For Soon Qing Rong, engineering is more than building machines or writing code — it’s about creating technology that truly improves lives. Guided by this vision from the start, he embarked on his journey in engineering. After earning an engineering diploma, he was awarded the PSC Scholarship (Engineering) – Defence and Security, which paved the way for his university studies in mathematical sciences, computing and data analytics.

Today, Qing Rong puts his learning into practice at DSTA, where he develops software and systems that enable the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to detect and respond swiftly to threats.

He shares how his passion for engineering drives him to develop solutions that bolster Singapore’s defence.

What drew you to engineering, and how did the PSC (Engineering) Scholarship support your career goals?

When I was in secondary school, I found myself leaning towards math and science, which shaped my educational choices. Realising that engineering is deeply rooted in these disciplines, I decided to pursue an engineering course at a polytechnic. This allowed me to explore my interest in a practical and impactful way.

During my time in polytechnic, I had the opportunity to work on a project that required data analytics to analyse electrohysterogram signals from pregnant mothers, with the aim of predicting the likelihood of premature births. This experience made me realise that engineering goes beyond technical problem-solving — it can also make a meaningful and direct impact on people’s lives.

The PSC (Engineering) Scholarship was a good fit for me as it offered opportunities to work on projects where I could apply engineering solutions to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

How did your studies prepare you for the work you do today?

During my time at university, I pursued a STEM course that taught me to approach problems with logical and structured thinking. This methodical approach has proven especially valuable in my work, enabling me to break down complex issues and address them effectively.

Can you share more about your key role and responsibilities?

I develop software used by the SAF and stay informed on emerging technologies that could be adapted for operational use, ensuring our solutions remain current and effective.

Beyond the technical aspects, I also manage user expectations by communicating the system’s capabilities and limitations. This open and transparent communication helps users understand what the system can deliver and how it can best support their needs.

How does your work help support decision-making on the ground?

The systems I help develop provide commanders with alternate viewpoints, enabling them to consider a range of options based on latest available data. Rather than making decisions for them, the system acts as a decision-support tool, offering solutions that commanders can evaluate to make more informed choices in complex operational scenarios.

What do you consider your most significant achievement so far?

One of my proudest achievements was successfully coding an entire feature independently and preparing it for deployment. Taking ownership and completing this task gave me a strong sense of accomplishment and reinforced my motivation to contribute meaningfully to my team and our projects.

What I enjoy most is knowing that the solutions and systems I help develop are being used in real operational environments. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the tangible impact of my contributions firsthand.

What do you hope to achieve in your career going forward?

Looking ahead, my primary goal is to make meaningful contributions to the public service, regardless of the scale. Whether my efforts benefit a small group or the wider community, my aspiration is to add value and make a difference in the lives of people.

What advice would you give to students considering a career in public service or applying for a scholarship?

I would first encourage them to consider whether they have a genuine passion for public service, as this forms the foundation for a meaningful and fulfilling career.

It’s also important to think about whether the projects and opportunities offered by the scholarship will support their personal and professional growth. The experiences can be highly valuable, but only if they align with your interests.

Finally, students should also realise that the scholarship comes with a bond. It’s crucial to consider whether this fits with your long-term career goals, as committing to a path that doesn’t align with your aspirations can present significant challenges and may mean years spent pursuing work that isn’t the best fit.