As an electrical engineer at EMA, Yun Kai plays a vital role in ensuring that Singapore’s electricity system remains reliable, resilient and ready for the future.

“A typical day for me involves monitoring system performance, analysing data, and identifying areas for improvement to strengthen the grid’s resilience,” she shared.

Beyond technical work, she contributes to policy discussions that shape Singapore’s energy landscape and works with industry stakeholders to support the adoption of emerging technologies and cleaner energy sources - work that is increasingly important as Singapore moves toward a more sustainable energy future.

“It’s a dynamic and meaningful role that allows me to apply engineering principles to real-world challenges,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of a team that’s driving Singapore’s energy transition.”

Yun Kai’s love for engineering took root during her childhood. As a child, she was always curious about how things worked – from fixing things around the house to wondering how electricity gets delivered to every home in Singapore.

And her father played a key role in fuelling that curiosity, as she enthusiastically watched him fix things around the house. “He was Mr Fix-It-All,” she recalled fondly. “He would fix everything at home. Whether it was changing a light bulb or patching a punctured tyre, he would let me observe and tinker with his tools.”

With a natural knack for math and science and her father’s encouragement to explore how things worked, Yun Kai found her path in engineering. But it was in university that she became interested in the energy sector.

“Learning about how energy drives both economic and environmental sustainability was eye-opening,” she said. “Engineers in the energy space don’t just design systems – they help power societies.”

That realisation is what keeps her going at work every day. “Every project I work on feels meaningful because it shapes how we live and prepares us for the future. Knowing my work helps power communities gives me a strong sense of purpose.”

Like many, Yun Kai once thought engineering was mainly about calculations and building systems. But her perspective shifted when she entered the workforce.

“Engineering is just as much about people, communication, and collaboration,” she said. “Real-world projects require coordination across departments, alignment with stakeholders, and a sensitivity to the social and environmental impact. Soft skills are just as critical as technical ones,” she added.

Working in the public sector further deepened her sense of purpose and mission. As engineers at EMA, Yun Kai and her teammates are not just designing systems. They are safeguarding the reliability, safety, and sustainability for the nation’s electricity supply.

“Engineering isn’t just about machines and infrastructure. It’s about creating solutions that improve lives. Knowing that the work we do directly impacts lives keeps me motivated,” Yun Kai added, as she witnessed how her work has made a difference.

To Yun Kai, diverse teams – where different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives come together – are key to building stronger outcomes, especially in a complex and multifaceted sector like energy. She sees the growing presence of women in engineering as a positive force. “Women bring different ways of thinking to the table, and that adds value – not just in technical work but also in how we communicate and collaborate,” she said. For her, qualities like being detail-oriented and a good listener have helped her navigate challenges and work effectively at EMA.

She also noted that women can contribute meaningfully in areas like public engagement. “We often have to engage with the public on sensitive matters. In some cases, having a female representative respond to queries has helped foster more empathetic and thoughtful conversations.

One of Yun Kai’s proudest moments at EMA was contributing to the review of Singapore’s transmission code to better support the integration of new technologies and cleaner energy sources.

“It was challenging, but also rewarding,” she reflected. “It required balancing technical constraints with future needs, and engaging stakeholders for alignment on policies.”

Through this project, she recognised how her training in engineering equipped her with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to focus on practical solutions.

Though her engineering background gave her the tools to navigate complex technical issues, it was the collaborative culture at EMA that gave her the space to lead, learn, and grow. “I’ve seen first-hand how the organisation encourages women in engineering through mentorship and inclusive leadership. There’s a genuine spirit of teamwork, and a shared commitment to building a sustainable energy future together.”

To young women considering a career in engineering, Yun Kai has a clear message: Go for it.

“Don’t let stereotypes set you back. Your perspectives, your ideas, and your voice are needed.”

She added that it was also normal to not have all the answers at the start. “Engineering is about curiosity, solving problems, and learning through experience. It’s okay to feel uncertain at times. What matters is keeping an open mind and being resilient.”

Her advice? Seek mentors, find role models who inspire you, and surround yourself with people who support you. Most importantly, define success on your own terms.

“Whether you’re designing systems, managing projects, or formulating policies, every contribution matters. We all have a part to play in shaping Singapore’s energy future.”