Most of us never think about electricity — until it’s gone. But keeping Singapore powered 24/7 takes careful planning, constant innovation, and people who genuinely care about the nation’s energy future. That’s where the Energy Market Authority (EMA) comes in. As the government agency overseeing Singapore’s energy system, EMA ensures our power supply stays resilient, sustainable, and competitive. The EMA Scholarship supports students who are ready to take on this challenge and committed to shaping Singapore’s energy landscape.

Among the recipients are two scholars at different stages of their journeys. Kwok Sher Wei, an EMA Local Undergraduate Scholar, is now a Senior Principal Engineer in EMA’s Electricity Generation Infrastructure branch. Althan Ng, an EMA Overseas Undergraduate Scholar, is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Warwick and will soon join EMA after graduation.

We spoke with Sher Wei and Althan to learn how they discovered their paths in the energy sector and how their scholarships have shaped their journeys so far.

Can you share what drew you to your chosen field of study?

Sher Wei: My interest in engineering started during my secondary school days. A documentary shown in class on global warming and clean energy made me feel that the world and our country were on a precipice of change. It seeded a deeply rooted desire in me to be part of this change.

Althan: During my time in school, I struggled to find an academic subject that truly sparked my interest. Math and the sciences felt too theoretical and abstract, while languages and humanities overwhelmed me with their complexity and subjectivity. That changed when I started Junior College and discovered Economics. In my first term, I was immediately drawn to its real-world relevance. I realised that economic theory was the foundation for decision making and policy planning. The idea that I could contribute directly to Singapore’s economy and Singaporeans’ quality of life was both inspiring and motivating.

Why did you choose to pursue a career with EMA?

Sher Wei: I was drawn to the EMA Scholarship as I learnt that EMA is the government agency that shapes Singapore’s energy sector and policies, and it’s where I could make the most impact as an individual citizen/contributor.

Althan: My newfound passion for Economics and policymaking led me to explore government scholarships, where I eventually discovered the EMA Scholarship. I was drawn to EMA’s unique focus on the intersection between economic regulation and sustainable energy promotion, so I decided to apply.

Althan, was there a moment during your scholarship application that stood out to you?

One of my most memorable moments during the application process was the group assessment stage. I was paired with three other scholarship applicants to conduct feasibility studies on various energy sources. The challenge of analysing the data and working together on solutions got me so engrossed that I almost forgot I was being assessed! I found immense value in collaborating with like-minded people who shared a passion for policy making, while also gaining first-hand experience of the work of an analyst at EMA.

How has the scholarship made an impact on your journey?

Sher Wei: Receiving the scholarship helped me secure very insightful internships with the Power System Operation Division. Seeing the actual applications of power system operation energy gave me a much better appreciation of theoretical concepts.

Althan: The scholarship enabled me to study at the University of Warwick and gain valuable global perspectives on economic policies.

Beyond financial support, the scholarship gives me a sense of purpose, knowing that what I’m studying today will help shape a more sustainable and resilient energy future for Singapore.

Althan, can you share some meaningful experiences from your time at the University of Warwick?

At Warwick, I have held competitive roles in several societies. I served as an executive team member of the Warwick Economic Summit, where I discussed economic theory and policy with leading economists, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs. I also gained exposure to the Warwick M&A Group’s Industrials and Energy sector, focusing on the financial analysis of deals between major energy firms in the UK. These invaluable experiences have deepened my passion for the field and equipped me with critical insights that I look forward to applying in my future work with EMA.

That’s inspiring! Sher Wei, can you walk us through your daily work responsibilities?

I oversee the development of Meranti Power, Singapore’s first government-owned power plant in over two decades, which plays a key role in preventing blackouts and quickly restoring supply during outages. My work also involves implementing policies like the Centralised Process, which helps private-sector power plants enter the market in an orderly way.

A typical day involves addressing questions from generation companies (Gencos) about their upcoming projects and reviewing frameworks to ensure our planning processes remain fit-for-use and capable of meeting Singapore’s electricity demand for years to come.

Can you share a time when you saw the impact of your work firsthand?

During my previous posting in the Power System Operation Division, I carried out medium- to long-term planning of the electricity transmission network, including reviewing the renewal of transmission substations. I vividly remember driving past one of the substations I had approved plans for. It felt surreal to see a project I had worked on for weeks being implemented in real life.

Althan, what would you say to students keen on joining the energy sector?

Energy is a fundamental part of our daily lives, powering everything we do. With growing global awareness of climate change and environmental sustainability, the world is increasingly focused on developing the technologies necessary to make sustainable energy a reality.

If you are passionate about helping Singapore shape this energy transition, I highly recommend applying for the EMA scholarship. It offers the chance to study abroad and gain invaluable knowledge and experiences to shape Singapore’s sustainable energy future!