To keep our city on the move, our rail professionals have been constantly working behind the scenes to make journeys convenient, connected, safe, reliable and comfortable.

This work comprises many varied careers, so it stands to reason that for those interested in all things trains, engineering, technology, and transport, there is an opportunity just for you in the form of the SGRail Industry Scholarship.

This industry scholarship offers an unrivalled opportunity for engineers to take the first step in building and shaping the future of the rail industry. SGRail Industry Scholars are exposed to projects in the Land Transport Authority and SBS Transit Ltd or SMRT Corporation Limited through a structured development programme. They get to experience working with like-minded professionals to constantly push the frontiers of engineering and technology to make commuters' travel faster, smarter and more convenient. This diverse and dynamic career path will hone deep rail operations and engineering domain knowledge in areas including Signalling, Rolling Stock, Permanent Way and Systems.

In the midst of such learning are SGRail Industry Scholars Muhammad Haziq and Ong Wei Heng, who took time out of their busy schedules to highlight the unique advantages of this route to an engineering career.

To start, why the SGRail Industry Scholarship?

Haziq: I was attracted to the diverse and challenging nature of the job, as well as the variety of projects that I would be exposed to in the transport sector. It also offered me a structured development programme with a wide range of specialties that I can pursue in the engineering field.

Wei Heng: I was drawn to the unique structure of the scholarship that exposes scholars to both the public and private sectors. Under SMRT Trains, I would gain ground experience as an engineer and acquire insights into the operations and management of the rail network. There is also the opportunity to be seconded to LTA where I can learn about rail planning and design.

My goal is to have a professional engineer certification in the future. I believe the SGRail Industry Scholarship provides a good path towards that goal with the well-rounded engineering exposure provided.

Muhammad Haziq

So, share with us your journeys as SGRail Industry Scholars.

Haziq: My journey so far as an SGRail Industry Scholar has been nothing but amazing! I am grateful for the opportunity to interact with scholars from other transport sectors in Singapore.

I was also given the chance to participate in engagement sessions with higher management in the land transport sector. I found this beneficial as their sharing provided rich insights of rail engineering which would prepare me well for the industry.

Wei Heng: The overall experience so far has been very enriching. I have had the opportunity to participate in engagement sessions with engineers where they shared about the industry and their work. It gave me valuable insights and helped boost my interest as a budding young engineer.

Now, I am looking forward to the internships, which will give me hands-on experience as well as the opportunity to understand the inner workings of the transportation system and build my experience as a rail professional.

How have you each benefited from the SGRail Industry Scholarship?

Haziq: Securing this scholarship has cultivated my passion for Singapore's rail sector. I have gained valuable exposure to what I can expect for my future role in the rail industry. I am looking forward to starting my career with SBS Transit and exploring the diverse rail specialties after I graduate. Having a scholarship also means that my employment after graduation is secured!

Wei Heng: The scholarship has secured my future career, but I think the most important benefit is that it has paved the way for me to pursue something that I am passionate about. Through the scholarship, I have made new connections with like-minded people across the whole land transport sector, so that we can work together effectively when we enter the workforce.

Ong Wei Heng

What is it about the rail industry that excites you?

Haziq: It will be exciting to witness my efforts coming to fruition and benefitting Singapore! Trains are an essential public service that people rely on, and I am attracted to the opportunity to create something tangible and long-lasting for the country.

Wei Heng: For me, it is seeing how interconnected the rail network in Singapore is and how much more can be done as our network continues to expand and connect commuters to many places locally, but also to our neighbouring country in the future.

What are your career aspirations, and what do you hope to achieve?

Haziq: My career aspiration would be to help Singapore achieve a more sustainable land transport system in the future. I hope to transform or integrate "green" energy to power up our transport system and reduce our carbon footprint. I also hope to realise a fully autonomous maintenance system to improve efficiency and reduce manual labour so that manpower can be focused on more critical roles.

Wei Heng: Ever since I started studying engineering, I have always asked myself how I can apply what I have learnt in school to benefit myself and others around me. I hope to be able to use my knowledge to help further develop and enhance our rail network, bringing a positive impact to the lives of our public transport users.

Lastly, what would you say to convince someone to consider the SGRail Industry Scholarship?

Haziq: If you love engineering and want to be directly involved in improving the transport system in Singapore, then the SGRail Industry Scholarship is the scholarship for you! It provides a structured training path to help you reach your highest potential and opportunities to make an impact in the land transport sector.

Wei Heng: If you are someone who has a burning desire to make an impact, I strongly recommend this scholarship as it will equip you with the skills and knowledge to accomplish your goals.