At a young age, Nadia Angelica had a keen interest in everything relating to sustainability and the environment. With a strong sense of public duty and passion for shaping Singapore’s environmental future, the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship became a stepping stone to attaining the career of her dreams.
Armed with a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Imperial College London, Nadia is currently in her second posting at the National Environmental Agency (NEA) and making a difference in policy-making and tackling large-scale environmental incidents.
For aspiring scholars, gain insider perspectives on what it is like working in NEA, from its culture to the people and the development opportunities available.
When Passion and Duty Beckon
I have always been drawn to environmental and sustainability issues. Even as a student, these topics captured my attention. When it was time to choose a path, civil engineering was a clear choice. I gravitated towards the environmental aspect of it, learning about topics like water and wastewater engineering, experimental environmental engineering, and sustainable infrastructure design.
I wanted a career where I could contribute to practical and real-world solutions, and joining NEA felt like a perfect fit because of the breadth of environmental protection and public health initiatives it is responsible for. I knew I could tackle meaningful challenges and contribute directly to shaping Singapore’s environmental future.
Translating Theory to Real-World Application
In the university, I gained practical experience through research projects, lab work, and field exercises. One example was the eye-opening trip to Rwanda, where we studied their waste management systems and fuel recovery applications. Witnessing how they approached environmental challenges with completely different constraints and resources taught me that there is rarely one “right” solution. I realised the importance of local context and staying open to unconventional approaches that might not work in theory but could make perfect sense on the ground.
These different learning experiences shaped the way I approach my work today. One of my most valuable takeaways was learning that the environment, people, and engineering solutions are all interconnected. Approaching problems holistically and being open to novel solutions can make a real difference in how we manage our environment.
Never a Dull Day at NEA
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was adapting to the breadth and complexity of NEA’s scope. I found myself learning on the go. Another challenge was navigating and aligning the different perspectives of multiple agencies and stakeholders. With the help of my colleagues, who generously shared knowledge and insights, I gradually gained confidence in navigating these unfamiliar territories.
One memorable experience was responding to an oil spill incident during my first posting to the Pollution Control 1 Division, where we had to assess the impact, collect samples, and conduct on-site air monitoring. It was an intense period with many moving parts and tight timelines, but I am proud to have played a part in tackling such environmental incidents. It was one of those moments where I truly felt the impact and purpose of our work.
Presently, I am in the Policy Division, where I work on policy development and planning relating to environmental protection and public health. My role involves collaborating with departments across NEA and government-wide to understand and address regulatory challenges, on-ground operational issues, and emerging environmental concerns. This comprehensive overview enables us to design policies that are practical and beneficial for people in Singapore.
The role is dynamic and meaningful – each day brings something different. I am constantly learning and adapting, which makes the work both challenging and rewarding.
The Perfect Learning Ground to Discover Your True Calling
Due to the diversity of NEA’s work, it offers a wide range of career pathways. As the agency looks into various aspects of environmental protection and public health, from operations and policy to research, technology, and industry development, there are many opportunities to explore and discover your true calling.
The work culture is incredibly supportive and collaborative – it often feels like a community more than anything else. Everyone is willing to help, teach, and share insights, which makes a huge difference, especially when you are new or navigating unfamiliar areas. I am grateful to my colleagues for answering my questions and generously sharing not just their expertise, but also jokes, stories, and encouragement. It is the kind of environment where people look out for one another, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.
NADIA ANGELICA
Singapore Sustainability Scholarship (NEA)
Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Direct Master), Imperial College London
Now: Assistant Manager, Policy Planning Department, NEA