LTA serves its mission of connecting people to places, delivering people safely and surely to their destinations island-wide. The transport infrastructure in Singapore is one of our country’s greatest achievements. It is a display of innovative engineering that comprises of an intricate system of roads and rails.

At the heart of the LTA are its people. All the marvels of our transportation system would not have been possible without the hard work of the officers in the organisation. Eddie Gian, a Higher Engineering Officer in the Road Asset Management division, and Steven Soh, an Executive in the Public Transport Security division, tell us about how they help LTA build and maintain a safe transport network for the people of Singapore.

Did you always know that you wanted a career in LTA? What sparked the interest?

Gian Zijie Eddie: My previous work experience was mostly from the engineering and construction industry and I’ve always had a great interest in motoring and cycling.

Furthermore, I wanted a stable and fulfilling career in the public service. Hence, LTA made sense as the organisation for me to build a career in.

Soh Kee Boon Steven
Executive

Diploma in Chemical Process Technology,
Singapore Polytechnic

Soh Kee Boon Steven: I didn’t know that I wanted to join LTA initially. I was looking for a security related job and I had interviews at LTA and another agency during my job search. The latter was the first to make a job offer, so I was in a dilemma as to whether to take the offer or wait for LTA. But based on the interview I had with LTA, I believed that the job it had would provide me with a greater sense of accomplishment and a bigger scale of influence. Moreover, my familiarity with our transport system added to my interest in working for LTA. I was one of those kids from the nineties who could name the stations from Pasir Ris to Boon Lay sequentially without looking at the map. Deciding to wait turned out to be the right decision after all. Even after six years, I’m still here today at LTA.

Tell us about your job. What are your roles and responsibilities?

Eddie: LTA’s mission of “connecting people and places, enhancing travel experience” is indicative of the organisation’s aim to continually improve the commuting experience of everyone in Singapore. Championing this mission is so fulfilling because we actually make a difference, be it big or small, that impacts the lives of people.

Steven: As the statutory board in charge of land transportation in Singapore, our mission is about connecting people and places, and enhancing their travel experience. With an emphasis on promoting public transport, LTA is constantly constructing new facilities and enhancing existing ones to improve connectivity and experience.

Whenever I commute via public transport and come across works that I’ve handled before, I feel proud knowing that I had a stake in it. There’s nothing that can describe the satisfaction I get whenever someone tells me “it’s good that LTA built this”.

Tell us about your job. What are your roles and responsibilities?

Eddie: As a Higher Engineering Officer in the Road Asset Management division, my role is to assist in managing our term-contractor’s work in the planning, removal, and installation of public street lighting affected by development or road projects. I am responsible for co-ordinating and liaising with the relevant stakeholders and agencies to ensure that the street lighting work is completed on time and in accordance with LTA’s requirements.

Steven: Working in the Public Transport Security division, I conduct checks on the public transport operators (i.e. SBST and SMRT) to ensure their compliance with security standards and guidelines. There is a lot of field work involved – I conduct audits onsite (e.g. MRT stations), interview relevant personnel, and identify gaps in security systems.

How does your job contribute to the well-being of Singaporeans?

Eddie: Public street lighting is something that people often take for granted. Public street lighting provides visibility when night falls, affecting the safety of motorists and the public. Without lighting, the roads will be a lot less safe. As part of the road infrastructure that is in operation every night, it needs to be well-maintained to ensure that it is in good working condition.

Steven: It’s very fulfilling to know that with every report closed and every corrective action done, there’s one less vulnerability in our system. Also, over the years, I noticed that the staff being audited started to respond positively to my interview questions. Some even thank me for the corrections that I suggest. It’s the gratitude, enhanced confidence, and professionalism displayed from the staff that showed me that my role was more than putting ticks and crosses on checklists and writing reports.

I was able to work on Estimation Theory, applications which include target tracking and navigation. My internship project also challenged me to be resourceful, think analytically and learn on-the-job. These are essential skills required in the R&D work I conduct today as our work involves breaking new ground and charting unknown territory.

What would you recommend about LTA to those who are considering a career in it?

Eddie: LTA is a large and stable public organisation which offers many career development opportunities and good work-life balance. There are many available opportunities for everyone, in both engineering and non-engineering fields. Wait no more! Join LTA and experience the benefits for yourself!

Steven: Consider that transportation is a key part of a country’s economy and everyone’s way of life. If you are ready to take up this challenge, join us on this mission to keep Singapore’s world moving.

LTA also has a wide range of career paths to choose from. You can be part of the project team managing contractors at the front line, or regulating and reviewing submissions at the back end. You also have the choice to work in your field of interest, such as on railway, rolling stock, bus, vehicle, or road matters. There are also non-engineering jobs in LTA, such as the regulatory functions in enforcement and compliance checks. No matter who you are, there is definitely a place for you here.