Jay Lim

Getting started
I joined PSA as an IT Management Associate (MA), but prior to that I had an internship with them. This gave me a great introduction to what PSA does and provided the opportunity to experience the company’s culture.
During the internship, I learnt that PSA is a global port group that places strong emphasis on innovation and technology in tandem with the maritime industry's digital transformation. Coming from an IT background, PSA’s commitment to advance its technological capabilities was something that greatly attracted me.I was also really impressed by the warm and friendly culture, as well as the cohesiveness and strong team spirit at the workplace –people look out for one another and frequently go the extra mile to support each other. Many of us become good friends outside of work!
About my job
My team designs, builds, and maintains products that serve the needs of the port community and contribute to the digital transformation of the logistics ecosystem. We leverage PSA’s
strong network of partnerships with stakeholders in the global supply chain to enhance end-to-end logistics operations visibility. This helps us to improve planning, asset utilisation, efficiency, and productivity, thereby reinforcing Singapore’s position as a global logistics and supply chain management hub.I actively drive the product and portfolio strategy, roadmap, feature ideation and prioritisation while working with my engineers to ensure that our choice of technologies are aligned with PSA’s business strategy and goals. My team and I engage multiple stakeholders including those in the port community such as shipping lines, container depots and trucking companies,and government agencies.
What I enjoy most about my job
I really like that my team operates in a ” start-up” style. I enjoy the fast pace, autonomy and culture of innovation, all while knowing that I have the safety net of an established organisation!
A global role also means making a global impact, and that is exciting to me too! I have worked on innovations and technology products that improve the operational efficiency of our terminals and our port community, building business resilience and sustainability.
For example, we leverage machine learning and data science to help global shipping lines optimise routes and reduce waiting times, thus cutting down on fuel consumption and reducing carbon emissions. My current role focuses on product development for PSA Cargo Solutions, a unit of PSA International which enables cargo and trade flow visibility and better orchestrates the global supply chain. I like how this role has the transformative potential to evolve the logistics and supply chain industry to become more efficient and sustainable in the long run.
Essential skills
My roles in the last few years have always been in the intersection of technology, business, and leadership. I would say that having good technical competencies are necessary, but not sufficient. Good business acumen is needed to guide the strategic application of technical knowledge to meet business needs, which is vital for the company. As I took on the additional responsibility of leading a team, having good people and communication skills, the ability to harness motivation and facilitating team discussions became important as well. Thankfully, these are skills that can be honed while on the job –hence, a willingness to learn becomes extremely important for success at work!
As an IT MA, I had multiple rotations across software engineering, IT governance and product management. Through the various stints, I was able to work on or dabble in various technologies in one way or another. These include permissioned blockchain, machine learning, robotic process automation, etc. Being agile and adaptable definitely helped me to perform better!
PSA’s Global Management Associate Program (GMAP) is designed to nurture exceptional young talents who share our commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability to become the next generation of global leaders.
Are you a highly driven recent graduate seeking a rewarding career in the maritime industry? Applications for PSA GMAP are now open. Join us at PSA today!