Inside DOTC Series: Driving Organisation Excellence Through People and Purpose

At DOTC, we recognise that a thriving organisation relies on the unwavering support of behind-the-scenes teams. Our Corporate Services team manages key functions like recruitment, personnel, and organisational support, but their true strength comes from dedicated individuals who bring heart, grit, and initiative to every challenge.

We spoke with Howard Hung, Head of Corporate Services, who shared how organisational excellence depends on capable, proactive people who step up and lead with purpose — especially during tough times. His insights highlight that empowering committed individuals is what allowed DOTC to remain focused on building great products for the SAF while simultaneously tackling the challenges of a start-up agency.

What’s the key to keeping a new organisation running smoothly behind the scenes?

"The question seems to ask for a single perfect system for smooth operations, but life's inherent messiness, inconsistencies, and unexpected challenges just doesn't make it possible. Rather, no matter where I’ve been, I’ve felt that the answer ultimately isn't systems or processes, but having capable people who do things with heart. These are the people who have the grit to apply their values, ideas, and initiative when established systems fall short or reality presents obstacles.

So for a dynamic fledgling organisation, where cookie-cutter methods and systems aren’t always a best fit, I must credit the small organic team in corporate services for not only managing essential functions like recruitment, personnel, business support and development, but also going above and beyond by learning, adapting, advocating, and taking proactive steps to ensure things work effectively and efficiently for DOTC and DIS. Through their efforts, our developers get the space and the support to focus on building great products for the SAF."

How do you balance efficiency and compliance in an organisation like DOTC?

"Compliance and efficiency need not be at odds with each other. In fact, a well-crafted and apt system can be great for overall efficiency. For other occasions, I believe in approaching and respecting policy requirements by clarifying intent with the policymaker. As drafted, the most well-meaning policies and processes still cannot cover all situations, which is why understanding intent is most important. With conversation on intent, there can be room for win-win outcomes."

What’s the most unexpected challenge you've faced in corporate services, and how did you tackle it?

"Having to organise DOTC's first hackathon wasn’t an unexpected challenge, but was definitely a highlight for last year. With no prior experience (I didn’t even know what a hackathon was) and a small team, it was only through leveraging our all-hands-on-deck spirit, proactiveness, and our individual strengths and ideas that made the event a collectively enriching experience."

What’s the most rewarding part of leading corporate services at DOTC?

"A lot of it comes from outcomes manifested from the rest of DOTC, such as seeing happy, engaged developers empowered to create value for their organisation. The more the developers get to focus on their core calling with the least friction possible, the more I see the value of CSB in making it happen. Besides that sense of having contributed in some small part to that outcome, other satisfying realisations include knowing how well DOTC has been spoken for by leadership and supported by fellow service members to be what we can be. And last but not least, working in an empowering environment with great colleagues!"

If you could automate one aspect of corporate services to make life easier, what would it be?

"I look forward to a day when DOTC is universally recognised, if ever. Until that happens, can corporate briefs be automated, please?"

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to someone aspiring to lead corporate services?

"Come with a sense of service. A capable and empowered team will know what is good. Strive to be an enabler of that good, not a blocker."

I understand you're passionate about flight simulation. How has it influenced your ability to navigate complex organisational challenges with multiple priorities and unexpected obstacles?

"I’d first advocate not linking hobbies to work! But if I have to…maybe I’ll draw an analogy to flying with poor visibility and no GPS. There will be times like that at work. When the environment is volatile, uncertain and coming with a mishmash of supposed priorities, then one should do what’s important (aviate), ask for help (communicate), and get back to fundamentals (dead reckoning and map reading!)."

Howard’s journey exemplifies how strong support, resilience, and dedication keep DOTC’s engine running smoothly—driving innovation, enabling growth, and empowering our team to excel behind the scenes. Interested in shaping the future with us? Join DOTC and be part of the team that keeps progress moving forward.