When tough times hit at work, you can drag your feet and dread what comes next—or embrace the challenge as an opportunity to learn, connect and grow. For HTX’s procurement specialist (Covering Head, SCDF, QPU3) Firhan Mohamad, choosing the latter is a no-brainer!
His can-do spirit was most evident as a member of HTX’s Staff Welfare Committee (SWC), when he was tasked to plan the HTX 4th Anniversary Dinner.
The to-do list was long and unending: The team would have to manage the logistics for over 1,000 guests and coordinate the rehearsal and performances for the anniversary celebration. On top of it all, they also had to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves!
Firhan’s workload in the Central Procurement Office (CPO) is already fairly demanding, where he supports the Home Team departments with their procurement matters.
“So when I was asked to lead the Anniversary project team, I was initially taken aback because of the workload on hand,” he exclaims.
However, Firhan put his game face on. He rose to the challenge with optimism, enthusiastically tackling tasks and obstacles alike—focusing on the positive moments along the way.
For example, he fondly recalls, “My Co-Chair and other team members were very encouraging and supportive. A lot of times during our meetings and rehearsals, the team would joke together to make it less stressful.”
When the event day came and the doors finally swung open, Xponents decked out in costumes—from Harry Potter to Ghostbusters and even Journey to the West—filled the hall with laughter and enthusiasm. During the grand finale, Xponents poured onto the dance floor cheering and dancing.
Their joy was contagious. Firhan was delighted. “It made all the hard work by the committee worthwhile,” he declares.
Spreading exuberance throughout HTX
From his experience with the Anniversary event, Firhan is now a firm believer that the spirit of exuberance can help drive a team through even the toughest of challenges. He adopts the same positive mindset when planning team-bonding activities for CPO as a member of the division’s welfare committee, which holds activities at least once every two months for staff to wind down and connect with each other.
These activities, albeit beyond the scope of Procurement work, serve a vital purpose—to inject exuberance into CPO’s environment. An exuberant environment is an inspiring one, and an inspiring environment can motivate all to achieve more.
Once, they went on an unconventional trip to the Botanic Gardens to busk in nature together. Another time, they held a durian-eating party complete with games, including a contest to crack open as many mangosteens as possible. No matter the medium, attendees always leave the events feeling energised and enthusiastic about working with their fellow Xponents on the next endeavour.
“No matter how big or small the event is, it creates an avenue for team members to come together and create positive memories,” Firhan says. “I believe in connection before collaboration. Work is work, but human interaction—the way you connect with another person—is important too!”
By organising these activities, he hopes to impact others with his positivity and create avenues for them to build connections that make work joyful.
Keeping his glass half-full
Firhan also likens overcoming challenges at work to how he approaches the long-distance runs he does around the Punggol Waterway and Coney Island.
(Photo: HTX)
“It’s hard when you start, so you’re usually dragging your feet,” he admits. “But with consistency, and once you achieve a new milestone, you’ll start to feel stronger and better,” he advises. It’s the same for every task he undertakes at HTX, whether for CPO or SWC: Each little success refills his cup and keeps him engaged.
In his experience, developing exuberance isn’t hard. Build connections, find purpose, celebrate the little wins and you’re on your way to more positive experiences at work!