It is hard to imagine life without electricity. The overhead lights that function in our houses and the source of power with which we charge our gadgets testify to electricity’s wondrous achievements. Electricity has allowed us greater control of our lives and given us the means to live and work comfortably.

Singapore Power fulfils the critical role of ensuring that the electricity and gas supply in Singapore are available whenever and wherever needed. As a leading energy utility company in Asia Pacific and with assets of close to S$15.6 billion, SP is responsible for upholding reliable and efficient power supply standards to enhance our economy and the quality of our lives.

To fulfil its vital roles, SP equips its people with knowledge, training, exposure, and a strong learning environment. These opportunities enable employees to hone their skills and apply their abilities effectively. Two SP officers tell us about their enriching experiences as they grow in their careers and play valuable roles in sustaining the excellent service standards of Singapore’s power grid network.

Why did you choose to join SP?

Lin Weixiong: After obtaining my engineering diploma, I wanted a job that would allow me to apply what I learnt in school to my daily work. I chose a career in SP because the job scope incorporates site work, assuring me that it was not a desk-bound technical job. Through my job, I am also exposed to companies from different industries that use gas transported by SP, such as in the pharmaceutical, food, and construction industries.

Ng Kim Yi: As someone who was exploring different scholarship options, I made up my mind to apply for the SP Nithiah Nandan Scholarship because of SP’s reputation. It is a leading energy utility company in Asia, and its electricity grid is rated as one of the best performing networks in the world. Furthermore, my father is an electrician, and his dedication to the job has always inspired me to join the industry.

Lin Weixiong
Technical Officer

Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering,
Singapore Polytechnic

What are your roles and responsibilities at work?

Weixiong: As a Technical Officer in the Emergency Response and Regulator Maintenance section, my role is to ensure the reliability of gas supply to commercial customers. My responsibilities include making sure gas equipment are calibrated on time and retrieving pressure data records for statistical analysis. In addition, I also need to respond swiftly to emergency issues such as gas leaks to ensure the safety of the public.

Kim Yi: I am a Technical Officer with the Cable Team overseeing the distribution network in central Singapore. Our section maintains the integrity of our network assets to ensure they are always in tip-top condition. We do this through regular equipment diagnostic checks called condition monitoring, similar to health screenings that doctors do for their patients. To ensure that our electricity network runs reliably and efficiently, we also conduct regular maintenance and asset renewal, and respond promptly to all network issues.

Share with us some highlights about your career so far.

Weixiong: The most memorable event at work is my first ever valve operation to facilitate gas pipe diversions. The work was rather complex, involving many procedures and colleagues from various sections. I was in charge of collating the operation requirements to carrying out the actual work. Despite being nervous and inexperienced, the job went well and was completed on time. I felt a deep sense of achievement when the whole job was declared successfully completed and everyone could finally stand down.

Kim Yi: Beyond my current job scope, I am also involved in a special assignment with Singapore Polytechnic, where I was once a student. We are participating in the World Solar Challenge 2015, considered the toughest solar car race in the world. The car was built by the Singapore Polytechnic team, and will race 3,000 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide, Australia. Singapore Power is the team’s main sponsor and a few of my colleagues, who are also the polytechnic’s alumni, are part of the team in the race. We are the only team from Singapore and the only polytechnic team competing among world-renowned universities.

It was devastating to see the students’ anguish when fire engulfed the solar car just weeks before it was supposed to be shipped to Darwin. However, Singapore Power stepped up support and arranged to airfreight the car, which spurred the team to rebuild their solar car in just four weeks after the original car was destroyed in the fire! It felt good being part of the team in Australia and I am excited about reaching the finishing line.

How has SP facilitated your development?

Weixiong: Since joining SP, I have been sent for courses which gave me more insight into gas operations that are not limited to my section. Recently, I decided to further my education and SP is sponsoring my part-time Bachelor of Technology (Mechanical Engineering) at the National University of Singapore. This is a great burden off my shoulders, especially since I have just started my own family!

Kim Yi: New technical officers like myself can look forward to the Learning through TEchnical Accelerated Programme (LEAP). Participants of this structured programme will attend a series of training modules which combine theory-based lessons with assessments and on-the-job training. I can also look forward to a sponsorship for my part-time degree, in line with my career development and aspirations.

What advice do you have for those looking to join SP?

Weixiong: For those who are interested in the energy industry and wish to apply their knowledge to their work, SP offers opportunities and a healthy dose of challenges to excel. It is not all about holding a spanner and turning a nut tight – it is about working with a deeper purpose, thinking on your feet with safety as a priority, and going home with job satisfaction.

Kim Yi: SP is a place that places a lot of emphasis on nurturing young engineering talent. It provides developmental opportunities and exposure in tandem with industry advancements, in the spirit of innovation and sustainability.

Every household, business and modern activity in Singapore depends on SP officers carrying out our duties safely, responsibly and with integrity. When power supply is disrupted, activities are also interrupted. As an SP officer, knowing that the work we do at SP helps to keep the lights on and powers the whole nation is extremely fulfilling.