcome measurement, and governance of model lifecycle and quality.

You are proficient in modern data platforms, querying engines, and data engineering concepts, enabling you to collaborate effectively with engineers to build scalable and reliable data infrastructure.

You have hands on experience with advanced analytics techniques such as graph methods, statistical modelling, and experimentation, and you understand how to apply them responsibly.

You demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical AI, including fairness, transparency, and explainability, and you are familiar with relevant regulatory and compliance considerations in the public sector.

You have excellent communication skills, able to translate complex analytical concepts into clear narratives for both technical and non technical audiences.

You are a proven leader who can influence without direct authority, aligning cross functional teams around a shared data and AI vision.

You are comfortable operating in a fast moving, agile environment where priorities evolve based on user needs, policy changes, and emerging technologies.

Nice to have

Experience working in government or regulated sectors where data sensitivity and compliance are critical.

Background in delivering digital identity, authentication, or fraud prevention solutions at scale.

Familiarity with Singpass, GovTech, or related Smart Nation initiatives.

Practical notes

This is a full time permanent position based in Singapore.

Candidates must be eligible for employment in Singapore and meet all local regulatory and security requirements.

The role may require occasional travel within Singapore for cross team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Successful candidates will be subject to security clearance and relevant background checks.