Singapore’s world-class urban infrastructure allows companies in the built environment sector to weave their design skills and carry out research in an exciting range of sustainable projects.
The built environment sector in Singapore is constantly evolving. Professionals in this field are using cutting-edge technology to make a difference to the community. Engineers, in particular, play a critical role in developing projects to create sustainable, purposeful and aesthetically pleasing designs.
Off to a Flying Start
In 2013, Jichen was awarded the BCA-Industry Built Environment Undergraduate Scholarship jointly offered by BCA and Arup Singapore Pte Ltd. After his graduation, he started working in the Transport & Resources Group.
The scholarship gave Jichen an excellent head start in his career. Arup values his personal development goals and his work allows him to work in a rich culture that is naturally curious and always stimulating. The company is also focused on developing young engineers in both their technical knowledge and soft skills. On top of his work, Jichen has completed a structured two-year Graduate Development Programme, which consists of technical training, professional development programmes and mentorship to ensure his all-round development.
Going Places
Jichen’s had the opportunities to work on various iconic infrastructure projects that shape the future urban landscape of Singapore and abroad. Some examples included the Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link in Hong Kong and the KL-Singapore High-Speed Rail feasibility study. Jichen was mentored and inspired by his seniors throughout these very important projects. Arup’s open culture and global network provided him with a wealth of exposure that gave him the confidence needed to push boundaries. Over the years, he has developed a sound understanding of holistic designs and has gained rich experience in structural modelling, analysis, design as well as multi-disciplinary design coordination works.
Presently, Jichen is working on the advanced engineering studies of Cross Island Line, the eighth MRT line in Singapore. For this 50-km line connecting Changi to Jurong, the civil and structural engineering works pose a broad range of technical challenges. It ranges from rationalising, optimising the design and constructability of the station box to developing underpinning schemes for the bored tunnels. Jichen enjoys the pursuit of constant refinement, overcoming design challenges and coming up with clever yet practical solutions. He is thrilled when his designs and drawings finally become real-life structures.
Overcoming Adversities
There are days when he faces rigorous schedules and the management of design iterations. Over the years, he has learned how to manage the stakeholders while performing the role of a design consultant. A tip he shared is to have an appreciation of the multi-disciplinary knowledge in architecture and engineering. That proved to be a useful advantage needed in the process of design and coordination.
Jichen is thankful for the scholarship provided by BCA and Arup Singapore. It has enabled him to start his career in a place that ticks all the right boxes for him and opened up a world of possibilities ahead. He looks forward to venturing further into this fulfilling journey and playing a big part in shaping a better world.
WANG JICHEN
BCA-Arup Built Environment Undergraduate Scholarship
Attained: BEng in Civil Engineering, NTU
Now: Structural Engineer, Transport & Resources Group, Arup Singapore
From: Jurong JC