Electricity is at the core of our modern world, powering everything from big industries to our home appliances. However, this convenience comes with an environmental price tag. Recognising this impact, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) is dedicated to striking a balance between sustainability, reliability, and affordability in our energy landscape.

This commitment is fortified by EMA Overseas Undergraduate Scholars Eng Zi Guang and Keynes Tay who aim to foster economic resilience, secure energy supplies, and advance sustainable practices within EMA.

Zi Guang is an Assistant Director in the Gas System Infrastructure and Gas System Department within the Energy Infrastructure Division at EMA. He oversees critical projects ensuring a secure and reliable supply of natural and town gas in Singapore. His role involves crafting robust infrastructure strategies and guiding staff to enhance capabilities in gas systems planning. Zi Guang holds a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London.

Meanwhile, Keynes is completing his Bachelor of Science in Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). He eagerly anticipates contributing to EMA’s pursuit of economic stability and sustainable energy.

We speak with them to uncover their enthusiasm and aspirations for their work at EMA.

Could you share what inspired your choice of field and your decision to pursue the EMA scholarship?

Zi Guang: One key factor in choosing the EMA scholarship was the agency’s plans at the time to develop Singapore’s first LNG terminal, which resonated with me. Not only would the project strengthen energy security, but the terminal would also enable Singapore to position itself as an LNG hub for the region, alongside its established petrochemicals industry. The thought of being part of this ambitious venture through a career with EMA filled me with excitement and purpose.

Keynes: My interest in economics first grew when I was studying it in Junior College. It seemed like a discipline which could help me understand the causes of things in the world. I was particularly fascinated by macroeconomics, which seemed immensely complex yet important in our understanding of economies. I read the book – The Return of Depression Economics by Paul Krugman, which deepened my understanding of economic crises and their cause. Ultimately, these factors culminated in me choosing economics as my discipline in university.

Studying economics, emphasised the critical role in a country’s macroeconomic stability. After further reading, I was made aware of the immense role EMA plays in ensuring Singapore’s economic stability. Furthermore, I was also interested in the green transition and was excited by the opportunities that Singapore could seize in our transition towards Net Zero Emissions. I saw the convergence of energy and economics as an avenue to contribute meaningfully to Singapore, motivating my pursuit of the EMA scholarship.

Zi Guang, how did the scholarship enrich your academic journey?

The scholarship provided me with the opportunity to live and study overseas, meeting many diverse individuals while immersed in a new environment. The internships provided insights, aligning classroom learning with real-world applications at EMA. Beyond academic support, the scholarship broadened my horizons and helped shape me into a more well-rounded individual.

What excites you most about working with EMA, Keynes?

I am excited by the role that EMA plays in ensuring that Singapore achieves Net Zero Emissions. The advancement of the technological landscape presents many opportunities for Singapore’s energy sector. I am looking forward to playing a role in bringing these kinds of changes to Singapore.

Tell us more about your role within EMA.

Zi Guang: In my role within EMA’s Gas Systems Department, our team plays a crucial role in planning and advancing the nation’s future fuel facilities. As Singapore relies on imported natural gas for 95% of its electricity, guaranteeing the safety, reliability, and sufficiency of this infrastructure for the medium to long term is essential.

One such project I am particularly proud to be involved in is the development of Singapore’s second LNG terminal, given the role that Singapore’s LNG plans played in my choice of career at EMA.

Moreover, we are actively involved in driving the development of Singapore’s national hydrogen infrastructure. Hydrogen has the potential to be a major decarbonisation pathway for Singapore’s net-zero ambitions. By integrating hydrogen at scale into the power sector and other industries, we are paving the way for our clean energy future.

Given the complex and uncertain nature of the transition, stakeholder management and adaptability are critical skills in our work. We collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including other colleagues, industry partners, government agencies, and experts in the field. Together with our partners, we engage in strategic planning, conduct studies to assess the technical and economic viability of different options, and oversee the implementation to ensure effective execution of the projects.

Finally, what are the possibilities for university students hoping to make their mark at EMA?

Keynes: EMA scholars can experience the work in EMA firsthand through internships before and during university. The experiences helped me gain a deeper understanding of how the sector works in Singapore and how key global issues affect Singapore through our energy sector. This understanding will be immensely helpful when joining EMA after graduation.