Singapore’s land transport system stands as a testament to remarkable engineering, innovation, and efficiency. Spearheading its development and enhancement is the Land Transport Authority (LTA), a dedicated government agency. With a mission to ensure a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation network, the LTA plays a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s future mobility landscape.

To achieve this vision, the LTA seeks individuals who are committed to improving connectivity, enhancing the commuter experience, and fostering a greener and more inclusive transport ecosystem. Through the prestigious LTA Undergraduate Scholarship, Executive Engineer Timothy Justin Bala and Executive Project Engineer Lin Chenxi, Casey have been equipped with extensive training and a rare opportunity to leave their mark on today’s dynamic transport landscape.

Timothy, what made you decide on a career in mechanical engineering?

Engineering had always been the clear choice for me. With my dad being an Engineer, I was constantly exposed to mechanical toys and things of that nature. It started with LEGO blocks as a kid. As I got older, my interest in engineering developed further and I started helping my dad fix his old car and anything faulty around the house.

Have you always wanted to work with public transport, Casey?

I have been heavily dependent on public transport since young and saw how Singapore’s public transport system developed and steadily progressed over my growing years. Hence, I was inspired to join and contribute to the public transport sector, especially the development phase.

Why did you decide to take up a scholarship with LTA in particular?

Timothy: I was offered scholarships by two companies which had a heavy emphasis on mechanical engineering. When it came down to deciding, I felt a career in the land transport industry was better suited to me as I have always had a passion for transportation. When I learnt more about the vision of LTA, its mission to improve the lives of our people by building up connectivity in the country through the land transport system resonated with me. This was something I wanted to be a part of since I had already felt the importance of public transportation in my day-to-day life.

Casey: Once, at my junior college Career Fair, some LTA staff came to share their experience in the industry. Since I wanted to enter and establish a career in the public transport sector, I knew that the scholarship would open doors for me in various areas and I’d be able to learn through the structured talent development programme and job rotations for scholars.

Walk us through a day in your respective jobs.

Timothy: At 2 Rolling Stock Development (2RSD), my team is responsible for the acquisition of new trains for the upcoming Jurong Region Line (JRL). We ensure that the train system is designed according to the specifications of the contract. Subsequently, we ensure that the trains manufactured are compliant with the design while maintaining high quality and reliable functionality. A typical workday may involve various activities such as meetings with internal and external stakeholders.

Casey: I am currently working on the Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project which is a four-kilometre rail shuttle that connects the Singapore terminus at Woodlands North Station and the Malaysia terminus at Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru. As a Civil Engineer in the project management team, I investigate various areas such as quality, time, cost, and safety of the project development, often with the need to coordinate with both external and internal stakeholders. A typical day will include donning PPE (personal protection equipment) for site inspections on the ground, reviewing project documentation and participating in discussions on project progress. Our site is so big that my colleagues and I would sometimes take a run around the site after work!

It sounds like a dynamic environment! Are there opportunities for growth and development within your organisation?

Timothy: LTA provides structured job rotations and stretch assignments for scholars to foster professional development as well as networking and mentorship across functions. HR is always open for discussion on opportunities available for staff who are keen to explore. On top of that, we are encouraged to sign up for courses to develop competencies in our current field or fields that we may have an interest in.

Casey: LTA offers a job rotation programme to experience work scopes across different divisions of your choice and explore the various projects and initiatives under LTA. Before joining the Rail Group, I was part of the project team that constructs bus interchanges and transport hubs, where I learnt how commuter-centric facilities were being built as well as the underlying design rationale. Construction techniques between various projects were different as different engineering challenges, imposed by site constraints, would call for different solutions.

As a scholar, I also have opportunities to be part of different secretariats to widen my exposure. Currently, my secretariat duty in the Rail Expansion Steering Committee allows me to understand a rail project’s design, build, operation and maintenance phases more holistically during the planning phase as any issues encountered on the ground are discussed robustly during the meeting.

Finally, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?

Timothy: I wish to be able to add value and provide insights whenever a problem arises. As we constantly deal with contractors, I feel it’s essential to be able to not only make the right decision but to make it quickly. I think it’s very important to build up our soft skills as well. For example, the manner we engage with contractors is important, especially for project progress and ensuring no corners are cut during the project fulfilment.

Casey: I hope I will have further opportunities to participate in more projects as it is rewarding to see how these developments and enhancements to the public transport system benefit the commuters. I would also like to be involved in a variety of projects as the learnings from every unique project would help to grow my domain knowledge as a civil engineer.