Chemicals and oil & gas sectors are Singapore's main economic pillars and the Development Board for Economy has been working tirelessly to spur growth and employment prospects. This article profiles some industry veterans for an in depth look inside the industry.
Mr. Keng Yang, a general manager for maintenance for Chevron Oronite, has an important task of ensuring top notch safety conditions at its company plant located in Jurong Island. Safety is top priority and workers are mandated to halt production under different circumstances. People are constantly watching out each other's safety by reminding each other to out on protection glasses or safety helmets. The work revolves around human lives and not just dealing with machines. He is responsible for overseeing 70 team members under maintenance and 150 contractors. Communication and interaction is part of every day's job. Mr Lim started in supply chain management after graduating from NUS and likes to go fishing during his free time. He rose to become the general manager in 2010 and is on the way to relocate to California for his overseas posting. He hopes to bring in fresh perspective and knowledge to contribute to the Singapore plant.
Mr. Julian is a VP for site operations for Croda International, a chemicals manufacturer. He oversees 5 production centers around Asia. His role centers on interaction with diverse team members. His hobby is sports where he enjoys tennis, badminton as well as golf. Mr Yeo graduated from NUS as well and rose up the ranks and currently is on heavy travelling schedule. His experience includes heading a new Jurong plant commissioning by starting out as a process engineer before being promoted as head for operations. He craves the challenge and complex decisions which entails from his role. His ambition used to become a doctor but he is satisfied with his current standing and career path.
Ms Justina Ibrahim is an unlikely corporate high flyer in the oil & gas industry, she has stamped her mark as an engineer who is independent and competent with the role of project manager for Cameron Singapore. She is the team leader for 12 different project managers whom are responsible for pitching equipment deals for oil extraction. It is a far cry from the vibrant electronics sector where it is much more dynamic and involves big equipment. Projects can take many years to materialize. She switched career path after getting a degree in management engineering. Things move really fast and she work hard day and night to ensure client's satisfaction. She rose from the ranks of planner and specialist. She relishes the challenge every day as well.
The future of chemicals, oil as well as gas sector is looking good. China and India has growing appetite for energy source. UN estimates that in 2030 we will consume 45% more energy. Thus exploration activities for oil & gas moved into the deeper oceans. More high tech equipment are needed and Singapore has taken advantage to be a manufacturing hub for specialized equipment. The sector grew 10% for every year since 2007 up till 2012.Singapore was made the regional HQ for many big global players. Halliburton Completion Toll is one prime example. Another company is Cameron International. The refining sector and petrochemical industry had grown by leaps and bounds too at the expansion at Jurong site.
About 100 companies have established footprints on the island with a refining capacity totaling 1.3 million worth of barrels every day, making Singapore ranked 4th in Asia in terms of refining capacity.Jurong island attracted in excess of $35 billion foreign investments and contributes about 30% in terms of manufacturing output for Singapore. The companies liked the business friendly environment in Singapore and skilled workforce that enable emerging technologies to be developed fast. Talent is important to drive further growth and productivity in this dynamic industry. Technologies go obsolete real fast and there is constant need for upgrades and knowledge update in order to operate a plant effectively while driving down costs and increasing output per hour. Singapore has many capable workers who are able to handle complex research projects and manufacturing facility. Singapore Government is always looking to attract talent by organizing new initiatives. A groundbreaking Chemical Process Center of Technology was launched in Jurong in 2004 to provide skilled training for engineering fresh graduates.
A Professorship programme for Petroleum Engineering will be launched in the coming year to equip engineers with petroleum engineering knowledge. NUS launched a subsea engineering programme as well to bolster R&D competencies for those in the subsea engineering field. Singapore will continue to invest in the promising sector. Opportunities are everywhere for interested engineers. Singapore can proudly claim to invent advanced products in the coming years while having a global presence and recognition from customer all over the world.