The Singapore-Industry Scholarship (SgIS) supports young Singaporeans who are keen to contribute to leading organisations in strategic sectors—from engineering and transport to healthcare and beyond.

As Singapore’s only multi-industry scholarship in partnership with the Government, SgIS gives talents the freedom to choose from over 150 sponsoring organisations and career paths while pursuing their undergraduate studies.

Vera Lam Kai Ting and Soh Wei Ming Daryl are two scholars who’ve taken different paths through the SgIS. Vera is currently an Executive Engineer at SMRT Corporation Ltd, while Daryl is a Senior Executive – Operations at ST Logistics Ptd Ltd.

We caught up with them to learn what inspired their journeys and how they’re turning their passions into real-world impact.

What made you choose the SgIS, and how has it supported your growth?

Vera: What stood out to me was how unique SgIS is compared to traditional company-sponsored scholarships. SgIS brings together scholars from a diverse range of sectors and organisations, which creates many opportunities for cross-disciplinary networking.

A major milestone was serving on the SgIS Executive Committee where I collaborated with scholars from different industries to organise community service projects, networking sessions, and workshops to give back to society. I also hosted the alumni networking lunch. These experiences strengthened my event planning skills and enabled me to build meaningful connections and lasting friendships. Being able to interact with peers from diverse educational and professional backgrounds also broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Daryl: Beyond the invaluable networking opportunities, the scholarship eased my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies, participate in co-curricular activities, and invest in my personal growth without added financial stress.

It also gave me space to pursue my passion for mental health. I co-founded the Singapore University of Social Sciences’ peer support group to promote student wellbeing. In addition, I’ve also taken on other leadership roles, such as being my university’s student union representative with the National Youth Council.

What key responsibilities do you handle in your current roles?

Vera: I am currently working in the Engineering Performance and Support department for the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), where I play an integral role in overseeing the preparation, tracking, and execution of maintenance activities of 13 different maintenance branches in the TEL Maintenance and Engineering Group.

My primary responsibility is to identify operational gaps and address the needs of the maintenance team by ensuring their daily tasks are supported by effective solutions. This includes assessing current processes, equipment, and resources to identify inefficiencies or potential improvements.

I work closely with the maintenance team to provide the necessary tools, systems, and procedures to streamline their workflow, enhance operational performance, and ensure all tasks are completed in line with regulatory requirements, service contracts, and best industry practices.

Daryl: As Senior Operations Executive, I lead the operations processing team at Singapore Airlines (SIA) Supplies Centre, ensuring the seamless movement of essential supplies that support SIA’s global operations.

My role involves managing the full logistics journey. On the inbound front, my team handles all air, sea, and land freight imports—ensuring items ranging from inflight amenities to ground support equipment arrive on time and in good condition. On the outbound side, we distribute inventory to local partners like SATS and coordinate the dispatch of supplies to SIA’s overseas stations, ensuring every flight and airport is properly equipped.

What has your experience at your organisation been like so far? Any highlights or key takeaways?

Vera: My experience at SMRT has been both enriching and eye-opening. Through the Engineering Management Associate programme, I was introduced to the Triple E framework—Education, Exposure, and Experience—which provides a solid foundation in both the technical and managerial aspects of railway engineering. This programme includes a month-long intensive training course designed to equip fresh graduates with engineering knowledge of railway systems. This has helped me transition smoothly into the workforce.

I’ve also been fortunate to have mentors who are genuinely invested in my development. From my early internship days to my current full-time role, I’ve been guided by senior engineers and managers committed to developing the next generation of engineers. My managers have provided me with opportunities to lead audit preparations and review quality practices, while also offering valuable advice on industry best practices and workflows. Their mentorship has been instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of railway systems, especially in understanding how regulatory and contract requirements are vital to ensuring compliance.

I was also recognised by all branch and section managers in the Maintenance & Engineering Group as the main coordinator for the audit preparations. This recognition reflects SMRT’s commitment to nurturing its younger staff and providing the necessary support to succeed.

Daryl: My experience at ST Logistics has been incredibly enriching and dynamic from the start. The Management Trainee Programme provided a fantastic launchpad, offering diverse rotations that allowed me to immerse myself in different facets of the supply chain and the organisation’s vast operations.

The structured exposure across various verticals in ST Logistics—including an international stint in retail logistics (FMCG)—fostered a growth mindset and a keen interest in leveraging emerging technologies like AI, while equipping me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and ST Logistics’ significant role within it. This has empowered me to offer forward-thinking solutions during my business development roles and reshape my daily contributions in operations at both ST Logistics and SIA warehouses.

How do you see your role evolving in the future, Vera?

I see my role evolving as I take on more responsibility in ensuring operational readiness—aligning maintenance plans, supporting crossdepartment coordination, and ensuring a seamless transition from maintenance to daily operations. Given the evolving nature of railway transportation, I’m glad that SMRT provides numerous learning and development opportunities to help us upskill. Programmes like the Learning through Educational Advancement Programme (LEAP) are especially valuable, providing employees with the chance to continuously upskill and adapt to the latest industry advancements.

Another area I’m interested in is developing into a more technical role where I can deepen my understanding of different rail system architectures—how they function individually, and how they integrate into a complete railway system.

Looking ahead, one of the most exciting opportunities for me is the upcoming network developments, particularly the opening of Thomson East Coast Stage 5 and the East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID). These projects offer a rare opportunity for me to be involved in the planning and commissioning of a new station and depot, marking a significant milestone in SMRT’s growth.

Daryl, any tips for those keen on applying for the SgIS?

Embrace the opportunity and take that first step to apply, even if the competitive landscape feels daunting at first. Beyond academic achievements, the SgIS genuinely values leadership potential, meaningful engagement in co-curricular activities, and a well-defined passion for a specific strategic industry.

For mid-term scholars, these are qualities that you can intentionally cultivate through active participation and personal development during your university years, giving you ample time before kickstarting the application process!