Thriving on diversity

PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

PSC scholar Thia Kai Feng deals with cradle-to-grave issues at the National Environment Agency

by ahmad osman

A DIVERSE career makes it easy for Mr Thia Kai Feng (right), 31, to forget how long he has been working in the National Environment Agency (NEA) and when he will complete his scholar-ship bond.

“I lose track of time,” says the Public Service Commission Local-Overseas Merit scholar who was appointed the assistant director for industry promo-tion in April last year.

He adds: “NEA is involved in many aspects and stages of our lives, from the first breath of air we take when we are born to the cremation and burial serv-ices that are used after we pass on.

“The work is challenging and mean-ingful. Whatever you do will affect not just yourself, but also others including your family and friends.

“The diverse portfolios and ability to be cross-posted across the different chal-lenging aspects of NEA make my work so enjoyable that I lose track of time.

“I am often unable to answer quickly to questions regarding how long I have been working at NEA or how many years before I finish serving my scholarship bond.

“There’s never a dull moment. We grapple with the needs of a growing pop-ulation, increasing urbanisation and new complex environmental challenges.

“Most importantly of all is manag-ing rising expectations and having to influence people’s behaviours where this is needed.”Mr Thia obtained a second class up-per honours degree in mechanical en-gineering from the National University of Singapore in 2002.

A year later, he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Master of Science in industrial engi-neering and operations research.He was seconded to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) from Aug 2004 to July 2006.

Next, he was an executive engineer in NEA’s waste management depart-ment from August 2006 to June 2008.

He had to understand the incinera-tion process and operation before he could be an effective regulator of the incineration plant industry.This industry is a key component of Singapore’s integrated solid waste management system.

Mr Thia is currently helping envi-ronmental companies based in Singa-pore to clinch overseas projects.

He says: “The challenge is of-ten in finding the most effective and resource-efficient methods to support the different companies under various circumstances.

“Fortunately, my engineering back-ground and training in operations re-search prepared me well to take on the different challenges I face during the course of my work.”

Mr Thia is the beneficiary of a diverse working experience in NEA and MEWR.His experience includes developing policies and programmes, handling in-ternational affairs, and helping to de-velop the local environment industry.

The notable projects he was involved with include divestment of the Senoko incineration plant and an inter-agency taskforce that worked on the measures to extend the lifespan of Semakau landfill.

Mr Thia is currently involved in the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City project.His employer, NEA, is jointly offer-ing up to 20 scholarships with PUB, the national water agency every year.

Known as the National Environment and Water (NEW) scholarships, they are for undergraduates who want to pursue careers in the challenging and dynamic environment and water sectors.

NEW scholars can study environmen-tal science, engineering, applied sciences, chemistry, biology, economics and other courses relevant to NEA or PUB, exclud-ing medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

The bond period for undergraduate studies in overseas universities is six years. It is four years for undergradu-ates in local universities here.

After graduation, NEW scholars will join NEA or PUB. They will get the training and experience to build greater depth of knowledge and skills.

The NEA and PUB also offer a joint NEW internship programme lasting for four to six weeks.

It provides work-based activities for junior college students to develop their passion for environment and water issues.

Selected students spending their internships at NEA, PUB or MEWR take part in exciting and stimulating environmental or water projects.

Those with promising potential can be considered for the NEW scholarship.