Matin's Leap from Public Service to Global Travel

Multinational firms provide jobs for six in ten local workers earning a gross monthly income of above $12,500.

From public service to tech innovation at Expedia Group, Matin Mohdari is shaking up the travel industry and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders. His blend of policy expertise and hands-on mentorship is driving real change and shaping the future of travel.

From Public Service to Tech-Driven Travel

For most people, public policy and global travel couldn’t be more different pursuits — but for Matin Mohdari, both align perfectly with his passion for innovation and transforming experiences.

From his early days in public service to his current role as Head of Public Policy, Government, and Corporate Affairs at Expedia Group, Matin’s career has been driven by the desire to make an impact. His journey began at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), where he spent six transformative years shaping the travel landscape through tech innovation. This period gave him “a fantastic career experience” and sparked his growing curiosity about digital economies, eventually leading him to the private sector.

“I felt ready to go down the rabbit hole after the stint at STB,” Matin recalls about making the bold leap to Grab, one of Southeast Asia’s leading super-apps. His time at Grab, built on his public sector foundations, gave him a fresh perspective on driving growth and innovation, setting the stage for the next exciting chapter of his career.

Bridging the Public and Private Sectors

“As a start-up back then, Grab was at a very different growth phase. The learning curve was steeper, and most skills were picked up on the job,” Matin shares. Beyond learning new skills, he found himself adapting to a different organisational culture. Grab’s flatter hierarchy and more open communication shaped Matin’s approach to leadership. Combined with the experience gained from his previous stint at STB, he became adept at engaging with both the public and private sectors.

Today at Expedia Group, a world-leading travel technology company with its Singapore office established in 2016, Matin's role has expanded his professional horizons and aligned with his personal aspirations of giving back to society. His work involves understanding and navigating the complex policy and regulatory landscape across Asia Pacific, a challenge that has honed his strategic thinking and diplomatic skills. He helps Expedia Group stay updated with evolving regulations and collaborates with internal teams to tackle potential issues. Matin’s position at Expedia Group has also provided him with a platform to make a meaningful impact on society. He spearheads initiatives that strengthen the company’s ties with local communities  such as the Open Pathways Program, which helps integrate people with disabilities into the workforce. The programme not only provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential in the workplace, but also creates a more diverse and inclusive workforce for Expedia Group, reflecting the diversity of global travellers. 

Moreover, Matin’s role at Expedia Group puts him at the forefront of collaboration between the private and public sectors. Working with governments on broader issues related to the digital economy, he brings together Expedia Group’s experts to help address challenges like tech inequality and responsible use of technology. This position not only drives Matin’s professional growth but also empowers him to make a meaningful impact. “I believe there is a need for collaborative efforts between MNCs and the government sector to advance the local and regional travel industry landscape. This will create jobs and provide employees with valuable global exposure,” Matin explains. 

Giving Back Through Mentorship

Inspired by his experiences at Expedia Group, Matin’s commitment to making a difference has expanded beyond  his professional life. He is driven to inspire the next generation of tech talent and hopes to mentor students to rethink the future of travel and address the challenges of an ageing population. He began this effort by advising on tech policy for the National Youth Council Singapore’s inaugural Youth Panel, which lets youths work with government agencies on policy development. 

Drawing from his experiences at Expedia Group, Matin established the School of Day 1 to offer practical, hands-on advice for young people interested in STEM and start-ups. Unlike traditional programmes that might be more theoretically driven, School of Day 1 centres on giving actionable tips and real-world experiences from the get-go. Matin wanted to create something that genuinely helps people realise their dreams and finds this approach rewarding. “I get to work with many wonderful and talented young people every single day, and I'm always learning in the process. For that, I'm truly grateful,” he says.

With such a packed schedule, many might wonder how Matin balances his demanding job with family life. For him, it’s all about having a system in place. He uses a shared calendar to manage his busy schedule and works with his wife to prioritise and help him stay organised. “Having a clear plan and knowing when to say no helps me juggle my career and family responsibilities,” he explains. This approach allows him to stay focused at work, fully engage in his mentorship activities, and remain present for his family.

When asked about his future, Matin replies without hesitation, “Every day is a gift. I hope to continue pursuing my passions and exploring new opportunities through my work and mentorship initiatives.” 

With his professional drive and personal grounding, Matin’s desire to make a difference keeps him looking for what’s next.  

Watch Matin's video on gov.sg YouTube!

Article by: Maven Potter
Photos by: Maven Potter & Matin Mohdari