Staff
and their families had fun on Family
Day held at Sentosa.
How
does a tax authority collect one’s hard-earned
money and still deliver quality service? Well,
that is just what the Inland Revenue Authority
of Singapore (IRAS) set out to achieve with its
vision of being:
The leading tax administration in the world, A partner of taxpayers in nation-building,
an eXcellent team of competent and
committed people.
Winner of SQA
IRAS’ success is evident as it recently received the Singapore Quality
Award (SQA) 2003. Said Commissioner of Inland Revenue Koh Cher Siang about the
win, “We are honoured to join the select group of SQA winners. This prestigious
award recognises the role of IRAS in helping taxpayers play their part in nation-building.
It testifies to the determination of IRAS to make taxpaying a unique experience
for our taxpayers.
“This award is for all the IRAS people and their strong ‘can-do’ spirit.
Our success starts with our people! Together, we make it happen!”
The power of committed people
Achieving the SQa was possible because IRAS’ people are committed to playing
their part to make it happen. They know that the business they are in is not
an easy one — for while taxpayers do not have a choice
about paying tax,
few do so willingly.
When IRAS was converted to a statutory board in 1992, it faced the challenge
of heavy backlog in tax assessments. Driven by a strong sense of purpose and
desire to excel, IRAS adopted new mental models.
Instead of viewing taxpayers as tax evaders, IRAS began to view them as compliant
and law-abiding taxpayers. IRAS now regards taxpayers as their customers and
partners in nation-building. This fresh perspective has helped IRAS to develop
new work processes, leverage on technology to automate many tasks, and enhance
operational efficiency to provide convenient and quality service.
IRAS staff
went on an outing with residents from
Apex Harmony Lodge.
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Everyone
in IRAS works closely as a team. Everyone knows
that he has an important role and is proud to be
identified with IRAS. This strong team spirit and “can-do” spirit
have driven staff to think out of the box and to try out new ideas together.
IRAS believes that healthy and happy staff make a quality organisation. Teamwork
is promoted through cross-functional project work as well as recreational activities.
IRAS also encourages its people to lead a balanced work life. The array of activities
to promote a healthy lifestyle include weekly stretch breaks, lunchtime talks,
and welfare and community involvement activities.
Said Senior Information Technology Officer Michael Tay, “I enjoy working
in IRAS. The people, working environment and learning opportunities here are
simply the best that I have experienced!”
