JTC drives Singapore’s industrial evolution by master planning and developing smart and sustainable industrial estates that allow industrialists to seize growth opportunities and thrive in today’s competitive climate.

As part of its dedication to cultivating emerging talent, JTC provides scholarship programmes for individuals who are passionate about impactful work. One such individual is See Shan Yi, a Manager in JTC’s Geospatial Unit and a proud recipient of the JTC Full-Term Scholarship. Driven by a passion for urban planning, Shan Yi has immersed himself in this field, seeking creative solutions to construct more functional spaces.

“Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies such as Google Maps have changed our lives by providing real-time information on traffic, public transportation, and points of interest. They allow us to make informed decisions about where to go, how to get there andwhat to do when we arrive,” he enthusiastically shared. Shan Yi’s fascination with the applications of GIS in urban planning inspired him to pursue a career in this dynamic field.

Gaining Global Exposure

Through the scholarship, Shan Yi pursued a Bachelor of Science (Planning and Real Estate) programme, followed by a Master of Science (Spatial Data Science & Visualisation), seizing every opportunity to sharpen his skills.

“During my undergraduate studies, I completed an Introduction to GIS course which introduced me to the world of geospatial and data analytics. I was fascinated by how data science could be applied to urban planning and felt that it would be a valuable addition to my existing knowledge. I believed that learning about data science would complement my urban planning expertise and be highly relevant to my future career at JTC,” the geospatial analyst explained.

In today’s digital era, where information is abundant yet often overwhelming, Shan Yi is grateful for the experiences he gained during his academic tenure, which equipped him with the necessary tools to navigate this challenge effortlessly.

“Developing the ability to sift through and curate the most relevant information is critical. This skill set requires a combination of analytical skills, critical thinking, and effective information management techniques. We must be able to evaluate the credibility of sources, identify bias and assumptions, and synthesise information to form meaningful insights,” he said.

Despite having several scholarship options, Shan Yi was impressed with JTC’s for its meaningful mission that resonated well with him and the dynamic nature of the organisation. “I was attracted to JTC’s role in supporting economic growth and new industries, as it required constant innovation and adaptation to make optimal use of limited land resources,” he recounted.

Furthermore, the financial support provided by the scholarship relieved Shan Yi of the burden and allowed him to focus on his career development. In addition to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the local landscape, the scholarship also afforded him invaluable opportunities for overseas exposure, where he had the privilege of collaborating with world-renowned academics and aspiring urban planners.

Through his participation in various overseas training programs and study trips, such as the Environmental Systems Research Institute User Conference in San Diego, Shan Yi delved into diverse areas where GIS is applied. These areas included building and facility management, digital twins, and building asset management. The versatility of his work and the opportunity to explore these fascinating aspects have been a source of immense enjoyment for him.

See Shan Yi

Thriving in a Dynamic Culture

Engaged in fulfilling work within a dynamicculture, Shan Yi is a Geospatial Analyst in the Land Planning & Redevelopment Group where he activelycontributes to projects focused on digitalising the land planning process and promoting environmental sustainability. Shan Yi plays a crucial role in ensuring completeness and quality checks on geospatial data and advocating for greater GIS awareness within JTC.

One of Shan Yi’s significant responsibilities involves managing the SolarRoof inventory dataset, where he leverages GIS and 3D data to compute the potential solar capacity of building rooftops. The SolarRoof programme is a JTC initiative which aims to make solar adoption easy and accessible for businesses operating in JTC’s estates. By closely monitoring the actual deployment of solar panels on JTC land, he facilitates the engagement of lessees with suitable roof spaces and identifies JTC-managed rooftops for SolarRoof tenders. “The solar inventory dataset played a critical role in facilitating the deployment of solar PV panels on rooftops, as it allowed us to engage lessees with suitable roof spaces and identify JTC-managed rooftops for the SolarRoof tenders,” he shared.

Shan Yi also appreciates JTC’s adaptability and flexible system. “JTC is an organisation that is constantly adapting to the changing needs of the industries it supports. This means that the work is fast-paced and dynamic, as there is a need to respond quickly to new developments and emerging trends,” he said. Shan Yi finds it exciting and challenging, offering numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

“Receiving a scholarship is just the beginning of a lifelong learning journey,” emphasises Shan Yi. He encourages individuals to take personal responsibility for seeking training opportunities and personal development. At JTC, he highlights that the organisation actively supports training and development, empowering employees to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to enhance existing processes in the workplace.

Shan Yi also emphasised that there is a diverse range of roles and responsibilities within the organisation. He further added, “JTC is committed to innovation and continuously seeks out new ways to use limited land resources innovatively. This provides opportunities for employees to be involved in exciting and cutting-edge projects and to contribute to the development of new technologies and practices within the industry.”