Emily Lee Hui Ling

While heading to work, I trawl the internet to keep abreast of current and emerging defence-related technologies. Staying plugged-in to technological trends helps me assess the technologies used in the capabilities we deliver for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). As technologies and operational requirements evolve, we need to continuously review and adapt our solutions to be effective, sustainable and resilient.

Upon reaching the office, I make a list of tasks to complete. I lead a team on multiple agile capability development tracks, so it is key to set priorities and ensure everyone is on the same page. Time is critical when delivering capabilities, especially in our area of work. The defence and security landscape is fast-paced and evolving, so it is important to stay ahead of current and emerging threats while working to enhance the SAF’s capabilities. At the same time, the systems we acquire must meet operational needs and be cost-effective. We thus adopt a systems engineering approach to look at each use case in its entirety, taking into account all the facets, variables, and design of the system.

Our work gives us many opportunities to be innovative – from finding new ways to harness technology to adding value to the solutions we deliver. We also conduct operational trials together with the SAF at camps and test sites. These trials provide hands-on opportunities to adapt and fine-tune the systems’ performance.

Around mid-morning, I am normally working on my projects. People often ask what keeps me going, after 13 years at this job. There are many reasons – the validation I receive that my work is important in shaping Singapore’s defence, the numerous opportunities to work on leading-edge technologies, and the interesting variety of projects I have experienced! I am grateful to have delivered many key capabilities and supported various major events. Each had its own challenges and I am glad I was able to overcome them together with my team.

For example, I was called to support the SAF’s urgent requirements two weeks before the 2018 Trump-Kim Summit in Singapore. Despite the tight timeline, we pushed through and successfully deployed the system with close collaboration between my team and our SAF partners. It was definitely rewarding to see how our hard work contributed towards Singapore’s security.

The 28th South East Asian Games was also memorable. I was the technical lead supporting the implementation of the audio system at the new National Stadium. Due to its unique domed roof, optimising the sound performance was challenging, but our team was determined to find a solution. Together with the sound designer and audio production team, we developed the required add-on speaker arrays’ specifications and quantities.

As a Senior Programme Manager, I mentor young engineers’ growth and development. I hold regular meetings with them to see how their projects are progressing. Having a supportive culture in DSTA is important as we work closely together as a team to brainstorm and deliver our projects. Our senior supervisors also offer advice and encouragement readily, and create opportunities for us to share our work and insights with our colleagues.

On a typical day, I head home to spend time with my family. However, the work of a defence engineer is dynamic and fast-paced, where we are ready to undertake challenging projects that are important for our nation’s defence. I appreciate DSTA’s flexible work arrangements and supportive culture which enables me to balance work and family commitments well. This also includes my work “family” – we recharge by going for meals or our bi-weekly badminton sessions together.