As a quality global technology, defence and engineering group, ST Engineering focuses on the application of technology for both civil and martial needs. While based in Singapore, ST Engineering has built a global network of subsidiaries and associated companies, and their diverse portfolio includes the aerospace, smart city, defence and public security sectors.

For such MNCs, development of internationally-focused business strategies is key to its success. Managers Samantha Lee Si Min and Soh Cheong Keat play pivotal roles in developing these strategies.

Samantha works as a Manager at ST Engineering’s headquarters, under the Group Strategy and Sustainability Office (GSSO)’s Strategic Planning pillar to develop the organisation’s business strategies and drive value creation.

Cheong Keat heads Strategic Planning of ST Engineering Mission Software and Services, where he performs strategy studies and partners business leaders in identifying technology trends and making growth projections in their respective business sectors.

As ST Engineering Overseas Scholars, both Samantha and Cheong Keat credit their education to equipping them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in their careers. Samantha graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States while Cheong Keat graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance degree from Tsinghua University in China.

They share more about how they’ve built their careers around their passions.

Cheong Keat

What drew you to engineering and inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

Samantha: Engineering means solving problems to improve people’s lives, which I find very meaningful. Furthermore, improvements in engineering are tangible and easily visualised, providing me with a great sense of achievement.

I have always enjoyed problem solving and mathematics was my favourite subject. The feeling of “unlocking” or clearing a goal in math carries on in engineering. The endless possibilities, both in the pursuit of knowledge and solutions, catalysed my career in this space, and a strong engineering foundation also helps me become a continuous learner by understanding its varying fields. Also, I found that my interests resonated with the organisation’s vision to harness technology and innovation for a more secure and sustainable world.

Cheong Keat: Engineering is about understanding how things work, identifying problems and solving them. I was drawn to it as I find it exciting to understand the complex technology that “powers” the world as well as that sense of achievement when your solutions improve lives. Also, as technology trends are extremely dynamic and fast-paced, I love how there is always new technology to look forward to.

Could you tell us more about how your university education has prepared you for this field of work?

Samantha: In today’s age, technology is advancing exponentially. Studying computer science provides you with the right mindset for this. The key principles and logic may not change, but one must be prepared to adapt, modify, or even learn new languages or skills. Even in my current work, I think these takeaways apply – always be comfortable with change.

Cheong Keat: My role in Strategic Planning allows me to keep up with the latest technology trends and help businesses be ready for future growth. An economics and finance background enables me to read and study technology and engineering trends to try to identify those that can create the greatest economic value.

My current work requires me to sift through and absorb vast amounts of information and help businesses make choices with the greatest growth potential. As economics and finance deal with complex statistics and econometrics, my training has taught me to solve complex problems in a structured manner.

Samantha Lee

On the topic of education, what made you choose to apply for the ST Engineering Overseas Scholarship over other options?

Samantha: I was attracted by ST Engineering’s scope of work. The organisation not only works on key projects for our country but it also has commercial reach and many overseas operations. Being larger than most other scholarship providers, ST Engineering offers the variety and flexibility of opportunities, which was a draw to me.

The scholarship covers the necessities required (food, lodging, financial support and more) in our studies for a four-year period, allowing us to focus on making the most out of our time in university and on understanding our interests. We could also intern with ST Engineering, helping us discover, develop and refine our career interests along the way.

The ST Engineering scholarship is unique in that, while focused on engineering, career opportunities in the organisation can be very varied. Looking back, it was daunting for a teenager like me to commit to a long-running career. However, the scholarship made it easier as I knew that I would still have other options. In other words, I could enjoy my career because I will be given opportunities to explore different fields within ST Engineering.

Cheong Keat: I chose this scholarship as it allowed me to pursue an Economics and Finance degree, and I knew that I would be able to apply my knowledge in an industry that solves real-world problems. The scholarship enabled me to have first-hand experience of the growth of the then “rising dragon” during my education in China.

ST Engineering also supported my scholarship by providing internship opportunities at their Xiamen office.

Could you elaborate more about what you do on a daily basis?

Samantha: I am currently working at ST Engineering’s headquarters, under the Strategic Planning pillar of its Group Strategy and Sustainability Office. Having worked a few years in a dedicated business area, it was helpful to get a more “macro” view of the organisation.

We support the individual business areas as well as the organisation by developing, framing and supporting the execution of business strategies. We drive value creation, ensuring that we set initiatives and strategies for sustainable success.

Cheong Keat: I support the Digital Systems Business Area in Strategic Planning. It functions to help curate business strategies. My role includes assisting the business area in identifying technology trends and potential business growth areas and conducting studies to identify strategic growth regions, among other responsibilities.

What has the experience been like working at ST Engineering?

Samantha: I have found the work culture welcoming and friendly, and I have many colleagues whom I respect and enjoy working with.

Cheong Keat: ST Engineering enables me to learn, as they encourage employees to try new things. Therefore, working here has been great for my personal growth.

What advice would you give to those who are considering on joining ST Engineering?

Samantha: If you are interested in challenging your boundaries and making a real impact through technology and innovation, come join us!

Cheong Keat: ST Engineering is the place to join if you want to be part of a purposeful organisation. We deliver impactful technology and solutions that makes a difference.