ExxonMobil’s largest integrated refinery and petrochemical complex is in Singapore, and the company continues to invest in its assets here. Established in 1893, ExxonMobil has grown from a company that traded kerosene and lubricants along the Singapore River to a multi-billion dollar petroleum and petrochemical business.
The organisation remains committed to becoming the world’s leading multinational oil and gas corporation, while simultaneously adhering to the highest ethical standards. 31-year-old Ashton Tan Yong Hui tells us about how he helps ExxonMobil achieve this goal through his job as a Senior Operations Technician II.
Why did you choose to pursue a career at ExxonMobil?
Ashton Tan Yong Hui: While I was still in school, I wanted to join a big and well-known chemical, or oil & gas company that had a business presence in the region. My seniors, who had joined ExxonMobil, encouraged me to pursue a career with the company. I recall them saying that ExxonMobil is a company that focuses on safety and has good operating systems. Their advice motivated me to join the company after graduating from polytechnic.
Ashton Tan Yong Hui
Senior Operations Technician II
Diploma in Chemical Engineering,
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
“Being able to see my efforts come into fruition just gives me this indescribable sense of accomplishment.”
Tell us more about your job scope and responsibilities.
Ashton: As a Senior Operations Technician, I’m required to take on both night and day shifts. I run both the console as well as the field post.
In the console, I strive to optimise the various components to save energy and increase profitability for the company based on the parameters I’m given. I ensure that all the products are kept within the specifications as well. I also train junior technicians, sharing what I’ve learnt from past experiences.
When I’m out in the field, I conduct routine checks on the equipment and ensure that they are running smoothly. This includes collecting product samples for testing purposes. I’ll also check and approve work permits for jobs to be carried out in the shift. When there are issues at the plant, I have to respond promptly and resolve them. Every task is carried out with safety in mind.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Ashton: The best part of my job is working with my shift team, which displays outstanding teamwork. We work hard together as a team, but we also go for team building outings and celebrations together on our days off.
Beyond that, there’s also this irreplaceable sense of satisfaction I get when I complete a job. Whether it’s being able to optimise the plant to its maximum capacity from the console or finishing the tasks given to me out in the field, being able to see my efforts come into fruition just gives me this indescribable sense of accomplishment.
What would you recommend about ExxonMobil to others?
Ashton: It’s a renowned company in this industry and there are many opportunities for career advancement. There’s no fixed route to growth and employees are encouraged to be open about areas of interest to their supervisors when it comes to career progressions and job rotations.
Furthermore, employees are provided multiple training courses to develop and hone new skills under its people development programme. I enjoy working for a company that values its people.
