In pursuit of knowledge: Han Mei at the University of Cambridge
Singapore Sustainability (PUB) Scholar Saw Han Mei reflects on a myriad of opportunities and experiences she was exposed to during her studies at the National University of Singapore and the University of Cambridge. Beyond a rewarding engineering career impacting our nation’s water management system, Han Mei is most thankful for the supportive PUB team and the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections through the scholarship.
PUB – A Clear Choice
During my first year of university, I was looking for learning opportunities outside of the academic curriculum. The Singapore Sustainability Scholarship (PUB) provided a platform to learn about cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to water sustainability, all while contributing directly to Singapore’s sustainability goals. I was also interested in the diverse international opportunities available to scholars, including postgraduate studies, exchange programmes, and overseas community involvement projects.
The final deciding factor to go with the scholarship was how welcoming and supportive the PUB team is. I even had the opportunity to network with various officials, including the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and PUB Directors.
As a PUB scholar, I was also given the latitude to gain new experiences from other industries. I took up internships that were not directly related to water, such as in Fintech, IoT, and Consultancy. It was eye-opening to see how things work in the private sector, and I was able to bring back what I learned to enhance systems and processes in PUB.
Overseas Experience Opened New Perspectives
My academic experience in Cambridge was starkly different from what I had experienced in Singapore. We grappled with questions that persisted over many years, innovated where guidance was scarce and pursued success without defined benchmarks or established guidelines. The environment was challenging, but it taught me to think independently, embrace ambiguity, and forge my own path to success.
Climate change is bringing about impacts that we have never seen before. As the engineers safeguarding Singapore’s water resources, we must be brave enough to step into the unknown and navigate ambiguity.
Creating a Positive Ripple Effect
My career goals are centred on making a significant and lasting contribution to Singapore’s resilience. I aim to leverage my multi-disciplinary background and combine my expertise in engineering, economics, and sustainable development to create innovative solutions that have a multiplier effect on our nation’s progress. Although I am only a year into my journey, I have made valuable contributions to enhancing Singapore’s flood resilience. In PUB, you are never short of opportunities to contribute and innovate for the nation’s benefit.
Going With The Flow
Thinking back, I had put a lot of pressure on myself to find my true passion. I wanted to engineer my own life – to have a goal and work my way towards it. But life should not be taken so seriously. Go out and explore! Learn what you like and what you do not and have fun along the way. Most importantly, you will naturally gravitate towards what you enjoy.
This scholarship has truly been a catalyst for both my career development and personal enrichment, providing memories, skills, and connections that last long beyond my days in university. I forged lifelong friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and broadened my perspective and cultural understanding. Even after university, I still connect with my friends frequently. Furthermore, I was able to engage in real-world problem-solving as a student, such as evaluating flood issues and proposing solutions for the UK and Romania. These experiences enhanced my professional skills and deepened my appreciation for global challenges in water management.
While the scholarship is an excellent springboard for your career, aspiring scholars must still take charge and drive your own progress and success.
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.
SAW HAN MEI
Singapore Sustainability Scholarship (PUB)
Master of Philosophy in Engineering for Sustainable Development, University of Cambridge
Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, and Bachelor of Arts in Economics, National University of Singapore
Now: Engineer, Catchment & Waterways Department