Dare to try and do not be afraid to fail.
“Don’t work for recognition, but do work worthy of recognition.”
– H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
As we revel in the festivities of Singapore’s birthday this August, we also celebrate the achievements of the 31 Xponents who have received National Day Awards, recognising their significant contributions to the nation.
Ong Ka Hing, Deputy Director, Ground Systems, Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems Centre of Expertise (RAUS COE) is one of two deserving Xponents who received the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) for outstanding efficiency, competence and industry.
The remarkably steady pillar of HTX’s Ground Systems team, Ka Hing currently leads a group of skilful engineers in developing an array of on-ground robotics solutions for the Home Team, such as Rover-X (robotic dog), Xavier (autonomous ground robot), the cyborg cockroach and common robotics dashboard. His ability to strategise and harmonise has allowed him to guide his team through disruptive challenges, paving the way for the formulation of cutting-edge Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
Ong Ka Hing and his wife with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the National Day Award Investiture Ceremony (Photo: Ong Ka Hing)
“Dare to try and do not be afraid to fail,” Ka Hing proudly recites the motto he holds close to his heart. “It’s meaningful to see how our work supports Home Team operations on the ground, alleviating manual tasks and keeping Home Team officers safe during hazardous operations.”
Unlike what others may perceive of his work, he clarifies that “it is not all done nice and cosy in a lab; there is a lot of sweat and hard work involved.”
One memorable project, Ka Hing recounts, is the two-week trial of a quadruped robot in a construction site back in December 2021, when Singapore was still in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ka Hing and his team had to battle challenging terrain, heat and humidity while performing software configuration, troubleshooting and autonomous inspections on the go – all while clad in full personal protective equipment (PPE).
Despite the toil, the team never once took their eyes off of their goal, which was to gain insights into the feasibility of using robotics for autonomous patrol and introspection, and to force multiply the Home Team. Ka Hing also took great pride in the part this project played in HTX's efforts to lean forward and assist Whole of Government (WOG) agencies in the area of enforcement technology.
Ka Hing (second from left) with his team at a robot deployment trial during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: Ong Ka Hing)
Another worthy recipient of the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) is Pauline Ng, Deputy Director (Investigation), Investigation Systems, Policing Programme Management Centre (PPMC). A familiar face to all Xponents, Pauline is highly recognised for her exuberance and passion for technology.
“Knowing that my job makes an impact on our homeland security and improves the operational efficiency of Home Team officers is motivating. It is the feeling of pride, coupled with a sense of accomplishment, that drives me and keeps me going,” declares Pauline.
Pauline Ng, Deputy Director (Investigation), Investigation Systems, Policing Programme Management Centre (PPMC) (Photo: HTX)
With over two decades of industry experience nestled under her belt, Pauline has long since begun to leave footprints with her notable work. These include the development of the Safe Distancing app, Singapore Digital Driving License (Digital DL) and CRIMES3 – a case management system used by Singapore Police Force (SPF) – amongst many other successful projects.
“My work goes far beyond paperwork, budgeting and administrative responsibilities. It involves developing technological strategies, fostering innovation, directing teams and navigating technical and business challenges,” Pauline details.
She believes the journey to where she stands today is possible because she is “supported and surrounded by like-minded teammates, as well as co-workers, that share the same sense of purpose and camaraderie.” The best part about working in HTX, according to her, is how “HTX also creates time and space that allow for a culture of innovation to flourish at all levels.”
Pauline (front row with the draw four card) together with her PPMC team at a team bonding event. (Photo: Pauline Ng)
The six recipients of the Commendation Medal, six recipients of the Efficiency Medal and 17 recipients of the Long Service Medal would surely share Pauline’s view on purpose and camaraderie as they continue to dedicate themselves to the good work they do at HTX.
