In the third part of this series, we chat with ACES Young Consulting Engineer of the Year award recipient, Ye Qinyi about winning the award and women in engineering.
A geotechnical engineer, Qinyi has been with WSP for the past six and a half years and is a committee member of the Geotechnical Society of Singapore (Student and Youth Wing). Her portfolio spans major local transport infrastructure and building infrastructure. Qinyi has since worked on projects such as the North-South Corridor, Common Services Tunnels, Transmission Cable Tunnels and Changi General Hospital. She is currently working on geotechnical aspects of the T301 construction of the 4-in-1 Rail and Bus Depot and Reception Tunnels for Thomson-East Coast Line.
You were recently named Young Consulting Engineer of the Year at the 2019 ACES Awards, alongside five other colleagues. How do you feel about receiving the award?
It is an honour to receive the award. I am grateful for the recognition of the effort I have put in. It would not have been possible based on my effort alone. It is the support and encouragement from my division head, seniors and colleagues that motivated me to perform better at each stage of my career.
How would this award impact your career as an engineer?
I am not quite sure yet as to how this award would impact my engineering career but perhaps, it will be more appealing to employers and clients. Better pay maybe? (laughs)
How do you think you can make a positive difference in the workplace with this award?
Raise confidence and morale among our colleagues. This helps to drive home the point that colleagues who have been working hard can achieve positive results too.
As a female engineer, what did you hope to achieve anything when you decided to enter the award?
Honestly, I did not think much about gender difference when making a submission for the award. I felt that receiving an award is based on one’s merits – one’s capability and potential should not be restricted by gender. Having said so, I will like to encourage female engineers to step up in this male-dominated industry.
If you think that you are a worthy applicant, just go for it. Personally, I have benefitted from the award application process. It engages you in self-assessment and helps you identify the gaps in your current set of skills. It is a worthwhile effort in enhancing your professional development.
If there is one word that you can use to inspire fellow engineers at WSP, what will it be and why?
Courage. At times, we let fear, doubt and worries take over us. Often, we waited till we are ready and hesitant to take the first step. If we have the courage to venture into uncertainty and grasp opportunities that come along our way, we might be able to achieve more. Even if we have failed, we should have the strength to persevere and move ahead.
Check back next week for the fourth of this five-part series!
Click below to read the previous article:
In conversation: Young engineering professionals making waves in the industry
In conversation: Getting to know the ACES 2019 award winners
