Sayyid Harith
Bin Mohd Haron (pictured left) has always been driven by a strong desire to contribute to
Singapore’s growth and future. When he discovered the Built Environment
Scholarship offered under the Singapore-Industry Scholarship (SgIS), he saw it
as the perfect opportunity to turn his aspirations into reality.
Drawn to the Built Environment (BE) sector, Sayyid aims to work on initiatives that improve the lives of Singaporeans, such as creating people-centric housing estates, designing green spaces that foster community engagement, and implementing smart technologies to enhance urban mobility and sustainability.
Navigating
New Frontiers
Sayyid’s interest
in facilities management began during his polytechnic years, where he pursued a
Diploma in Aviation Management at Temasek Polytechnic. His hands-on experience managing
aviation facilities, such as airports and airfields, provided a strong
foundation in operational efficiency and facilities management.
“I wanted to expand
my expertise beyond aviation to explore the diverse opportunities in managing
facilities across various industries,” Sayyid explained.
This ambition led him to pursue Project and Facilities Management (PFM) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). At NUS, Sayyid quickly realised that the skills he gained in asset management, safety compliance, and stakeholder coordination during his polytechnic days were highly transferable to his new field. The PFM curriculum broadened his perspective and skillset, preparing him to contribute to projects that enhance Singapore’s built environment.
A Global
Lens on Urbanism
During his undergraduate
studies at NUS, Sayyid seized opportunities that enriched his academic journey and
solidified his career aspirations. One standout experience was a Summer
Studio Exchange on ‘Comparative Urbanism’ at the University of British Columbia
(UBC) in Vancouver, Canada. The programme, co-organised by the NUS Department
of Architecture, NUS Cities and the UBC Urban Studies Department, included field
trips, studio sessions, and collaborative projects that provided valuable
insights into sustainable urban planning, cross-cultural collaboration, and
innovative solutions to urban challenges.
Sayyid envisions applying his learning to Singapore’s urban development, particularly in projects that integrate blue-green infrastructure, enhance community spaces, and improve urban resilience.
Sayyid during his Summer Studio Exchange in Vancouver, Canada
Looking
Ahead
Upon graduating
in a few months, Sayyid will join his sponsoring organisation, C&W Services
Singapore.
C&W Services,
the facilities and engineering arm of Cushman & Wakefield, brings over 30
years of expertise in facilities management, engineering solutions, energy
management strategies, and innovative facilities management technology. As a
fully integrated facilities management company, it specialises in delivering end-to-end
facilities services and property management solutions. Sayyid is
excited to contribute to diverse, large-scale projects that will allow him to
apply and expand his knowledge in areas such as facilities operations, township
management, and sustainable building practices.
“The BE
Scholarship aligns perfectly with my aspirations, offering not only financial
support but also opportunities for professional growth and engagement with industry
leaders. I also look forward to networking with senior management and gaining
rotational exposure across the company’s various functions, which will provide me
with a comprehensive understanding of its operations,” he said.
Looking to the
future, Sayyid is enthusiastic about the transformative potential of facilities
management in Singapore, particularly with the integration of robotics,
automation, and data-driven technologies like smart building management
systems. He hopes to
leverage these technologies in his work at C&W Services to contribute to
projects that enhance urban living and strengthen Singapore’s infrastructure
for sustainable development.
For students interested in applying for the BE Scholarship to work in the built environment industry, Sayyid advises seeking internships or part-time roles with construction firms, consultancy firms, or government agencies to gain hands-on experience and problem-solving skills that will be invaluable in the real world. “Networking is equally important—attend industry events, connect with alumni, and engage with mentors or lecturers who can provide guidance on navigating challenges like urban space constraints and integrating smart technologies,” he added.
Find out
more and apply for the Built Environment Scholarship (offered under SgIS). Application is open till 19 March
2025. Also check out the Built Environment Sponsors under the Built Environment Scholarship.
