PUB Scholar Sylvester Siew is helping Singapore tackle one of its most pressing environmental challenges: rising sea levels. As a Senior Planner in PUB’s Coastal Protection Department, he works at the crossroads of engineering, sustainability, and public policy, shaping frameworks that will protect communities and strengthen national resilience for generations. Discover how his higher education across two continents, supported by the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship by PUB, has shaped a career built on climate purpose, engineering expertise, and meaningful public service.
The Drive to Engineer Solutions to Real-World Problems
Growing up with a strong inclination towards science, engineering felt like a natural fit for my strengths and interests. As global focus shifted to the climate crisis, I became increasingly motivated to acquire the expertise needed to design solutions that support environmental resilience.
A Scholarship That Shaped The Journey
The Singapore Sustainability Scholarship came up during my search for opportunities aligned with sustainability and environmental issues. I immediately saw it as a way to support my dream of pursuing an overseas education, where I could gain broader exposure to how different countries approach environmental policies and sustainable development. The scholarship also provided the opportunity to intern with PUB and offered the option to pursue a master’s degree for more specialised training.
Learning Across Two Continents
I completed a bachelor’s degree in engineering science at the University of Oxford in the UK, where the first two years were spent covering a wide range of engineering disciplines, from mechanical and electrical engineering to thermodynamics and civil engineering. This breadth provided a solid interdisciplinary foundation, much needed for addressing complex environmental issues, which rarely sit neatly within one domain.
I then developed a deeper interest in sustainable infrastructure during the civil engineering components of the course, which led me to undertake a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Sustainable Design and Construction) at Stanford University in the US, where I explored climate-resilient development and sustainable construction approaches in greater depth.
From Theory into Nation-Building Practice
In my current role at PUB, I am involved in drafting legislation that sets out the responsibilities and powers of various stakeholders to ensure Singapore maintains a continuous line of coastal protection measures against rising sea levels and extreme weather events. I am also working on designing a grant to support private landowners in implementing coastal protection measures on their land.
Drawing on my academic training, I have been able to apply the concepts and frameworks I learnt to the contracts and construction projects I manage. Knowing my work contributes to Singapore’s long-term safety and resilience gives me a strong sense of purpose, and the challenging, complex nature of the projects makes every successful delivery deeply rewarding.
Think PUB, Think Teamwork
If I had to describe PUB’s culture in one word, it would be collaborative. Teams work closely across functions, drawing on one another’s expertise. There is also a strong sense of mission, where everyone cares deeply about the communities we serve and takes pride in the work we do.
Opportunities Ahead
In time, I hope to expand my experience across PUB’s diverse areas, from drainage and water reclamation to network planning, plant operations, and policy work. I am also excited to contribute to PUB’s net zero ambitions by 2040, exploring initiatives such as energy efficiency in treatment plants, carbon capture in treatment processes, and floating solar deployment. Ultimately, I hope to continue strengthening Singapore’s resilience and environmental stewardship through my work at PUB.
Note to Future Scholars
“Supply Good Water. Reclaim Used Water. Tame Storm Water.
Resist Rising Seas.”
This is PUB’s mission, and it succinctly captures the breadth of work scholars can be a part of when joining the agency. Opportunities span water supply, reclamation, drainage, and coastal protection, with roles across operations, regulation, planning, engineering design, project management, procurement, and contracts. For those passionate about sustainability, engineering, or public service, PUB offers a meaningful career with lasting impact.
SYLVESTER SIEW
Singapore Sustainability Scholarship (PUB)
Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Science, University of Oxford, UK
Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Sustainable Design and Construction), Stanford University, US
Now: Senior Planner, Coastal Protection Department, PUB