As a global technology, defence and engineering group, ST Engineering serves customers in more than 100 countries. The Group’s diverse portfolio of businesses spans the aerospace, smart city, defence and public security segments. Its 25,000 employees across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the U.S harness technology and innovation to enable a more secure and sustainable world.

For a new generation of engineers like Ong Zhi Yang and Tay Hui Ling Nerissa, who are looking for diverse, sustainable, and challenging work, ST Engineering is clearly the ideal choice.

Zhi Yang is a Senior Manager and Deputy Production Head at ST Engineering, where he plays a crucial role in managing the production of Land Defence Systems (LDS). His focus on introducing quality improvements and digitising data for detailed analysis has resulted in more efficient and effective production processes. Zhi Yang also dedicates his efforts towards upskilling the production workforce, enabling them to take on more complex projects and meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry.

Nerissa is an Assistant Manager with the Group Strategy and Sustainability Office (GSSO), who takes the lead in developing and implementing sustainable initiatives. She is a champion of sustainability and her job scope includes engaging internal and external stakeholders to address sustainability-related issues within and beyond the Company.

As recipients of the ST Engineering Overseas Scholarships, Zhi Yang and Nerissa have both been presented with unprecedented opportunities to hone their skills and broaden their academic horizons. Zhi Yang graduated with a Master of Science in Advanced Chemical Engineering with Process Systems Engineering from Imperial College London. Nerissa received her Master of Science in Environmental Engineering at New York University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from University College London.

They attribute their exceptional educational track records as one of the main reasons for their flourishing careers, giving them the ability to make positive differences.

We sat down with them to find out more about their career journeys.

What prompted you to apply for the ST Engineering Overseas Scholarship?

Nerissa: As a global organisation, ST Engineering has a diverse portfolio of businesses operating across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. As part of the scholarship programme, we get the opportunity to rotate through these different lines of business and functions. This provides us with opportunities for continuous learning of various industries and functions and helps in the holistic development of our careers.

Zhi Yang: ST Engineering offered to sponsor my master’s programme at Imperial College London. At that time, not many companies were willing to sponsor individuals with an overseas master’s programme without prior work experience.

In what ways has the scholarship supported you in your pursuit of new opportunities?

Nerissa: I was provided with career guidance, great mentors and support in integrating with the local culture through every global move.

Zhi Yang: Besides the monetary perk of allowance, I was also assigned a senior scholar, who shared advice and addressed my queries about life in ST Engineering. Prior to returning, HR also engaged me to explore options on my first work posting.

Tell us more about the programmes that you took up through the scholarship. What made you choose them?

Nerissa: The Mechanical Engineering degree programme provided me with a good foundation in engineering, which could be further specialised. My Master of Science in Environmental Engineering programme enabled me to hone my skillset for a specific cause.

Zhi Yang: I enrolled in a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering programme, with a specialisation in Process Systems. It allowed me to describe complicated systems in an abstract form for analysis. These same techniques can also then be used to tackle problems in any field, from pharmaceuticals to waste treatment.

Nerissa, what sparked your fascination with sustainability?

Nerissa: My interest in sustainability started way back when I was a kid, where I was lucky to be exposed to the beauty of nature by my parents. It sparked my passion for environmental protection and propelled me to pursue a background in engineering, as I believed that sustainable innovation was key to living in harmony with nature. This eventually evolved into an interest in sustainability, as I learnt through my own volunteering experiences that environmental protection and social impact were closely intertwined.

Zhi Yang, when did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in manufacturing?

Zhi Yang: As a fresh university graduate, I wanted to break away from lab-based work and venture into a more operational setting. As such, manufacturing seemed like the right place to be.

Regarding your careers, which aspects of your job do you find most enjoyable?

Nerissa: I enjoy the process of learning and understanding new concepts. Sustainability is a constantly evolving space, and it is necessary to keep an open mind and approach each topic to learn as much as possible. What I enjoyed most is the opportunity to engage with many differentstakeholders, each with their own specialised knowledge and unique set of challenges, whom all contribute to collaborative discussions on how the organisation and our people can do better every day.

Zhi Yang: I really enjoy trying new approaches to solve challenging problems. I also like working with new technologies and products.

How has your education been useful to you in your current jobs?

Nerissa: Analytical reasoning which I learnt through the degree helps me in my everyday work. In engineering, we learn how to find answers to problems that have no immediate solutions. In sustainability, this skill is particularly useful as every day presents new challenges in unknown territories.

Zhi Yang: In my current role as Deputy Production Head, we digitise the data collection of the vehicle assembly line, which is similar to designing a process control system. Generally, the engineering and mathematical background is also useful when applied to cost analysis.

What do you find most meaningful about the work you are doing today?

Nerissa: Knowing that my work helps the Group to do well while doing good.

Zhi Yang: The most meaningful part for me is the time spent engaging the stakeholders and understanding their actual pain points. By fully understanding their root issues, we can effectively design our initiatives to generate a positive impact.

What possibilities are there for people who are considering joining ST Engineering?

Zhi Yang: ST Engineering provides numerous platforms, such as innovation challenges and cost-saving competitions for staff who desire to contribute ideas beyond their normal scope of work to participate in.

Nerissa: As a global organisation, ST Engineering provides its scholars the chance to rotate through various business functions and lines of business. This facilitates continuous learning across industries and functions, contributing to well-rounded career development.