
We operate in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment driven by the rapid advances of technology. As such, organisations and people will need to be adaptable and resilient in order to succeed in the modern economy.
As a
statutory board, JTC’s mandate is much larger – it has to work closely with
industrialists and enterprises to address their pressing needs and enable them
to stay ahead of the curve. At the same time, the organisation takes the lead
in leveraging innovation and technology across the whole value chain of
infrastructure development to prepare Singapore for the future economy.
JTC Scholar Tan Yang En gives us insights into how it is like working in such a visionary organisation.
A Desire for Change
At JTC, you
can trust that the work you do will make a difference. Its landmark projects
span across Singapore and include Jurong Island, one-north, Seletar Aerospace
Park and revolutionary next-generation estates like Jurong Innovation District
and Punggol Digital District. JTC’s contribution to Singapore’s growth aligns
perfectly with Yang En’s personal goals. He explains, “I have always wanted to
shape Singapore’s economic landscape in a tangible manner by helping
industrialists directly. JTC takes on the whole value-chain of industrial
infrastructure development – from master-planning, development, project
management, marketing and leasing to facilities management. This allows me to
play a part in supporting the growth of new industries and existing
enterprises.”
Economic Leaders
Today, Yang
En works as a Cluster Officer in the Startup Department where he plays an
active part in helping startups grow. He elaborates, “This involves curating
the tenant mix within JTC LaunchPad @ one-north – home to an ecosystem of
budding entrepreneurs, fast-growing startups, and investors. Apart from
maintaining relations with existing customers such as Shopback and Glints, I
also actively market LaunchPad as Singapore’s ‘Silicon Valley’ to prospective
startups, incubators, and venture capitalists. More than a mere landlord
managing tenancies, my role in JTC requires me to be constantly plugged into
the ecosystem, interacting with startup founders to gain deeper understanding
of their businesses and learning about industry trends. I can play a
substantial role in shaping policies, and even enhancing our facilities to suit
their evolving needs. Knowing that every decision I make has the potential to
impact the future of Singapore’s startup scene, I feel immensely proud to be
contributing to this mission.”
An Ongoing Learning Experience
Yang En’s
role in helping to develop Singapore’s industrial growth is no easy task. They are kept on
their toes with new and different challenges every day. He tells us that he has gained the skills necessary for his job today from
his internships and is constantly learning on the job. “I have been exposed to
diverse job functions across the organisation over the course of two
internships. My first internship was in the policy and research department
which gave me a deeper understanding of policy formation and market research.
The second one, which is the department I am currently at, gave me experience
in a more operational and customer-facing role. In my current job, I am
required to work with fellow Government agencies like MTI and SPRING to shape
policies and influence decisions that will support the growth of the startup
ecosystem. On a personal level, this has helped me to hone my communication
skills,” he shares.
Notes to Future Leaders
As our
interview came to a close, Yang En left a few words of wisdom for aspiring JTC
scholars, “With
JTC's open culture that welcomes different ideas and approaches, you will be
involved in unique ground-breaking projects on a national level. If you are looking for a job that stretches
your creativity and pushes your boundaries, search no further. JTC is the place
for you.”