Interview with Bernard See, IT Director

in the Spotlight

Bernard See will celebrate his 45th year of working at Asia Infrastructure Solutions this year. Find out more on how Bernard’s role has evolved and his reason for staying committed.

In the Spotlight

Interview with Bernard See, IT Director (Singapore)

July 28, 2023
Sherine Chng

Q1. Share a brief overview of your career journey within AIS? How many years have you been with the Company?

I joined Langdon Every and Seah (LE&S) on 1^st January 1979, so it will be my 45^th year in the company on 31^st December 2023.

Q2. What drew you to AIS originally?

AIS was then known as LE&S. During an internship with a Contractor, I worked on a project where the Quantity Surveying firm was LE&S. As I wanted to join a consulting company, LE&S naturally came to my mind.

Q3. What were some significant milestones or turning points that you experienced during your time here?

I have had the privilege of working as a Quantity Surveyor for approximately 12 to 13 years, after which I was offered a role in the IT Department, which I gratefully accepted. Thriving in the IT domain, I am now taking a lead role in the department.

Q4. How has the AIS’s culture evolved during your tenure?

Compared to the past, our organisation now places significant emphasis on key areas such as Health and Safety, Work Life Balance, Employee Mental Health, and Employee Engagement.

Q5. What is one thing that you wish people knew about your job?

Behind the scenes, there is a continuous effort put forth by each member of my team to overcome challenges, streamline processes, and maintain seamless operations. All these require a lot of dedication and patience to ensure smooth operations.

Q6. What do you enjoy most about working here?

To be able to say that you play a part in the success story and that is a great feeling.

Q7. What do you look forward to most when you come to work every day?

I look forward to collaborating with my teammates and co-workers, as it provides excellent opportunities to explore ideas where improvements can be made.

Q8. How has the industry evolved during your time at AIS, and how has AIS adapted to these changes?

Since joining the IT department, I have witnessed rapid and significant changes in technology. Embracing a mindset to continuously learn and keep up with the developments is crucial to adapt effectively to these changes.

Q9. What do you see as the most significant challenges and opportunities for AIS in the future?

Technology advancement presents opportunities to enhance efficiency within AIS. Leveraging technology to improve collaboration and analysis allows growth and success to drive AIS forward.

Q10. What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far? Are there any challenges you faced during those projects, and how were they overcome?

One of my most meaningful accomplishments thus far has been successfully migrating data files and emails from our local on-premises data center to the Cloud. This project spanned almost three years and required meticulous planning, coordination, and rigorous testing and validation at each stage of the process.

Q11. What has motivated you to stay with AIS for so many years? Is it work satisfaction, culture, colleagues, leadership, or others?

I am very fortunate to have very hardworking and knowledgeable teammates, as well as an encouraging line manager. The autonomy I am granted and the recognition I received make me feel valued at work. The company also provides ample opportunities for learning and growth, making it an ideal place to develop professionally and remain committed.

Q12. What have been some of the most important lessons you have learned throughout your career?

I have learned never to give up because I firmly believe that there is always a solution to every problem. This belief has been pivotal in overcoming the many challenges I encountered in my work.

Q13. What would your perfect weekend look like?

My perfect weekend is to spend time with my family.

Q14. Describe an interesting hobby or pastime that you have.

I used to play squash but due to age, I have switched to bowling. I play bowling almost every weekend now with my family.

Q15. What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?

I have four children (all boys) – something not common for my generation or even now.

Q16. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career at AIS?

To someone who has just started their career, I would advise him/her to set their goals clearly and have a passion for continuous learning.

Q17. Are there any key values or principles that you believe have contributed to your success here?

I believe respecting others and being helpful not only foster positive working relationships and teamwork, but also contribute to job satisfaction and success. Perseverance is also vital in achieving my personal and professional growth.

Q18. What industry changes or trends do you think will have the biggest impact?

Cloud Computing, ChatGPT, and IoT are among the IT industry’s most impactful developments. These innovations, which have the potential for further advancements, will continue to have an effect on how an organisation operates.