Wong Ee Jhun

Getting started

On reflection, I realised that at the crux of my passion for engineering, lies the interest in impactful problem-solving. Naturally, I gravitated towards the one place that Singapore is known for worldwide. Changi Airport, despite fierce international competition, has consistently won the hearts of millions of travellers every year.

To me, being able to maintain high standards means not resting on our laurels. More importantly, it means being driven to continue solving challenging problems that may arise, and seeking innovative ways of working to maintain our position as the world’s most awarded airport.

About my job

The Airside Development team is largely focused on infrastructural developments relevant for aircraft manoeuvring, parking and turnaround. This area of work houses a complex ecosystem requiring the collaboration of multiple parties across different companies. As such, there is never a dull moment owing to the breadth and depth of issues to consider, as well as the sheer number of stakeholders to liaise with.

With a new Terminal 5 (T5) in the pipeline, it is my responsibility and privilege to work together with a passionate and dedicated team to ensure that the airside of the future is one where airfield operational efficiencies are enabled.

Our typical routine involves reviewing of design proposals from our T5 planning team. In order to understand the trade-offs from all angles, we often consult our airport partners. Having done the analysis, we package and relay our recommendations to the management. Apart from this, we also explore the capabilities of future large-scale airside systems to unlock greater digitalisation, automation and sustainability potential.

What I enjoy most about my job

Working on developmental projects may seem abstract and distant at times, but I see it as having the opportunity to exercise greater freedom in defining the boundaries, push forward novel concepts and all in all, chart the course.

Of course, with freedom comes responsibility. It can be overwhelming that every decision we make today would impact future airside workers for decades to come. However, it is the recognition of this opportunity given to me to affect real change, that motivates me to fight for the best outcome that we can achieve.

Then and now

The aviation field is one where its jargons and innumerable rules and regulations represent only the foot of the steep learning curve. The main challenge was and still is, building relationships. This is because the real goldmine of aviation knowledge resides in its people; those with 10, 20 or even 40 years of experience having been there during the construction of Terminal 1 itself. Although there are no shortcuts to building a healthy level of trust and comfort, being humble, selfdriven, and having a good attitude sure helps.

The other challenge is in expressing yourself clearly. Organising discussions with and presenting to stakeholders, colleagues and management can be nerve-wrecking at times. As this is more of an art than a science, investing hours in practice will help crystallise your thoughts efficiently.

Advice for graduates

Do not fear failure. Some of us might associate failure with embarrassment, discomfort and helplessness. However, experiencing failure is often the fastest way to learn. The more times you fail, recover and improve, the faster you grow and better yourself both at work and in life.

Build a strong relationship with your supervisor. Your supervisor is your de facto mentor. He or she is the shortcut to years of experience and networks of communication. He or she is also poised to give constructive feedback vital for your career and character development. If you are willing to be open, honest and proactive, working with your supervisor would have you well-positioned to constantly grow in your role, as I have.