Pros
Long term stability as a Temasek GLC.
Cons
The Singapore IT function appears to face several structural and cultural challenges. The environment is highly regimented, while senior management remains highly critical of IT despite the business being heavily dependent on IT to enable operations and transformation. There is also a long-standing perception that the IT division has been treated less favourably than other business units in terms of office environment, workplace investment, and practical staff support. After being excluded from the move to the main HQ building, the IT team continued operating in an outdated office environment for an extended period. Even when relocation became necessary due to the end of the land lease, the renovation budget for the new office was limited, resulting in a workspace that may not fully reflect the importance of the IT function. In addition, staff benefits appear to be significantly less competitive compared with other MNCs (although it tried to act like one), which may affect morale, retention, and the organisation’s ability to attract strong IT talent. Location and the limited season parking availability at the new office further adds to daily workplace inconvenience for staff. A deeper concern is the presence of a sizeable pool of long-serving, low-performing IT personnel who appear to have remained in place for years without meaningful capability growth, professional renewal, or accountability. Some may no longer demonstrate the technical depth, ownership, adaptability, or professional standards expected of modern IT practitioners. This creates drag on the wider IT organisation, weakens delivery standards, and places additional pressure on more capable staff who are expected to compensate for these performance gaps. The issue is especially concerning where such outdated or underperforming individuals occupy Deputy Manager, Manager, or Senior Manager roles, as they may slow down transformation, reinforce legacy ways of working, affect team morale, and limit the development of stronger-performing staff beneath them.