With a background in economics and environmental studies, Chu Jia Sing has long been passionate about driving sustainability and innovation. Her career has been shaped by a commitment to tackling complex challenges at the intersection of development, sustainability and impact.

At JTC, she plays a key role in advancing Singapore’s industrial landscape, focusing on creating sustainable, future-ready environments that enable businesses to grow and thrive. Her decision to join JTC was driven by a strong alignment with its mission to support the growth of new industries and transform industries through innovative infrastructure.

We caught up with her to dive deeper into the motivations and experiences that have guided her journey to JTC.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a career at JTC?

After completing junior college, I volunteered at an urban farm, which deepened my passion for sustainability and innovative urban designs. During this time, I also delved into Singapore’s nation-building journey and came to appreciate the crucial role that the manufacturing sector plays in our diversification of economy and long-term development. JTC sits at the heart of these critical issues, which is why I decided to apply to the agency—to be a part of shaping a sustainable and thriving future for Singapore.

What was the JTC Scholarship experience like, and how did it shape your growth?

The scholarship provided me with the invaluable opportunity to experience life in the United States, broadening my perspective on different cultures. I was fortunate to be surrounded by some of the brightest minds, whose insights challenged my thinking and inspired me to deeply consider my principles. I believe that some lessons from those years will stay with me for life and I continue to be guided by the knowledge and perspectives I gained.

How did your time at university prepare you for your current work at JTC?

It has been instrumental in preparing me for my role at JTC, particularly through the statistics and econometrics courses. These courses equipped me with predictive analytical tools that allow me to assess data objectively and make informed, data-driven decisions. Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of my degree, combining economics and environmental studies, has encouraged me to explore different fields, which has been valuable in navigating the diverse challenges at JTC, where business development, real estate, and engineering intersect.

That sounds like quite a mix of skills! What are you focusing on at JTC these days?

I have had the opportunity to rotate between two key responsibilities. In my first role, I spent my time working with data to drive process improvements within the agency. Currently, I engage with industrial companies, helping them navigate their real estate needs effectively and evaluating business plans to ensure that we anchor high-quality companies in Singapore.

What’s the secret behind your team’s ability to constantly deliver effective solutions?

At JTC, building strong relationships with colleagues and customers is at the heart of what we do. My team and I create a supportive and collaborative environment where we share many laughs while working together. This camaraderie builds trust and open communication, enabling us to deliver solutions that are mutually beneficial.

What do you find most fulfilling about your role at JTC?

The most rewarding part is working with enterprising individuals who turn their dreams into reality and watching them grow as a company. It aligns with my personal values of supporting innovation and growth, and it’s fulfilling to contribute to their success.

Apart from the work culture, what makes JTC an exciting place to be?

At JTC, you’ll find a dynamic environment where business development, real estate, architecture, and engineering come together. It’s a place where every day offers new challenges and opportunities.

Lastly, what is one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in their career?

Be open and you may be surprised! Sometimes the unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding experiences.