As a Senior Manager at the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Lim Zi En is at the heart of driving change in Singapore’s built environment by shaping the next generation of professionals.

A proud recipient of the BCA Local Undergraduate Scholarship, Zi En holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Economics from the National University of Singapore. Now, as part of the Student Programmes and Engagement Department under the Manpower Strategy and Planning Group at BCA, he collaborates with industry firms, associations and institutes of higher learning to strengthen the talent pipeline in the sector.

Zi En’s passion lies in identifying and nurturing fresh talents to continuously shape and improve Singapore’s built landscape. Beyond his core role, he is committed to raising awareness of the sector’s career opportunities and reaching students through engaging talks and experiential activities.

We sat down with Zi En to hear about the exciting path that led him to BCA and how he’s shaping the future of the built environment.

Let’s go back to how it all began! How did your journey with BCA kick off?

I have always been curious about the non-regulatory side of BCA and its impact. I am also a firm believer that talent attraction is key in the sustenance of the built environment sector, alongside talent retention and development. I gravitated towards working with students, as early intervention can shape their perceptions and help them develop appreciation of the sector, making them more inclined to join the sector.

What made the BCA Local Undergraduate Scholarship stand out to you?

While researching about the BCA scholarship, I discovered that the built environment impacts our day-to-day living spaces-from our homes to facilities like hospitals, community centres, roads and bridges. The broad scope of this field offered plenty of opportunities to create a meaningful difference in the lives of Singaporeans, making the BCA scholarship a perfect fit!

How has the BCA scholarship shaped your personal and professional growth?

The scholarship provided financial support which enabled me to explore a variety of opportunities in school and beyond, expand my network, and broaden my perspective. Professionally, the scholarship gave me early exposure to the different functions within the organisation, provided a nurturing environment to network with peers and seniors, and learning opportunities to pick up skills that would support my long-term career growth.

Can you give us a glimpse into your day-to-day work?

I am part of the team responsible for attracting talent to the built environment sector. My work involves managing the Built Environment Scholarship, which matches talents to progressive private sector companies. I also engage with students to help them better understand and appreciate the sector and its professions.

We also work closely with our Corporate Communications colleagues to enhance the public branding of the built environment sector, improving the general perception of the sector.

What challenges do you face when onboarding firms for the industry scholarship, and how do you overcome them?

The key challenge lies in identifying firms that are good employers for the industry scholarship and engaging them to help them understand the longer-term commitment in taking in scholars. It is important to outline clear requirements and maintain open, effective communication with the firms.

What’s the most rewarding part of what you do?

It fills me with pride and joy knowing that our efforts are contributing to building the longer-term talent pipeline for the built environment sector, while ensuring that employers create the right environment and conditions for talents to thrive. The sector requires a good pipeline of passionate individuals to collectively shape Singapore and ensure that we meet evolving needs.

I also find it rewarding to work on the public branding of the sector. Our collective efforts will gradually improve the perception of the industry and its professions.

If you had to sum up the work culture at BCA in just three words, what would they be and why?

Family, nurturing and open.

At BCA, colleagues proactively look out for one another. There are also ample opportunities to take on new tasks and develop new skills. Lastly, the open work culture and environment enable meaningful discussions and exchanges.

Any words of advice for those considering a career with BCA?

BCA is more than just a regulator overseeing buildings in Singapore. With a spectrum of functions, there’s always a role where you can make an impact. The variety of functions also creates opportunities for job rotations, allowing one to gain different perspectives and pick up new skills!