The national
water agency, PUB,
and the National
Environment Agency
(NEA) are stalwarts
of the sustainable
development in
Singapore. Both
agencies spearhead
initiatives to protect
our environment for
present and future
generations.
“Progress” is a word that Singapore is all too
familiar with – we are always moving forward
and working towards a better tomorrow.
However, in our quest for advancement and
development, our country becomes more and
more resource-intensive. We start to feel the
pinch on resources such as land and water,
endangering our quality of life.
This is where the PUB and NEA come in. The
two agencies are on the mission to ensure that
Singaporeans have a sustainable water supply
and a liveable environment. We talk to Mark
Wong Wei Qiang and find out
about how he contributes to this cause.
Why did you choose to apply for a scholarship with NEA/PUB?
Mark Wong Wei Qiang: I wanted a job that would
have an impact on the lives of Singaporeans, and
I felt the public service was the place to go for
that. I was drawn to the idea of water simply
because it would continue to be a vital resource
for Singapore. After all, water is the source of life
and it has been so from the beginning of time. If
we look back in history, we see how settlements
and empires were built around water. So I
believed that by joining PUB, I would be able to
make a difference to the community at large.
Mark Wong Wei Qiang
PUB Overseas Undergraduate Scholar
(now known as the National Environment and Water
Overseas Undergraduate Scholar)
Designation:
Senior Engineer, PUB
Studied:
Master of Science (Electrical & Computer
Engineering),
University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, US
Bachelor of Science (Electrical
Engineering),
University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, US
"If
you want to make a difference and do your part in
the water and environment, the NEW scholarship
could be for you."
Tell us more about your job. What are some of your roles and responsibilities?
Mark:Over the course of the six years I have
worked under PUB, I’ve had the opportunity to be
part of many of their operations.
I spent the first two years as an engineer at
Changi Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), during
which I had the chance to learn about the
operations and maintenance of mega plants. In
the two years after, I took on the role of a planner
at Policy & Planning (PP) Department. I focused
on the planning of used water infrastructure. My
time there helped broaden my horizons, giving
me a macro view of the issues cutting across the
whole of PUB.
Now, I’m part of the core team of Deep Tunnel
Sewerage System (DTSS) Phase 2, something
which I actually had a hand in pushing forth
during my PP days.
My job is extremely satisfying. What I do on
a daily basis is something that has purpose for
all Singaporeans. As I mentioned, I’m working
on DTSS Phase 2 now. The successful delivery
of this project would ensure water sustainability
for Singapore as well as safety in public health for
many years to come.
Tell us more about the role of NEA/PUB in managing the future of Singapore’s environment and water resource. How do you hope to contribute?
Mark: We are looking at the long-term, planning
beyond Singapore’s needs today. Singapore
continues to grow and this has to be supported
in an adequate and sustainable manner. We are
conscious of the need to build ahead, but we are
aware of the need to be cost effective as well.
This is where the DTSS project I’m
involved with comes in. Beyond ensuring
water sustainability, the DTSS also results
in a more compact used water system once
it’s completed – occupying only 50% of the
existing infrastructure requirements. Existing
conventional WRPs and intermediate pumping
station would be progressively phased out and
land will be freed up for alternative use.
What advice do you have for aspiring NEA/PUB Scholars?
Mark: Aspiring scholars should demonstrate
their interest in making a difference. Choosing a
scholarship is akin to selecting a career. Do not
pursue a scholarship for the sake of doing it. If
you want to make a difference and do your part in
the water and environment, the NEW scholarship
could be for you.