Singapore’s robust economy rests on the dynamic pulse of individuals passionate about shaping its industrial landscape.

For Andrea Yeong, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in reimagining Singapore’s industries inspired her to apply for the JTC Full-Term Scholarship. With the scholarship, Andrea pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Global Affairs with a minor in Economics at the Yale-NUS College in Singapore.

Today, as an Assistant Manager in the Land Transport Department, she fosters partnerships with customers, builds win-win relationships, and conducts research to understand the industry needs among a multitude of responsibilities.

We catch up with Andrea to learn about her impactful work and what fuels her passion.

What steered you to seize the opportunity to take up a scholarship with JTC?

What stood out to me about the scholarship was the flexibility it offered in selecting any course of study relevant to JTC’s diverse areas of work. It welcomed students from various academic backgrounds and presented a unique opportunity for me to pursue my passion for Global Affairs and Economics while finding ways to apply my knowledge across various industries in Singapore.

For instance, my knowledge of international trade and the interplay between multiple stakeholders prepared me for the real-life collaborations across Multinational Corporations (MNCs), Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and inter-government agencies that JTC facilitates.

How has the scholarship impacted your academic and professional development?

As a JTC Scholar, the financial support I received throughout my university journey greatly alleviated many cost concerns. It not only allowed me to fully immerse myself in the vibrant residential college experience at Yale-NUS for four years, but also provided the freedom to pursue passions that I may not have been able to otherwise.

One such milestone was the opportunity to attend summer school at the London School of Economics (LSE), where I experienced a new learning environment and was able to pursue my interests in Environmental Economics & Sustainable Development and International Journalism.

I also had the opportunity to do an internship at the Info-Comm Media & Start-Up Cluster at JTC during my university summer. This internship experience granted me valuable exposure to the diverse work streams across departments and provided the opportunity to collaborate closely with the team on meaningful projects, such as the Punggol Digital District: Connecting Smartness 2021 event.

Could you share with us about your day-to-day work?

In my role, a typical workday centres around lease management and problem-solving. I work closely with companies, assisting them with lease extensions, relocations, acquiring new spaces or land, and addressing their requests to the best of our abilities. We also engage in cross-department efforts to develop estates such as the Jurong Innovation District (JID), attract advanced manufacturing companies and foster business ecosystems.

At JTC, we’re also able to embark on diverse projects alongside our day-to-day lease management responsibilities. One notable project I led involved procuring electric car-sharing services at our industrial developments. Through a tender process, we collaborated with Get-Go, the successful tenderer, to bridge transportation gaps and provide tenants with environmentally friendly mobility options. It was the first trial of its kind.

That’s interesting! What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work?

What I find most fulfilling about working at JTC is the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of businesses in Singapore. Whether it involves assisting companies in their establishment, continuity, or expansion within Singapore, being able to play a part in their journey is incredibly rewarding.

Moreover, the opportunity to innovate and collaborate with peers across JTC, various agencies and diverse companies makes the process even more gratifying.

The collaboration with Get-Go is an example of this. Despite my inexperience with the process, our team fostered a feedback-rich environment and achieved effective collaboration through extensive discussions and preparations leading up to the tender launch.

The success of the collaboration extended beyond our immediate team. We also collaborated across departments, working closely with the Contracts & Procurement team, Finance team, and Facilities & Estates Management team to gather valuable insights. This cross-departmental collaboration ensured a well-rounded approach and comprehensive understanding of the project’s requirements.

Is there a career milestone that you hope to achieve?

As someone passionate about sustainable development, one career milestone I hope to achieve is to contribute significantly to the development of smart and sustainable industrial spaces in Singapore. I aspire to be involved in projects that leverage cutting-edge technologies, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the overall efficiency and liveability of industrial estates. I hope to collaborate with like-minded planners, policymakers and professionals to spearhead transformative projects that leave a lasting impact on Singapore’s industrial landscape.

How do you unwind from your busy schedule?

I enjoy taking leisurely walks with my dog at Botanic Gardens, attending yoga and jiu-jitsu classes, and spending time with friends and family.

Having diverse interests outside of work allows me to exercise different facets of my brain, fostering creativity and a fresh perspective at work. By engaging in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment, I am better equipped to bring my best self to my professional responsibilities.

Importantly, JTC recognises the significance of work-life balance and organises a range of activities for staff to enjoy.

What possibilities are there for individuals and scholars within JTC?

Working at JTC offers numerous possibilities for individuals. Some potential opportunities include gaining valuable experience in industrial development, infrastructure management, urban planning and green technologies.

JTC provides a collaborative platform to facilitate partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies and academic institutions.

Beyond that, JTC encourages individuals to think creatively and explore unconventional ideas. This extends to a wide range of possibilities, including innovative concepts related to smart city solutions, sustainable development initiatives or community-building projects. As long as you take the initiative to present these ideas, there is potential to trial and implement them within JTC.