[What the role is]
About EDBThe Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore’s position as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. We undertake investment promotion and industry development, and work with international businesses, both foreign and local, by providing information, connection to partners and access to government incentives for their investments. Our mission is to create sustainable economic growth, with vibrant business and good job opportunities for Singapore.
For more information on EDB, please visit www.edb.gov.sg
About the EDB Associate Programme
The global economy is constantly changing. Technologies are reshaping industries, businesses are rethinking where and how they invest, and competition between economies continues to intensify. For Singapore to stay ahead, we need officers who are versatile, resilient and able to make sense of these shifts to identify opportunities and translate them into meaningful outcomes.
The EDB Associate Programme (AP) is a 10-month programme designed to build the foundations of a career at EDB. Through structured training, personalised mentorship and rotations across different areas of EDB’s work, you will gain first-hand exposure to how we work with companies, industries and partners to shape Singapore’s economic future.
Work alongside colleagues in a high-performing, collaborative environment and be part of a team that cares deeply about Singapore’s success and challenges one another to do better.
[What you will be working on]
What the Programme Entails
Your Associate journey begins with a structured bootcamp that introduces you to EDB’s mission, work and ways of working, and equips you with foundational skills.
You will then be rotated across multiple divisions. Each rotation will give you opportunities to experience new challenges and work with different colleagues and stakeholders. Through these rotations, you will gain exposure to the core areas of EDB’s work:
1) Investment Promotion – Engage directly with companies to understand their business strategies and make the case for Singapore as an investment destination. This involves building relationships with senior business leaders, analysing industry trends, structuring project proposals, and negotiating with companies on the terms of their commitments to Singapore.
What you develop: Business acumen, relationship management and an understanding of global business dynamics
2) Industry Development – Beyond individual company relationships, EDB works to strengthen our economic sectors. We do so by mapping out an industry’s ecosystem, identifying gaps in capabilities or talent, and working with companies, trade associations, and other agencies to develop strategies that make Singapore a competitive hub.
What you develop: Systems thinking, strategy formulation, partnership building and the ability to translate insights into actionable programmes or initiatives.
3) Policy and Planning – EDB charts Singapore’s long-term economic trajectory – where the economy is headed, what structural shifts are underway globally, and what that means for Singapore’s positioning. You will work on frameworks, policies and incentives that shape how EDB attracts and retains investments.
What you develop: Analytical and research capabilities, skills in policy development and evaluation, and the ability to synthesise complex information
All Associates will also undergo foreign language training, giving you an early foundation to strengthen your ability to engage businesses and partners from around the world.
[What we are looking for]
There are two intakes:
01 March 2027 to 31 December 2027
16 August 2027 to 15 June 2028
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking individuals who are purpose-driven and eager to make an impact, as well as those who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
You may be a good fit if you have:
Learning agility and curiosity – You are curious, learn quickly, seek feedback and adapt as you learn.
Critical thinking and judgement – You make sense of complex information, ask good questions and form considered views, even when information is incomplete.
Resilience and adaptability – You stay constructive through change, learn from setbacks and adjust your approach when needed.
Resourcefulness – When faced with something unfamiliar, you seek out the information, expertise and people you need to make progress.
Initiative and ownership – You take responsibility for your work, act with drive and follow through on your commitments.
Eligibility
The Associate Programme is open to:
Fresh graduates and early careerists with less than two years of working experience at the start of the programme in March/ August 2027
Graduates from all academic disciplines. You do not need to have studied Economics or Business. We welcome candidates from STEM, humanities, social sciences and other disciplines.
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
Proficiency in a third language (e.g. Japanese, French, German, Bahasa Indonesia) would be advantageous for engaging international clients, but is not a requirement.
Click here to find out more and apply for the 2027 Associate Programme! You are encouraged to apply early as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Note: Successful candidates will join EDB on a contract basis. Permanent appointments, where offered, will take into consideration the Associate’s performance.
