The importance of sustainability has become increasingly clear in recent years as we continue to confront challenges such as climate change and resource depletion. As we work towards a more sustainable future, talented individuals with a passion for sustainabilityrelated fields play a vital role. That’s where the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship comes in. This renowned programme provides financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to scholars pursuing their studies in areas like sustainable food systems, climate change mitigation, sustainable energy and water conservation.

One of the unique aspects of this scholarship is the work opportunities it provides with government organisations focused on sustainability. Scholars are given the chance to work with organisations like the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency and the National Environment Agency (NEA). Luke-John Lee Suen Keat, M Thirukkumaran, and Stephen Chow are among the many scholars who have benefitted from this programme.

We had the opportunity to speak with these talented individuals to learn more about their motivations for pursuing a career in sustainability and gain insights into the important work that they do to achieve lasting sustainability.

What sparked your interest in your respective fields?

Luke-John: One thing that sparked my interest in the agri-food industry was the nomination of Singapore’s hawker culture under the UNESCO representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. When Singapore received this nomination, I realised how food was more than just mere sustenance, but also something that strongly reflected our national culture. By safeguarding the safety and security of food in Singapore, I could also help preserve Singapore’s vibrant food culture – that’s the best of both worlds!

Thirukkumaran: I entered software engineering and data science by a stroke of luck — my original plan had been to study Physics at the National University of Singapore (NUS). However, a new course called Business Analytics was announced during my last year of National Service. This course teaches the foundation and backbone of data science. I realised it aligned perfectly with my strengths and interests. Talking to people to discover their problems, analysing a wealth of data and unearthing insights that unlock value made me feel nothing short of a detective. Being able to create machine learning (ML) models which enabled automated decisions further added to the excitement!

Stephen: Over the years, I had the opportunity to attend several environmental conferences both locally and abroad. I gained valuable knowledge about the latest developments in engineering and technology related to water and connected with professionals in the field. These experiences had given me insights into the design and management of water systems, distribution of clean water, and management of wastewater, as well as deepened my interest and passion to understand the field more deeply and generate viable solutions to combat challenges facing the industry.

Why did you choose to pursue the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship?

Luke-John: The answer is quite simple. I love food and I want to help create an environment where every Singaporean can enjoy the great variety of food Singapore has to offer.

Thirukkumaran: I wanted the chance to experience working in the agency firsthand before making my decision, and the Singapore Sustainability (SS) Scholarship gave me that exact opportunity! I participated in the SS Internship in 2012 and the internship experience gave me good insights into NEA’s work.

Stephen: It aligned better with my personal interest and passion pertaining to the environment. Additionally, I felt that my skills, experiences, and extra-curricular achievements were a good fit for what the scholarship was looking for.

Can you tell us more about your job? What do you most enjoy about it?

Luke-John: I am a Fish Farm Account Manager in the Industry Development & Community Partnerships division at SFA. On a typical day, I visit a few local fish farms under my care to work with them on the challenges and opportunities of the industry. As their account manager, I advise them on ways they could improve their production capabilities and capacity, so that we can work towards Singapore’s “30 by 30” goal. I keep them updated on the funding schemes that could support their upgrading works, and also connect the farms with relevant Government agencies to manage grants, appeals and approvals for issues such as land requirements, construction and environmental conservation.

Whenever there are opportunities to engage with the public, I would highlight them tothe farms so they could participate and further promote their farm and produce. In a nutshell, I serve as the point of contact between the farmers and the Government. It involves meeting and helping a lot of people, which I really enjoy!

Thirukkumaran: At NEA, I’m part of the Technology Solutions Branch under the Forecast Applications Development Department, Meteorological Service Singapore. We research and create products to support weather forecasting and improve service delivery to our various stakeholders. My work on a typical day involves a lot of research and coding. One of the projects that I recently worked on was the weather-air traffic management (ATM) initiative which researches on the impact of inclement weather on commercial flights. We created AI models factoring in en-route thunderstorms to predict impacts to ATM such as flight diversions. The integration of advanced weather forecasttechnologies into ATM paves the way for decision support tools that enable safe and efficient air traffic services.

I really love the technical nature of it. I marvel at the ability to create immense and quantifiable impact purely with code and using just my brain, laptop, and fingers! To me, being able to create value almost from thin air is almost like magic.

Stephen: My primary responsibility is to regulate the discharge of trade effluent from trade premises into public sewers, as well as to administer the submission requirements for permissions or licences required from companies for the discharge of trade effluent into public sewers or at PUB’s Water Reclamation Plants. The mission is to ensure that every drop of used water collected is fit for recycling. In the event of any non-compliant discharge of trade effluent into sewers, I will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the source of the discharge and engagethe discharger to prevent recurrence.

I find the work to be highly dynamic and full of challenges. It keeps me engaged and motivated. Investigating the source of non-compliant discharge from companies is a complex process as no two cases are the same. Overcoming obstacles and finding novel solutions always offer me a great sense of accomplishment.

What is the work culture at your organisation like?

Luke-John: Everyone I have encountered at SFA thus far has been incredibly friendly and approachable. While I was not familiar with the job scope initially, the inclusive and welcoming environment here takes away any fear in seeking assistance from others! That helped me toreadily pick up new skills and knowledge from my supportive colleagues, enabling personal and career development.

Thirukkumaran: It varies, depending on the department that you’re in, and like many jobs, your direct boss has a huge impact on your experience. I can only say that I have a fantasticboss, and the culture is great! People here are smart and friendly. They are serious when it’s needed, but also interesting to interact with. I feel fortunate to be here.

Stephen: PUB fosters a positive and supportive environment for all staff. The management is committed to promoting mental wellness and supporting adequate work-life balance. Additionally, there are also numerous opportunities for personal growth and development to facilitate career advancement.

What possibilities are there for scholars looking to join your organisation? Do you have any advice for them?

Luke-John: There is a wide range of divisions and departments in SFA that all work together to support food safety and security in Singapore, and SFA officers have opportunities to rotate to the different teams to gain new experiences and skills. I would highly encourage individuals who are interested in trying out something new to seize such opportunities. I believe that they will help you to discover and nurture your strengths and interests along the way.

Thirukkumaran: As with any organisation, I feel the possibilities are up to the individual. NEA is a wide and diverse organisation covering various domain areas from radiation protection to public health and weather, so there’s something here for everyone. It is up to the individual to seek and express what they want to do.

Stephen: PUB officers have access to a wide range of opportunities for additional training and the development of specialised skill sets to facilitate their continual growth. Such opportunities include overseas conferences to network with industry professionals or to source for viable technologies to be implemented locally. PUB officers can leverage these opportunities to enhance knowledge and build professional connections to contribute positively to work.

My advice would be to keep an open mind and actively seek opportunities for practical experiences, such as internships and exchange programmes. These experiences offer invaluable hands-on learning and insights beyond the classroom that would be most useful in your career.