BCA is the organisation responsible for developing Singapore’s built environment. “Built environment” refers to buildings, structures and infrastructure in our surroundings that provide the setting for the community’s activities.

Noorul Aziz is taking full advantage of the BCA Local Undergraduate Scholarship to access the cutting-edge technology and firsthand information needed to secure his place at the forefront of the construction industry. With the skills and knowledge gained through the Scholarship, he can move forward in his dream of shaping a safe, high quality, sustainable and friendly built environment in Singapore.

Why did you decide to enter the engineering field, and in particular, civil engineering?

While it takes great patience and perseverance to acquire engineering skills, those who have mastered them possess the skillset and expertise to transform the world and immensely improve the lives of people around them. Thus, engineering is an intrinsically rewarding and fulfilling field of study.

I chose the civil engineering pathway as I have always aspired to leave my mark on this world and improve the standard of living for the people around me, and becoming a civil engineer gives me the opportunity to achieve my dreams. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment to see my work standing in the years to come.

During your school years, many students were advised to take up business courses and discouraged from entering the engineering field. What are your opinions on that?

While I was deciding on a course to take up, I had the chance to meet professionals from many fields, one of whom was an engineer. Someone told me: “While an engineer can career switch to become a businessman if he wants to, a businessman cannot become an engineer, unless he starts from scratch.” His words guided me to make a wise decision, and now, after finishing my course and entering the workforce, I strongly concur with what he said.

Many of the soft skills that engineers develop during work such as problem-solving, adaptability, time management, communication, and team management are transferable to other disciplines, even business. This battery of skills enables engineers to become great entrepreneurs if they wish to be. Therefore, studying engineering rather than business is the wiser choice as one can develop engineering skills and essential business skills concurrently, while engineering skills remain exclusive to the field.

Why did you eventually take on the scholarship from BCA?

The role of BCA in shaping a safe, high quality, sustainable and friendly built environment aligns with my goal to improve the lives of people around me. As such, I am motivated to be part of BCA’s endeavour to advance our city-state’s built environment to be increasingly sustainable, accessible and fit for all, regardless of age and abilities.

At BCA, I get access to first-hand information on cutting edge technology and the latest methods that are rolled out for the construction industry. With this specialised knowledge, I will be at the forefront of propelling the construction industry to make Singapore’s built environment a role model for other nations. This is a meaningful journey for anyone to be part of. Therefore, my enthusiasm to work with BCA drove me to take on their scholarship.

How have you grown, both personally and career wise, since being awarded this scholarship?

The scholarship award financially supported me and relieved me of my worries about job security, so I was able to channel all my energy into my studies. The exposure and opportunities provided at BCA have bolstered my self-confidence and I now have the courage to take up more responsibilities without fear. Attending various technical sharing sessions also refined my technical knowledge and interpersonal skills, where I could tap on available resources and learn from senior colleagues.

To top it all off, the encouragement and support extended by my colleagues and management, who genuinely care about my progression, makes me feel that I am in the ideal place for my personal development and career growth.

What advice do you have for students considering this scholarship?

With the current focus on Green Buildings, Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) and Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD), the construction industry will create attractive jobs, which require more technology adoption. Stationed at BCA, the helm of Singapore’s construction industry, you will have plenty of opportunities to be part of a spectacular symphony – where the latest technologies and newest construction methods come together to create remarkable infrastructures in Singapore’s spectacular cityscape.

As for personal development, you will get the chance to experience both engineering and non-engineering duties, through job rotations and secondments to private companies. If you are determined to secure a fulfilling career, where you can make a positive impact on the nation’s built environment while growing to greater heights, this scholarship is for you.