As the world grapples with growing environmental challenges, Teh Su Chen is at the forefront of Singapore’s efforts to build a more sustainable future. As Assistant Director of Strategic Planning at the Ministry of Development (MND), Su Chen plays an instrumental role in developing Singapore’s land-use policies that not only meet today’s needs but also align with sustainable development goals.

Su Chen’s journey into environmental engineering was driven by her belief in the power of a multidisciplinary approach. “I chose to study economics and environmental engineering as I believe a strong understanding of both fields is essential for contributing to sustainable development,” she explained.

Rooted in Purpose

Her passion for sustainability led her to apply for the MND EDGE Scholarship. “I believe that land-use planning is crucial for achieving sustainable development in Singapore’s context,” Su Chen said. “As a small island city-state, we must carefully steward our limited resources—particularly land—to meet the needs and aspirations of our people, support economic growth, and protect our natural environment. Given the vital role that MND plays in this process, I was very interested in working here.”

Su Chen’s resolve to pursue environmental engineering was further solidified by her experience during Hurricane Harvey in Houston in 2017. Witnessing firsthand the impact on the city, and later studying it as part of her coursework, underscored the critical need for resilient infrastructure. “I thought that the severity of the impact was, in no small part, because the city’s developments and layout had not been built to cope with the increased threat of flooding,” she noted. “That experience deepened my understanding of the importance of having a strong technical and engineering foundation when working on policies. Infrastructure is built to last for decades, and we must anticipate future challenges and plan for it to be resilient.”

A key influence during her academic journey was one of her professors, an environmental lawyer dedicated to protecting the natural environment in Texas and Louisiana. “He taught me that my career should be a way to make a positive impact in areas I care about, not just a means to an end,” Su Chen said. This philosophy continues to guide her as she strives to create meaningful change.

From Vision to Action

At work, Su Chen oversees a diverse range of portfolios related to land use, including urban rejuvenation, environmental impact assessments, and land reclamation. “I find the work at MND to be a compelling blend of pragmatism and aspiration,” she highlighted.

Navigating competing interests across various areas, such as housing, industry, and recreation, requires an in-depth understanding of diverse policy areas and a long-term perspective. “Many of the initiatives we pursue are long-term. These projects take years, or even decades, to materialise, so we must think ahead and lay the groundwork today for plans that will benefit future generations,” Su Chen emphasised.

She enjoys seeing traces of her work across Singapore. “As I go around Singapore, I have a newfound appreciation for the thought and effort that go into shaping our physical landscape,” she said. “When I visit East Coast Park, I stand on land that was once the sea. Walking along the Singapore River, I notice traces of our past, present and future in the historic buildings, public spaces, and the vibrant community enjoying the area. I am excited to see how the work I do today takes shape in the future,” she added.

Su Chen values the fast-paced and collaborative nature of her work, particularly with colleagues who bring excitement to each day. “Every now and then, we go on ‘learning journeys’ to explore more about the work we do,” she shared. This approach fosters a supportive environment that encourages growth and continuous learning.

Su Chen is also Special Assistant to the Minister, and engages in workstreams outside her immediate portfolio. “This allows me to learn new perspectives and draw links between various policy issues in Government. Infrastructure is at times an enabler for other objectives, such as economic growth and social mobility, and it has been very enlightening to see how MND’s work aligns with and contributes to broader policies and strategies,” she said.

For those considering a scholarship with MND, Su Chen offers this advice: “Learn more about MND’s work by reading up on the latest news and speaking to people within the organisation. It’s important to understand MND’s core policy priorities and our approach to achieving them. This will help you assess if the scholarship aligns with your interests and values.”