Profile Picture

Rahul Daswani

Futurist | Government Expert | Ex-McKinsey | Executive Coach

Activities & Engagements

🌍 Country Lead, HeForShe Singapore (UN movement)
🗣️ Co-Founder, Okayornot.sg (constructive conversations on race)
💡 Vice Chair & Head of Capability Building, Sinda Youth Club
🤝 Co-Chair, Advisory Professionals Network
🎙️ Spotify Podcast interview with WeWork, 'Start with Culture'
👨‍🏫 Faculty & Professional Coach, Centre for Asia Leadership Initiatives
📈 Strategic Advisor, Candour USA (diverse, equitable workplaces)

My Career Journey

Account Director, Digital Industry Singapore, IMDA

2023 - Present

Led long-term capability planning and competency frameworks for a 1,000-person organization, streamlined recruiting processes leading to 50% efficiency gains, and developed sector growth strategies for Quantum, Telecoms, Media, and Cybersecurity.

Deputy Director & Head, Partnerships, Open Government Products, GovTech

2021 - 2023

Led strategy, hiring, and management for Policy and Partnerships functions. Generated leads and secured projects to adapt OGP's ways of working to over 20 government agencies. Advised on national capability development frameworks.

Founding Head, People and Culture, Open Government Products, GovTech

2019 - 2021

Designed and implemented processes to attract and retain technology talent, growing the organization from 26 to 70 staff. Developed a comprehensive performance management framework and shared OGP's innovative practices globally.

Lead, Futures Team / Strategic Resource Planning & Management, MHA

2017 - 2019

Led liaison with Ministry of Finance for financial and manpower resources. Developed a framework for government response options to fake news and devised policy recommendations to lower recidivism rates.

Senior Manager, Industry Development Division, SkillsFuture Singapore

2016 - 2017

Assessed demand and supply of emerging skills across industries. Developed hypotheses on skill emergence and planned nation-wide continuous education and adult training capacity for priority skills.

Senior Strategist, Centre for Strategic Futures, Prime Minister's Office

2014 - 2016

Drove an inter-agency project to improve public service response time to strategic issues. Designed a game for considering long-term implications of trends and managed a $4M annual research portfolio.

Senior Consultant, Agricultural Transformation Agency (Ethiopia)

2012 - 2013

Designed a public sector-led system for business support to agricultural cooperatives. Wrote and presented a report on improving Ethiopia's government capacity for effective Implementation Support.

Founding COO, Climate Change Development Authority (PNG)

2010 - 2011

Led the formation of the Climate Change Development Authority, reported directly to the Prime Minister. Developed funding proposals over $500M and facilitated training programs for CCDA staff.

Business Analyst, McKinsey & Company (South-East Asia)

2008 - 2009

Supported the Indonesian Council for Climate Change and prioritized opportunities for private education services in Malaysia. Conducted organizational health index surveys for public policy schools.

Master in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School

2011 - 2013

Concentration: Political and Economic Development.

B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan

2004 - 2007

Cum Laude; Minor: Mathematics.

`; const speakingPageHTML = ` Rahul Daswani - Speaking Engagements

Speaking Engagements

Sharing insights on Futurist thinking, Government Innovation, and Executive Coaching.

Upcoming Events

The Future of Public Service in a Digital Age

Date: July 25, 2025

Location: Singapore Tech Summit, Suntec City Convention Centre

Join Rahul Daswani as he discusses the evolving landscape of government service and the role of technology in shaping future public policy.

Learn More / Register

Leadership in Uncertainty: Lessons from Ex-McKinsey

Date: August 10, 2025

Location: Virtual Webinar (Global Executive Leadership Forum)

Explore strategies for effective leadership and decision-making in complex environments, drawing on insights from a former McKinsey analyst.

Register Here

Past Engagements

Start with Culture: A Spotify Podcast Interview

Date: 2020

Platform: WeWork Spotify Podcast

Discussion on building strong organizational culture, talent attraction, and retention strategies, particularly in fast-growing technology environments.

Listen to Podcast

What it'll take to lead a public agency of the future

Date: 2021

Platform: GovInsider Exclusive (Article/Interview)

Insights into the qualities and approaches required for effective leadership in future public sector agencies, focusing on digital transformation and innovation.

Read Article

Workforce Planning for an Ageing Population and Changing Technology

Date: 2019

Platform: Internal Publication / Senior Management Presentation

Presented recommendations on strategic workforce planning to address demographic shifts and technological advancements within the public sector.