Jason Ong PBM, Vice President of Group Information Technology at Boustead Singapore, manages the company’s Information Technology (“IT”) operations and is a proud recipient of the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (“PBM”) Public Service Medal for Singapore National Day Awards 2021, a national honour bestowed on him by Her Excellency, The President of the Republic of Singapore.
From a young age, Jason was curious about how computers work.
“My parents bought me my first computer when I was 13 years old, which was quite costly at that time. I will not forget the expression on my parents’ faces when I dismantled the computer only after a few days and I was not able to get it to work again!” joked Jason as he reminisced about the early days of owning his first computer.
Jason has come a long way since then. His fascination with computers fuelled him to initially take up a Diploma in Information Technology (Computer Studies) and he eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Information Technology (Computing).
For more than 16 years, Jason’s life has revolved almost entirely around IT. Today, Jason leads and manages the company’s day-to-day IT operations, ensuring its reliability and the continuity of business activities. He lends a helping hand to colleagues in troubleshooting IT issues and in the implementation of IT projects to achieve greater productivity. Jason also looks after the company’s IT security and compliance.
“The world of technology is evolving every day, so I strive to stay abreast with the latest technological advancements in this field by reading and learning more each day,” added Jason who joined Boustead in 2017.
It is this spirit of wanting to do better, coupled with a strong passion for giving, that led Jason to become an active grassroots volunteer. He sits on four community committees, each in a different capacity but with a common goal – to create a harmonious, safe and productive environment that will improve the lives of residents in Singapore. As the Chairperson of the Residents’ Committee, he participates in discussions for new amenities and town upgrades, organises community events, performs mediation for household disputes, distributes donations to the less fortunate and introduces innovation and digitalisation initiatives, among many other responsibilities that have helped to build close-knit communities.
Jason’s contributions to the Nation and community were recognised in 2021 when he received the PBM. “Volunteering has taught me to be more open-minded, patient and responsive,” he said. Where he could, he would support those in need with not only money but effort and time on the ground, a mindset shared by founder Edward Boustead who was himself an active philanthropist.
When asked about his thoughts as a member of the Boustead Family, Jason said: “When I joined Boustead, I was amazed at how the organisation has stayed relevant for more than 193 years and counting.” Indeed, as the longest continuous business entity in Singapore, Boustead’s enduring legacy stems back to its constant focus on what is meaningful and relevant to its multiple key stakeholders. At the heart of the organisation’s success has been many generations of Boustead Men and Women.
“Boustead is a company that values its staff,” said Jason. “Boustead has provided abundant opportunities in our work to develop our skillsets and to upskill. We are able to unleash our potential as individuals, while encouraging each other to excel as one.”
Moving ahead, Jason plans to impart his IT skills to the younger ones – the future pillars of the nation – through the programmes organised by the Parent Volunteer Group at his daughter’s primary school. At the same time, he also plans to equip seniors with new IT skills through community digital programmes to help them embrace a digital lifestyle and connect with the younger generation.
“My time is juggled between my wife, three kids and my job, but there will still be time to serve the community if we plan our time well,” said Jason.
“Volunteering is all about giving without expecting anything in return.”
Interested in learning more about our Boustead Men and Women or becoming part of the Boustead Group – then take a look at our Careers page.