Much of my work at EMA involves information that’s confidential, the kind you cannot discuss outside the office. It is a matter of national security, which also makes it hard for colleagues from other departments to understand my job.

But I can tell you this. I started interning with EMA in April 2024 and worked on system applications for controlling, monitoring, and protecting substations. Throughout my internship experience, I learned that Singapore’s electricity demand has been constantly increasing, and that many more substations must be built to support new HDB and industrial estates. The facilities and capabilities we need would not just appear overnight.

I found the work meaningful, and by the end of my internship I asked myself, “Why would I leave this place when I already feel so at home?” I told my director that I wanted to return to EMA, and when he asked me what role I was interested in, I said all that mattered was that I could keep growing.

I joined EMA as an engineer in the Infrastructure Branch and currently work on cybersecurity for Singapore’s Energy Management System.

Our team handles cybersecurity matters and performs regular checks and assessments to ensure Singapore’s power system remains secure from potential intrusions. 

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, so it is important for us to understand our network and its vulnerabilities inside-out. We need to stay alert and think like an attacker, anticipating where they might strike next. This involves keeping an eye on emerging technologies, conducting regular threat assessments, and working closely with external consultants to evaluate and strengthen our overall security posture.

What I enjoy most about EMA, beyond the satisfaction of keeping Singapore’s critical infrastructure safe, is how open and supportive people are. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge and when you have a problem, help is always a phone call or Teams message away.

We have platforms like Wan Wan Wednesday for all staff members to bond. My department recently planned a fruit fiesta edition that was not only delicious, but also featured sharing sessions from Children’s Wishing Well and the Bone Marrow Donor Programme to raise awareness for their respective causes. It was very meaningful to see our colleagues supporting the event by purchasing children’s artwork and registering as bone marrow donors.

Engagements like these are important because while we each protect Singapore’s energy sector in different ways and aspire to give back to the community, it’s important for us to build relationships and look out for each other’s welfare too.

We cannot take the reliability and security of Singapore’s energy system for granted.
In an increasingly digitalised grid, cyber resilience is critical in ensuring the lights stay on for everyone. At EMA, we work to ensure that Singapore’s power system remains future-ready.

To put this into perspective, I always like showing our interns where their home is on our grid system. It helps them see our work as part of a much bigger picture that affects everyone around them, and I hope it inspires them to continue their engineering pursuits.