Ask Colin Tan, Senior Project Manager with Tiong Seng Contractors, what he does for a living and he’ll tell you he just has a great time. That doesn’t mean to say that Colin doesn’t work. It's just that he enjoys it that much that he doesn’t see it as work!
So what makes being a civil engineer so enjoyable? For Colin, it’s the thrill of seeing the process evolve from designs on paper to the finished structure, and the challenge of pioneering new methods and processes to improve work on-site.
One project Colin is particularly proud of is the Parc Emily Condominium. “I was involved in this eco-friendly project for the past three years and had to incorporate a lot of interesting concepts,” Colin enthuses. One such project was the installation of a prefab toilet. All features from toilet works, ceiling works, shower screens, cabinets and mirrors were done off site, and the entire unit was put together and brought, completed, to the site for installation.
The construction industry is moving towards the adoption of more eco-friendly work practices and Colin is an avid supporter. “Over the years, we have progressed to using green dry wall processes for a cleaner working environment and as a way to save water,” Colin says. “In addition, for all our projects, we have a filtration system where we collect rain water for construction use and as a way to manage silt drainage.”
Though the work can be challenging at times, Colin takes it in his stride. At home, he fusses over another great love – his dog Dinky, as a way to relief his stress. Weekends are often spent with wife and Dinky at parks and beaches.
Colin urges any student considering engineering to follow the career path towards civil engineering. “There are plenty of prospects for good engineers, especially if you look out for new technology. Love your work and you will enjoy it.”