After accepting a scholarship from the Energy Market Authority (EMA), Ekko pursued a master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Leeds. “I felt a sense of responsibility to help ensure we leave behind a more vibrant and sustainable world,” she recalled. After her graduation in 2018, she joined EMA to carry out the mission she had set for herself.

“The energy sector is constantly evolving, and the potential of making a lasting impact motivates me to play my part,” she explained, reflecting on the early part of her career.

Five years into her work, Ekko seized the chance to broaden her reach when she earned a prestigious attachment with the International Energy Agency (IEA) located in Paris. This is where she would gain valuable experience on energy matters on an international stage.

At the IEA, Ekko found herself immersed in the complexities of global energy challenges. "Every day, I’m exposed to new perspectives," she said, describing how she navigates issues from climate change policies in advanced economies to renewable energy strategies in emerging markets. This experience stretched her thinking, revealing how interconnected and complex the world’s energy landscape truly is.

Particularly memorable for her was contributing to the inaugural State of Energy report. This challenged her to dive deep into local contexts and uncover the factors that shape each country’s policies. She also played a key role in building IEA’s Energy Policy Inventory, a vast database with over 5,000 energy policy measures from more than 60 countries.

“The database is publicly available and serves as a one-stop guide for policymakers and researchers worldwide — anyone who is interested in how different countries approach climate and energy issues,” Ekko shared. “Knowing that this tool can guide future energy policies worldwide makes it one of my proudest accomplishments at IEA so far.”

But was it difficult to transition into the global energy sector after just five years into her career?

“My experiences at EMA were instrumental in shaping my journey,” she reflected.

Her career foundation was laid in 2014 and 2016 when she joined EMA as an intern. During those formative years, she conducted market research and assisted in evaluating proposals from liquefied natural gas importers, gaining an understanding of how energy policies are shaped by a combination of technical, economic, political and social considerations.

After joining EMA full-time, she took on different roles. First as an engineer working on gas systems and later as an analyst in policy and planning. She also collaborated with stakeholders ranging from businesses, government agencies to the general public to gather insights and contribute to Singapore’s energy transition.

“These experiences taught me to view energy issues from multiple perspectives, which has been invaluable for my approach to policy development,” she affirmed.

Yet it was not just the technical experience that bolstered Ekko’s growth. The inclusive and supporting culture at EMA proved to be just as empowering.

“Everyone is encouraged to voice their ideas, even if you're new or have a junior role,” she recalled. Earlier in her career, despite being inexperienced, she proposed an idea that, though modest, became part of a larger initiative. “Knowing that all our voices are valued truly makes a difference,” she reflected.

On her time at IEA thus far, Ekko is grateful for the lessons she has learned and the experiences she has gained.

Living in Paris has not only introduced her to a new professional landscape but has also enriched her personal life. She has cultivated friendships with people from around the world, explored picturesque cities in France and even took up baking lessons.

Professionally, working in an international multi-stakeholder environment has honed her communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills — abilities she believes will be invaluable for her career.

Most importantly, being part of a passionate and multicultural team has strengthened her commitment to sustainability.

“Working in the energy sector, especially on global issues like climate change, requires a long-term perspective. It can be frustrating when change doesn’t happen as quickly as you’d hope,” she admitted. “But I’m constantly inspired by my teammates’ resilience and dedication. There’s a belief here that we’re building a world we’ll be proud to pass on to future generations.”

And it is this camaraderie and sense of purpose that keeps her motivated through the challenges, as she strives to do her part and create a greener future for all.