Fuelled by a desire to make a real impact on Singapore’s landscapes, Adam Chern Jun Wei has embraced his role as a Project Manager at JTC. He finds fulfilment in bringing to life projects that redefine the built environment and contribute to the nation’s economic goals of being an attractive landscape for investment and business.

Since its founding in 1968, JTC has been working closely with industrialists to build vibrant, innovative environments where they can grow and thrive. Adam plays a vital role in this mission, spearheading initiatives that strengthen industrial capabilities and foster collaboration among companies. With the support of the JTC Mid-Term Scholarship, Adam has acquired invaluable insights and skills, enabling him to drive impactful projects.

We sat down with Adam to learn more about his experiences as a scholar and his passion for contributing to the future of Singapore’s industrial landscape.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in the built environment sector?

I have always had a deep interest in how cities and countries are planned and built, especially in Singapore, where land area is limited. This naturally led me to pursue a path in civil engineering, where I explored various considerations involved in developing entire estates and individual structures. The idea of contributing to a tangible construct, such as a skyscraper, inspired me to pursue a career as a project manager.

What drew you to the JTC Mid-Term Scholarship?

While studying in my second year at university, I explored mid-term scholarships available in the Built Environment sector. I came across the JTC Mid-Term Scholarship on the BrightSparks website and was intrigued. Although JTC’s brand is well-recognised, I wasn’t fully aware of what it does. Upon further research, I realised that JTC is involved in a wide range of interesting projects that support Singapore’s industrial landscape. This made me realise that joining JTC would provide me with a great opportunity to contribute to tangible projects that make a difference in Singapore.

How did you benefit from your overseas experience?

Studying abroad in the United States allowed me the unique opportunity to learn alongside people from all over the world who share the same passion. Knowing I would return to contribute to the development of Singapore’s landscape and apply what I learnt in the classroom and from my peers was both comforting and motivating, inspiring me to push myself even further.

As a Project Manager, which project has been the most enjoyable to work on?

I was assigned a project focused on sprucing and enhancing the common areas of a site at Rochester Park. I thoroughly enjoyed this project because it challenged me to balance trade-offs and constraints on-site while addressing overarching business needs. The experience made me realise that, despite our best efforts to adhere to our plans, deviations are sometimes unavoidable. Together with the JTC team, we developed solutions and weighed their pros and cons before deciding on the best course of action moving forward. It also helped that the team working on the project was responsive and helpful!

What opportunities for professional growth have JTC provided you?

JTC has supported my professional development in different ways—from facilitating dialogues to keep us updated on trends, to providing workshops and short courses on various topics. For example, our division is planning a Business Mandarin Speaking Course for Project Managers so that we can better communicate with our Mandarin-speaking stakeholders on site.

How do you recharge after a busy day?

I try to keep myself active by working out and participating in sports like bouldering regularly. Fun fact: JTC has volleyball and climbing teams that meet about once every two weeks. The sessions are a great opportunity to connect with other JTC colleagues while having some fun!

Sounds exciting! Any tips for students interested in applying for a JTC Scholarship?

I recommend that students first seek internship opportunities at JTC to experience the working culture and gain a deeper understanding of the organisation, especially since a scholarship comes with a bond after graduation.

It’s important to keep an open mind, learn to anticipate business needs, and be proactive rather than reactive in your work approach. With these strategies, you should be just fine!