Andrew Tay’s journey in engineering first took shape in the heart of the Army. As a Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) posted to an Army Maintenance Base as a Platoon Commander, Andrew was surrounded by supportive and knowledgeable mentors, from whom he learned how engineering could be applied to tackle future challenges. The engineers’ innovative spirit and their impact on Army operations, applying predictive analytics and 3D printing to redesign processes and strengthen supply chains, left a lasting impression.

Building a Career in Green

Andrew saw signing on with the Army as a chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. He was specifically drawn to Army Engineering because it meant thinking in systems, not just parts.

Early in his career, he was involved in collaborative efforts with the wider Defence Technology Community, industry partners, and Institutes of Higher Learning, gaining exposure that extended far beyond the Army.

In 2018, Andrew was awarded the SAF Engineering Scholarship. It gave him the opportunity to study overseas and broaden his horizons at the University of Manchester, where he earned a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with Management. The scholarship not only supported his personal growth but also provided professional growth opportunities through courses and seminars, strengthening both his engineering expertise and leadership skills.

Where Engineering Meets Strategy

Today, Andrew serves as a Staff Officer in General Staff (Development), where he works on manpower strategy and human resource policies. While his current role differs from his earlier work, he applies engineering techniques such as modelling and optimisation in his daily work.

Like many strategic roles, manpower planning comes with its challenges. Andrew and his team are sometimes required to make decisions without complete information. This calls for an open mind, adaptability, and a forward-looking perspective. He notes that many of the issues they face are not unique, and valuable lessons can often be found in how others have addressed similar challenges.

Together with his teammates, Andrew develops manpower plans by piecing together various perspectives and analysing them. This ensures that the plans are relevant and sound.

For Andrew, the most fulfilling part of his work lies in knowing that he has made a difference to someone’s life, however small. That clarity of purpose, he believes, is what keeps teams motivated during crunch time.

Growing With the Army

Andrew counts himself fortunate to have been mentored by nurturing senior officers who are vested in his growth. “I owe much of my success to these mentors and hope to pay this forward,” he reflected. While he has benefited from professional development opportunities such as local and overseas courses, he believes the best learning happens on the job.

Looking ahead, his goals are simple: to make a difference in each appointment and continue building strong relationships with his peers.

More Than Just a Scholarship

For prospective scholars, Andrew highlights the many growth opportunities that the SAF offers, from dynamic rotations across command, operations, training, and planning, to cross-agency attachments and overseas courses. His advice is to embrace the full breadth of the scholarship experience.

“The scholarship gives you time and space to explore — don’t limit your learning to just the degree,” he advised. Beyond academics, he encourages scholars to ask questions, maintain independence of mind, and appreciate diverse perspectives. “It is by having diversity in thought and experience that the organisation remains strong,” he said.