Even with $500-800 allowance is still amazing, esp when technical research projects are considered part of "core works" for many IT officers?

The next best allowance besides overseas would be foreign languages at $150-$500 monthly. The rarer it is, the higher. But you need to acquire and maintain A level equivalent in proficiency for that language.

If it's true, also can understand better now. Although you may be putting in more hours due to the projects, you're already compensated with such allowances. Compared to another officer without such allowances, his boss can justify better for his higher CEP and performance.