Breaking New Ground
GEP and ESP students inspired by what JTC engineers can do
WHAT had seemed farfetched 10 years ago, are beginning to sound feasible and possible, and
may even be happening today. For example, turning underground space into livable cities.
Students from NUS Global Engineering and Engineering Science Programmes were spellbound
and inspired by JTC Corporation (JTC)’s Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Tan, who
talked about how engineering has made leaps and bounds in terms of achievements in recent
years. At the talk on 19 September, Mr Tan discussed how JTC solves Singapore land scarcity
issues by exploring subterranean and offshore spaces.
For example, JTC is looking at building floating fuel storage facilities on the sea. Jurong Rock
Caverns (JRC) also exemplifies JTC’s efforts in turning underground space into useful industrial
storage space. The Caverns will free up around 60 hectares of surface land when it is ready by
end 2014. In “air space” development, innovation and initiatives have been introduced to
enable safe and comfortable high-rise living, such as new technologies to reduce vibration in
buildings over highways.
Jurong Rock Cavern (photo courtesy of JTC Corporation)
Introducing JTC, Mr Tan said that it is one of the 10 statutory boards under the Ministry of Trade
and Industry, with the mission to plan, promote and develop a dynamic industrial landscape in
support of Singapore’s economic development. Since its establishment in 1968, JTC has played
a key role in transforming Singapore’s economy from labour intensive in the 60s, skill intensive
in the 70s, capital intensive in the 80s, technology intensive in the 90s to knowledge &
innovation intensive today.
Notable achievements by JTC included the conversion of swamp lands in Jurong to the vibrant
township of today, boasting factories, golf courses, gardens, apartments, port and marine base
facilities. Today, JTC is not just an industrial infrastructure innovator, it has also built
communities for work, live, play and learn such as Biopolis, Fusionopolis and Mediapolis in onenorth. JTC also developed Jurong Island, the home for many petrochemical plants and oil and
gas storage facilities. Other JTC developments include the Clean Tech Park, Seletar Aerospace
Park, and the Offshore Marine Centre.
Mr Tan emphasized the importance of having people who are competent and possess high EQ
in an organization. Encouraging students to join JTC, he said that JTC provides a rewarding
career with growth and learning opportunities, with an open culture that encourages teamwork
and collaboration.
JTC scholarships
JTC offers mid-term scholarships to students in their first to third year of undergraduate studies.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees and maintenance allowance. Applicants should possess
excellent academic results and achievements in CCA activities, strong leadership qualities and
have the passion to shape Singapore’s industrial landscape. To apply for the mid-term
scholarships, please email your application to jtc-scholarships@jtc.gov.sg
Recruitment
JTC welcomes individuals who relish the challenge of working in an exciting fast-paced
environment and have a passion to contribute to the economic development of Singapore. If you
are a highly-driven individual who is looking to build a fulfilling career, we invite you to break
new ground with us. To apply, please email your resume to joinus@jtc.gov.sg.