If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
What’s her secret to going the distance? The people. “There’s a famous African proverb that says: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,’” she answers.
When the PBP terrain seemed most treacherous, it was the group energy from riding in a peloton (the French word for ball or platoon) that helped her keep pace and concentrate despite mental and physical exhaustion. And during the HTX Annual Cycle, getting up early on weekends was a “fun exercise” because she did it with friends.
She notes that a similar sense of camaraderie has carried her through her most recent career fork — her transition to HTX.
Going the distance, together
Nicolette, a certified Chartered Ergonomist and Human Factors Specialist who holds a Master’s in Science (M.Sc.) in Digital Media Technology and another M.Sc. in Human Factors Engineering, both from Nanyang Technological University, joined HFS CoE in January 2023.
“I was drawn by the various engineering and scientific disciplines under one roof, as well as the opportunity to work on projects that have a direct impact on the lives of Singaporeans,” she explains.
Having spent over a decade in the private sector, she quickly realised that the biggest difference at HTX is the diversity of projects. Instead of working with a single product or brand, she now supports a variety of Home Team Departments (HTDs), each with a “unique set of human factors considerations”.
At the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, for example, she is evaluating the automated border control system to ensure it is accessible to wheelchair users and checking whether there are potential safety risks.
In another project, she is researching how to improve teamwork between humans and robots, so robots can better understand human intentions without constantly needing to be controlled by a user.
It can be challenging to navigate the new terrain, but just as her fellow cyclists help her stay on track when on the road, so do her new colleagues in the office. “I have very good co-workers both within the team and from other HTDs,” she affirms.
Focus on the process
Another lesson Nicolette has taken from her cycling escapades to work is to not be too fixated on an end goal. Instead, it is important to “immerse in the process, learn from it, and enjoy it,” she advises.
During the PBP, this meant savouring the sights of the natural landscape in France, admiring how the sunrise broke through the foggy morning at Brittany, and relishing in the festive atmosphere at each village she passed through.
“The locals offered us coffee and water. Children also stayed up late and sat on the side of the road waiting for cyclists. As soon as they saw us, they jumped up from their chairs to clap and cheer us on,” she recalls, adding that these gestures worked wonders at keeping her spirits up.
In the same vein, when at work, she appreciates how each new HTX project offers a refreshing change of scenery. She looks forward to the eye-opening experience of watching officers execute missions; and is inspired by the dedication and commitment of the people she interacts with each day.
For her, these moments are what make her ride at HTX a memorable one. “We have a great team and talented co-workers. My advice would be to learn as much as you can from them as you work together towards a common goal,” she concludes.
Start the career ride of your life at HTX. Find out about the opportunities available, and the people you’ll be working with: https://www.htx.gov.sg/join-us/careers