Q1. As a Senior Bridge Engineer, what does engineering mean to you beyond calculations and drawings?
To me, engineering is deeply connected to physics and how things work in real life, often in ways we don’t realise. Many of the principles we use every day are the same ones that shape the structures around us. Beyond calculations and drawings, engineering is about understanding these behaviours, making responsible decisions, and translating theory into safe, practical solutions that people can rely on. It’s also about balancing safety, constructability, cost, and real-world constraints, always keeping the human impact in mind.
Q2. What drew you to specialise in bridge engineering?
I first started learning about bridge engineering during university, and it quickly became one of the subjects I enjoyed the most. I was especially fascinated when it became part of my final-year project, as it allowed me to understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of bridge design. When I started working, I initially worked on project management for a railway project. Since it was mainly an elevated structure, I worked very closely with the bridge engineering team, which gave me valuable exposure to real-world bridge design and construction challenges. Over time, this strengthened my interest even more. About two years later, I was offered the opportunity to officially join the bridge department, which was something I had always hoped for. It truly felt like a dream come true, and since then, I’ve never looked back.
Q3. What does a typical day look like for you?
My day usually involves a mix of modelling, design, and discussions. I find that sharing and discussing technical issues often opens up new perspectives, assumptions, and possibilities, which leads to better solutions. These conversations are an important part of the design process.
I also spend time guiding junior engineers, whether it’s reviewing their work, explaining design concepts, or helping them build confidence. I strongly believe that knowledge should always be passed on. To me, every piece of knowledge needs a successor, and mentoring is one of the most meaningful parts of my role.
Q4. What’s one misconception people have about engineering?
Most people think engineering is mainly about construction, but in reality, a lot more happens long before anything is built. There is extensive planning, risk assessment, option studies, and value engineering involved to finally arrive at a design that is truly fit for construction. Much of this critical work happens behind the scenes, yet it plays a major role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and buildability.
Q5. Have you ever experienced self-doubt?
Yes, definitely. As a structural engineer, I feel that a certain level of self-doubt is important because it pushes me to explore better solutions. Even with time and experience, self-doubt makes me do that one extra check in everything I design. It keeps me careful, thorough, and responsible, and helps ensure that I deliver the safest and best possible solution.
Q6. Can you share a moment where giving – whether time, guidance or support – led to meaningful growth, either for you or someone else?
I didn’t start my career doing design and modelling straight away. In the early years, I handled simpler tasks like coordinating drawing submissions and managing documentation, which at the time felt frustrating and repetitive. But looking back, those experiences helped me understand drawings, construction sequences, and coordination far better than I realised. They shaped the way I approach design today, which makes me more practical and thoughtful.
Now, when I spend time guiding junior engineers, I see the same journey repeating. I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned and helping them understand not just how to do things, but why. At the same time, teaching and explaining constantly challenge me to reflect, learn, and improve. In many ways, giving time and guidance has helped me grow just as much as it has helped others.
Q7. How do you define impact in engineering?
Impact, to me, is seeing my designs perform safely and reliably throughout their service life, especially during the first critical years, and knowing they are being used by the public with confidence. Being part of an infrastructure that people depend on every day is deeply meaningful.
Q8. What does empowerment mean to you as a woman in engineering?
Empowerment means having confidence in my abilities, continuously growing so I can contribute more, and using that strength to support and encourage other women in the field. It is about creating a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels motivated to learn, collaborate, and succeed together.
Q9. What advice would you give young women considering engineering?
Be open to new knowledge and possibilities. Stay curious, ask questions, and try to learn something new every day. Engineering is closely connected to physics and daily life, even more than we realise. It is very fulfilling to be involved in real-world solutions that people use every day and to know that your work makes a difference.
Q10. How do you maintain balance outside of work?
I try to make time to rest, recharge, and spend time with people who matter to me. Having balance helps clear my mind, stay focused and motivated when I return to work.
Q11. What legacy do you hope to build?
I hope to help shape confident, capable, and thoughtful future engineers. If I can contribute through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and positive influence, that would be a legacy I would be proud of.
