I am Vaibhavi and I am an undergraduate pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan, currently doing a three-month internship with EMA. I’m attached to the Systems Control Department (SCD) under the Power Systems Operation Division (PSOD) – that’s the team responsible for helping to keep Singapore’s lights on 24/7!

Since joining EMA, I have had the chance to work on projects such as solar forecasting and the automation of the Direct Supply Scheme (DSS), a scheme that is designed to mitigate potential energy shortfalls by coordinating energy allocation among the various generation companies to ensure adequate energy. It has been meaningful to apply what I have learned in school to tackling real-world challenges that impact people’s lives.

I also sit in on cross-departmental meetings such as project discussions which give me a behind-the-scenes look at how the national power system is monitored and managed. It is pretty cool to be part of the discussions, and even more so when I get to share updates on the tasks I have been working on, which gives me a sense of accomplishment.
 

Adjusting from school life to interning at EMA was smoother than I expected.

Right from the start, I was given meaningful tasks and responsibilities to keep me engaged, which helped me contribute actively to the team.

And a big reason why the transition went smoothly was because of my buddy, Jidi. She introduced me to everyone in PSOD and included me during breaks and lunch and made sure I settled in comfortably. Thanks to her, I felt welcomed and part of the team.

It was incredible to be able to witness EMA’s operations up close in person. I gained a much deeper understanding of the energy system by learning how the generation and transmission of electricity and gas are monitored, as well as how our gas supply is managed. Learning directly from the system operators really brought these complex systems to life for me.

One standout moment for me was observing the testing of the new Meranti Power generation units, particularly the black start test. Even though I have a good understanding of plant operations from school, observing the actual testing process firsthand helped to reinforce and deepen my knowledge.

Everyone I work with is deeply passionate about what they do, and that energy really motivates me. There is always something happening and every week brings something new, whether it is new updates or progress on the projects that we are working on.

I also appreciate that my work is not routine or desk bound. I have had the opportunity to go onsite and witness plant testing in person. It has been very rewarding to see that I am contributing to something important, even as an intern.

One of the most important things I have come to realise is how critical energy security is. For instance, given the increasing adoption of solar energy, I have realised that complex technical considerations must be carefully thought through to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply. I am currently helping to improve EMA’s solar forecasting model, as it is crucial to forecast accurately the amount of solar output at a given time to ensure energy security.

I have also learned that it is critical for the energy sector to stay technologically relevant. For example, I am helping to automate the current Direct Supply Scheme (DSS) operations to reduce human error especially in situations that require quick operator response to ensure adequate energy supply. I also had the chance to learn from the Energy Management Systems Department (EMSD) colleagues about new cybersecurity measures like quantum key distribution that can detect attempts to intercept messages, hence protecting against cyberthreats to future-proof our energy data. It is interesting to see how we can tap on technological innovations to help ensure energy security.

Looking back on my internship journey, it has been an incredibly enriching experience for me.

Beyond the opportunities to witness the plant testing and deepen my understanding of the energy sector, I have also grown a lot professionally. Getting hands-on experience in the working world has helped me improve my soft skills, such as learning to communicate clearly, as well as collaborating effectively with colleagues across different teams.

With this internship experience, I now have a clearer picture of the important work that EMA and PSOD does. This experience has not only given me greater confidence, but it has also helped me build a good foundation when I eventually return to work with EMA after I graduate.