Why I Joined GovTech’s TAP (And Didn’t Start My Own Startup)
A look back on the turning point that led me here—and the quiet search for what comes next.
When I was studying, I always envisioned myself starting a social tech startup. It was an aspiration I had since discovering the Business IT course in poly. When I went on to study Information Systems at NUS, my brother started Skolafund (now kitafund.com), a social enterprise startup. It really felt like the kind of venture I aspired to build.
Realising the Skills Gap
However, when I looked at the tech members at my brother’s startup, I saw a stark skills gap between myself and them. The way they operated—shipping features, managing infrastructure, making architecture decisions—was on a level I hadn’t reached.
This became even more apparent during my internship at another startup. The founders I worked with were always testing ideas and refining their products with speed. I admired that. But it also made me doubt if I could do the same. I wouldn’t just struggle technically; I wasn’t ready for the business side either. Fundraising, staying afloat, pivoting—it all felt overwhelming to me.
What Made Me Reconsider
Near the end of university, I met someone I now call my wife. I knew I wanted to build a life and family with her—and that naturally made me more cautious. Should I really dive straight into a startup without a financial safety net? Would this be fair for my future family?
To gain clarity, I started attending social entrepreneurship events and speaking with founders one-on-one. Many were refreshingly honest about how difficult it is to sustain a social enterprise—especially under investor pressure.
One conversation that stuck with me was with the co-founder of Give.Asia, Mr. Aseem. He asked me to reflect deeply on my why. I shared that I sincerely wish to do good with tech. He listened, then asked me to seriously reconsider—“Is this really how you want to contribute?”
He spoke candidly about how there are other ways to serve society through tech—without going through the mental and emotional strain of running a startup. That moment made me pause. Was building my own startup really the best path to take for me to attain my goal?
What I Was Looking For
So I decided to open up my options. I went to NUS job fair with very specific criteria in mind. If a role didn’t meet all four, then it should not be considered.
Mission alignment: I wanted to spend bulk of my time at work building meaningful products that could make a positive impact to the community.
Good compensation: I wanted to build a financial base—for my future family and maybe even a future startup.
Technical growth: I wanted to close the skills gap I had observed in myself.
Good work-life balance: I wanted to have enough time outside of work for both my family and working on side projects for the causes I care about.
Only one place made the shortlist: GovTech.
Still, I hesitated. Was this just the “safe” choice? Was I giving up on my dream?
The Moment That Gave Me Confidence
Then something unexpected happened. A team from Open Government Products—an experimental unit within GovTech—reached out. They had stumbled upon Makan Rescue, a side project I built to reduce food waste. Turns out, they were exploring something similar, and wanted to learn more about our solution and its effectiveness.
That meeting gave me the confidence I needed. They weren’t just building tech for government—they were also concerned about social impact. And they were serious about learning from what others had built before jumping into yet another solution. It felt like the kind of work I want to do—just within a team instead of leading my own startup.
Joining GovTech TAP
I applied to GovTech’s TAP (Technology Associate Programme)—an entry program designed to develop local tech talents. I was told that the programme anticipated at least 800 applicants, and only about 10 were going to be selected.
I was fortunate to have friends and seniors who guided me on how to prepare. So I gave it my all—and left the rest to Allah. Alhamdulillah, I got in.
Reflecting on the Journey
Time flies, and it’s been over five years since I joined GovTech. I’ve had the chance to deepen my technical skills, work on projects that serve the Singapore public, and better understand how to build tech that are scalable, sustainable, and robust. Along the way, I’ve also launched side projects for causes I care about.
Alhamdulillah thumma alhamdulillah—I’m truly grateful for how this journey has unfolded. I couldn’t have asked for more in terms of growth and alignment with what I set out to do when I first joined.
Now, passing my five years mark in Govtech, I find myself reflecting on these a lot:
Have I done all I came here to do?
What’s the best next step?
It feels like a natural point to pause, reflect, and consider my options moving forward.
As I ponder on these, I’d truly appreciate your duas—that Allah guides me towards the path that is most pleasing to Him, and most beneficial for my family and community.