The Land Transport Authority (LTA) spearheads Singapore’s transport developments, managing the nation’s transport infrastructure and systems. With a vision to build a people-centred transport system, LTA leverages technology to enhance rail and bus services while innovating for the future. LTA’s scholarship programme nurtures future leaders across various fields, offering opportunities to shape an innovative, future-ready land transport industry.

We speak with Lim Chuan Kai Kenneth, Deputy Director for Signalling and Platform Screen Doors, and Chee Wang Ming Daryl, Senior Engineer in System Development. Both have gained extensive experience across key roles at LTA.

What inspired you to take up the LTA Scholarship?

Kenneth: I chose LTA because I was drawn to the work that it does. As a daily commuter, I often thought about ways to improve the buses and trains, and that desire to make a difference in our land transport system compelled me to apply for the LTA Scholarship. Also, as an aspiring engineer, I was eager to apply my engineering skills to large-scale nationwide systems. After more than a decade in LTA, I’m all the more convinced that I made the right choice, and I look forward to continuing to improve the daily commute for Singaporeans.

Daryl: Like most people in Singapore, public transport was my primary mode of travel, and the novelty never really wore off for me. During my university days, while others were considering their career options, I decided to pursue a career in the land transport sector.

The scholarship meant that I could focus on my studies, especially during the crucial final year, while giving me a head start in securing my future!

Kenneth, could you tell us about your career progression at LTA?

The past 12 years in LTA have been a truly developmental journey for me. I started in the Transport Technology team, focusing on the cyber-security aspects of the next-gen electronic road pricing (ERP2.0). I had the opportunity to be attached to our vendor for about half a year to learn and work closely with software experts to co-develop the cyber security module for ERP2.0.

I was then posted to the Rail (Electrical & Mechanical) Group, where I worked on the Signalling system and platform screen doors. This deepened my skills in project management and engineering. I began managing specific subsystems and gained an in-depth understanding of technical and operational requirements. Over time, I transitioned into roles focused on integrating these subsystems and coordinating across multiple teams to ensure seamless integration of the various components. I also developed expertise in contractual management, programme planning and chairing discussions with contractors and stakeholders to ensure project compliance and timely delivery.

What are some of the unique secondment opportunities you’ve had?

I was given the opportunity to broaden my perspective through cross-functional rotations. I did a stint in LTA’s Policy division, where I tackled cross-cutting engineering-policy issues and formulated policies for the Thomson-East Cost Line (TEL) Operator tender, gaining a more well-rounded perspective of railway ecosystem. In 2022, I was seconded to the Public Sector Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office in the Prime Minister’s Office, where I contributed to Science and Tech planning and strategies to strengthen the Whole-of-Government application of STE.

Daryl, could you tell us more about your role within LTA?

As a Senior Engineer in System Development, I have the opportunity to perform hands-on software development for Automatic Fare Collection devices such as the MRT station fare gates, top-up kiosks, and bus card validators.

My day typically begins with a Stand-Up meeting where all the developers in my team share progress updates on their coding tasks. Our team lead then provides guidance and solutions as needed. After the Stand-Up, I continue with coding tasks and attend meetings with external contractors or internal team members when necessary.

How has working across different divisions helped you grow?

In my five years in LTA, I’ve rotated through three divisions, each offering unique areas of expertise. I’ve been fortunate to learn from Deputy Directors who were open to casual conversations, helping me develop my character as a public servant.

In the Integrated Supervisory Control System, I handled project-related matters, where I learnt a great deal about project management, meeting timelines, managing contractors and conducting site visits.

In Rail Asset, Operations and Management, I learnt about asset management and long-term system sustenance. I interacted extensively with operators such as SMRT and SBST to better understand their work and challenges.

In System Development, I was exposed to more hands-on work, shifting from managing contractors to doing actual software development. It has been far more technical than my previous roles.

To sum it up, these diverse experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of LTA’s operations. They have not only broadened my skill set but also deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of developing, operating and maintaining Singapore’s land transport system.

Looking ahead, what aspects of your work excite you most, Kenneth?

I am most excited to contribute to the further expansion of our rail network. In the next decade, we will be delivering TEL5, the Jurong Region Line and the Cross Island Line, which will bring our rail network to about 360km—comparable to the density of cities like London and New York. This ensures that 8 in 10 households are within 10 minutes’ walk of an MRT station.

I’m also eager to work on digitalisation and sustainability in the next bound of my work. Public transport is already green by nature and it really excites me to see how innovative applications of Science, Tech and Engineering can further push the boundary in greening our operations and the way we build our infrastructure.

What advice would you give to those considering a career at LTA?

Kenneth: As an engineer in LTA, you have a unique opportunity to shape the land transport system and policies, directly improving the daily commute of Singaporeans. While delivering large-scale, complex infrastructure projects is challenging, it’s highly fulfilling. My advice is to come with a positive attitude, be prepared to work hard, learn quickly and embrace new roles and challenges.

Daryl: If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of Singaporeans, LTA is an excellent place to start your career. You will be involved in projects that directly enhance the nation’s transport system, impacting the daily lives of commuters, drivers and all road users.