Joy @ Work
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Last updated 27 April 2026
At SEAB, fostering joy and community in the workplace is essential to collective success and staff well-being. This edition highlights three meaningful ways SEAB nurtures its vibrant workplace culture: the lively Deepavali celebration that brought colleagues together across cultural boundaries, heartwarming year-end festivities that celebrated achievements and transitions, and thoughtful appreciation treats that provided sweet respites during the busy examination season. These initiatives, both large and small, demonstrate SEAB's commitment to creating a workplace where staff feel valued, connected, and genuinely enjoy being part of the SEAB family.
Deepavali Joy at SEAB
The Deepavali celebration on 24 October 2025 at SEAB demonstrated how festive occasions can strengthen workplace bonds and boost morale.
Officers from different ethnic backgrounds came together to prepare traditional festive foods, including pani puri, creating an authentic and inclusive experience for all staff.
An appetising display of Deepavali favourites greeted the staff
Besides the delightful spread of traditional delicacies including curry puffs, vadai, and freshly prepared teh tarik, what made this celebration truly special was witnessing genuine joy and wide smiles across faces, with everyone embracing the festive spirit by dressing in bright, bold colours that transformed the workplace atmosphere during the busy period.
Vibrant attire matching vibrant spirits during the Deepavali festivities.
Two staff members stepped up to showcase their teh tarik pouring techniques in an exciting ‘Teh Tarik Challenge’. Their performances drew enthusiastic applause from supportive colleagues, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared enjoyment.
Despite having no experience, the participants put their heart into the teh tarik challenge.
SEAB management participated in the symbolic lighting of oil lamps. This ceremonial lighting of oil lamps symbolised the leadership's dedication to guiding SEAB towards continued organisational excellence. Just as the traditional lamps dispel darkness, the collective efforts illuminate the path forward for the organisation's success. This meaningful ceremony, combined with educational segments about Deepavali traditions such as rangoli art and the significance of muruku, helped deepen staff’s’ appreciation for this important festival.
SEAB management participated in the timeless tradition of lighting oil lamps
The highlight was undoubtedly the energetic Bhangra performance by the Yaar-Panjaab Phangra (YPP) troupe, whose vibrant costumes and infectious enthusiasm drew staff onto the stage to learn traditional dance moves. This interactive element perfectly captured the spirit of Deepavali as a celebration that brings people together across cultural boundaries.
Staff joined the vibrant Bhangra dancers on stage, embracing the joy and unity of Deepavali celebrations.
Celebrating Joy and Season's Greetings: SEAB's Year-End Celebrations
The festive spirit filled the air as SEAB staff gathered for the memorable year-end "It's (Finally) Friday Season's Greetings" event on 28 November 2025. The celebration began with a delightful high tea featuring sweet and savoury festive treats.
SEAB staff enjoying their sumptuous festive treats.
In his year-end speech, SEAB's Chief Executive, Mr Yue Lip Sin, summarised the year through three meaningful themes: Purpose in our work, Joy at work, and Pride in our work. His words resonated deeply, highlighting the passion and energy that all SEAB staff bring to their roles each day, whilst reinforcing the shared values and collective spirit that define SEAB's culture. He acknowledged the dedication shown throughout the year, expressing gratitude for the collective efforts that have driven SEAB's success and encouraged everyone to carry this spirit forward into the new year.
The occasion also marked an important moment of transition as SEAB bade farewell to staff who had completed their secondments with SEAB and were embarking on their next postings. SEAB extended heartfelt wishes for their continued success and growth in their new roles. SEAB also thanked and bade farewell to Mr Tan Kuo Cheang, former Director of Assessment Planning and Development Division, for his leadership and significant contributions to SEAB over the past three years. His guidance has left a lasting mark on the organisation, and SEAB wished him the very best in his future endeavours.
Former Director of Assessment Planning and Development Division, Mr Tan Kuo Cheang giving his farewell speech during the year-end session
Energy soared as the celebration moved into a lively game of "Santa Says, Stand Up If...” which got everyone on their feet and buzzing with excitement. The enthusiasm continued to build with SEAB's inaugural inter-level Christmas tree decoration competition held in the office. SEAB staff from different divisions and levels showcased their creative Christmas tree decorations, with representatives taking to the stage to champion their masterpieces. The winning Christmas tree was decided based on voting. The friendly rivalry brought out the best in everyone's competitive spirit whilst fostering camaraderie across levels!
Creative Christmas tree decorations by Levels 7, 8, and 9 (from left to right).
Mr Yue presenting the certificate of achievement to Ms Tan Jia Min, the level representative for level 8 which won the Christmas tree decoration competition.
After the games and competition, the crowd settled down for a heartwarming video presentation featuring heartfelt reflections from colleagues as they shared their highlights, achievements, and memorable moments from 2025. To cap off the celebration, a lucky draw with a twist ensured all staff walked away as winners. This drew much excitement from everyone as they eagerly drew out their lucky numbers in anticipation of their prizes.
SEAB staff eagerly collecting their prizes after drawing their lucky numbers.
SEAB staff showing their prizes after drawing their lucky numbers. Happy faces all around!
As the "It's (Finally) Friday Season's Greetings" event drew to a close, it was clear that this celebration achieved exactly what it set out to do: closing 2025 on a high note filled with joy, gratitude, and togetherness.
Members of the 2025 SEABlings’ Committee which organised the "It's (Finally) Friday Season's Greetings" event with SEAB's Chief Executive, Mr Yue Lip Sin.
Weathering through the exam season with sweet treats (bubble tea, ice cream)
To celebrate the successful completion of some of the major examinations for the year, SEAB’s Human Resource department organised a series of delightful appreciation treats to thank staff. First up was a bubble tea treat which took place on 2 October 2025, a day after the end of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) Higher Mother Tongue Language exam. The mini celebratory event was attended by approximately 160 staff, and they got to choose from refreshing lychee jasmine tea or delicious earl grey milk tea. Subsequently, on 11 November 2025, a day after the end of the GCE O-Level Science examination, staff also got to enjoy an ice-cream treat where they could choose from 11 exciting flavours!
Staff queuing up eagerly for their choice of bubble tea and ice cream treats
These mini treats provided everyone with a well-deserved short break from their work, while creating an opportunity for staff from different divisions and departments to connect as they enjoyed the sweet treats. A big thank you to all staff for all the commitment and hard work once again!
SEAB staff enjoying their well-deserved treats and connecting with colleagues from across different divisions
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