Singapore Sustainability Scholarship
Feature | Singapore Sustainability Scholarship

Securing a Sustainable Future

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important area of focus globally and especially so for Singapore, as the world faces greater pressure over climate change, carbon footprint and resilient supplies of safe food and clean water. Thankfully, we have young talents, such as Dr Wong Yelin, Elis Lin and Beverly Fisk, who are passionate and committed towards developing a sustainable future for Singapore’s next generation.
Singapore Sustainability Scholarship

Left: Beverly Fisk is a Manager in the Community Engagement and Relations Department of National Environment Agency. She was awarded the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship and attained a Master of Science in Environmental Technology from Imperial College London and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geoscience from the University College London.

Middle: Elis Lin works as an Engineer in the Catchment & Waterways Department, Drainage Planning of PUB. She is a recipient of the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship and holds a Master of Science (Civil Engineering) from NUS.

Right: Dr Wong Yelin holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery with Commendation from the University of Glasgow. She is the Director of Risk Management and Surveillance Department of Joint Operations Division in Singapore Food Agency.

Dr Wong Yelin, Elis Lin and Beverly Fisk are recipients of the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship – a scholarship focusing on mitigating climate change, encouraging energy efficiency, developing Singapore’s water resources, and fostering food science and technology development. Upon graduation, scholarship recipients have a choice of three government agencies - Singapore Food Agency (SFA), PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency and National Environment Agency (NEA), to embark their exciting careers with.

Yelin is working in SFA to ensure and secure a supply of safe food for Singapore while Elis is with PUB which manages Singapore’s water supply, water catchment and used water in an integrated way. As for Beverly, she works in NEA, the leading public organisation responsible for ensuring a clean and sustainable environment for Singapore.

We spoke with the trio to find out more about their passion and gain insights into their work that contributes to sustainability.

“It is easy to criticise and tear down, but difficult to cherish and build! That’s why I enjoy the field I am in now – stewarding the environment we have and building it up!” Beverly Fisk

To start, tell us about your passion and field of study.

Yelin: I studied veterinary medicine as I enjoyed science and loved animals, so veterinary medicine is a perfect combination of both!

Elis: Growing up, I am always interested in science and geography, which was where I learned about climate change and its effects. When it came to choosing a course in university, engineering resonated with me. It was fascinating to learn how things work and how to make processes and systems work more effectively. Eventually, I chose environmental engineering to study environmental issues and develop solutions and technologies to address those issues.

Beverly: It started with an interest in geography and the environment. Over time, my passion has broadened to include stewardship. It is easy to criticise and tear down, but difficult to cherish and build! That’s why I enjoy the field I am in now – stewarding the environment we have and building it up!

I am also fascinated with people – how they think, what motivates them, and the power which communities have, to drive change.

Elis, you mentioned about climate change. Can you share your insights into the effects of climate change in Singapore?

Elis: By now, most people would have heard of climate change and its effects – rising sea levels, extreme weather and more. In Singapore, we have started to experience some of these effects, namely more intense rainfall, which would likely become more frequent. This would mean a higher risk of flooding at an increasing number of areas. The development of drainage measures does not happen overnight, and it is crucial that we start preparing now, to ensure that our drainage system remains robust in the face of climate change.

“The development of drainage measures does not happen overnight, and it is crucial that we start preparing now, to ensure that our drainage system remains robust in the face of climate change.” Elis Lin

Tell us more about your role and responsibilities at the agency you work at. What is your most significant achievement thus far?

Yelin: I am the Director of Risk Management & Surveillance Department under the Joint Operations Division. My team and I are responsible for the accreditation of overseas sources for livestock, meat and eggs. We are required to accredit these products before they can be imported into Singapore because these products can carry food safety risks and animal diseases, which may affect public health and trade.

In my department, we liaise with overseas government authorities responsible for food safety and animal health and assess the information they provided. As part of the approval process, there were occasions when we had to travel overseas to visit and inspect farms/establishments interested to export their products to Singapore.

My most significant achievements would have to be contributing to Singapore’s food security during the pandemic and the recent chicken export ban by Malaysia when we had to look for alternative sources to import from.

Elis: I work as an Engineer in the Drainage Masterplan team, as part of the Catchment and Waterways Department. My work involves studying the impacts of climate change, such as increased rainfall intensity, on Singapore’s drainage system. Through hydrodynamic modelling, I identify areas which are susceptible to flooding, explore a range of solutions that can address the challenges and develop drainage schemes. Aside from applying my technical knowledge, I have learnt to consider the technical constraints such as land availability and the practicality of the proposed solutions.

In the past year, I had the opportunity to partake in a flood risk study which involves working with multiple agencies to assess flood impact. Part of my role was to explain to people from various non-technical backgrounds on how to read and interpret flood maps, a task which was part of my everyday job. While it was rewarding to be able to share the knowledge I have picked up which reinforced my technical knowledge, it served as a reminder that there is still much to learn when I was unable to address the queries raised.

Beverly: My job revolves around public engagement, which often requires organising group discussions with the public on environmental topics and policies, such as reducing disposables or public cleanliness. The views we receive from the public help us plan for a more sustainable Singapore.

Apart from that, I am also involved in long-term strategic planning for NEA to better engage schools and students on environmental topics. More recently, I also helped in the national dengue prevention campaign, which involved managing the creative design process for the campaign materials and maximising the media reach.

My most significant achievement is the release of NEA’s inaugural ‘State of the Environment: Air and Water Quality’ report during my previous stint in the Environmental Monitoring and Modelling Division. This project was a first of its kind, and I got to lead the entire project from its conception to full publication!

“My most significant achievement would have to be contributing to Singapore’s food security during the pandemic and the recent chicken export ban by Malaysia when we had to look for alternative sources of food to import.” Dr Wong Yelin

What is the work culture like at your agency and what career possibilities are available there?

Yelin: Officers in SFA have the opportunities to work with different people outside of their immediate team. Secondment opportunities also abound for us to gain new perspectives on the work carried out by the industry and other government agencies. SFA also has a Structured Job Rotation programme - a career development tool for officers to gain critical experiences, develop leadership skills, and build new networks and capabilities through job rotations. Through postings to different job roles, officers can have opportunities to hone their learning agility, grow their skillsets and develop new competencies.

Elis: My colleagues and supervisors are always willing to impart knowledge and guide me along where needed. As a fresh graduate who joined during the pandemic, they checked in on me regularly and reassured me that all questions are welcome. I am immensely appreciative of the supportive environment here at PUB.

There is a wide range of roles that one can undertake at PUB, from planning to operations and policy work. Each role provides opportunities to work on different projects and interact with different people outside and within the organisation – ensuring that work will never be mundane!

Beverly: NEA has a culture of resilience and strong commitment to a cause. This has been most evident to me during trying periods such as the pandemic, dengue outbreaks and haze periods. I have great admiration for the many NEA officers I have met. They believe in the work they do and possess a sense of determination that carries them through tougher work seasons.

NEA offers a very wide range of career possibilities, from waste management and sustainability to hawker centre development and after-death services. It is unlikely you will become bored of the work you do!