Soe Minn Sett
Principal Engineer, CAPE
When did you join CAI?
1 July 2013
Describe your role and responsibilities in CAI and tell us if they meet your career aspirations?
Changi Airport Planners and Engineers (CAPE) provides airport planning and engineering consultancy services. I am a civil engineer from CAPE, specialising in airfield infrastructure such as runway, taxiway, apron, aircraft parking stand and airfield storm water drainage system. Safe aircraft operation is our paramount priority as we have to ensure our designed airfield infrastructures are safe and efficient for aircraft operation.
Building an airport was my childhood dream. It started from a simple wish – to store my model aircraft neatly and in such a way that they can be efficiently moved around for play without damaging each other. This childhood dream spurred me on to join CAPE, which gave me the opportunity to plan and design world-class airport infrastructures.
Besides work related matters, is working in CAI an overall good fit for you given the phase of life you are in? Please elaborate. (For example, if you have dependents, does the company practice family friendly work policies?)
Balancing the demands of work and family life is the toughest task for a mid-career person like myself. It’s about both work-life balance and planning for the next phase of life too. With an understanding reporting officer and supportive team mates, I am never absent from important family events, including children’s school activities and visits to parents who live overseas. Also, CAI allows me to pursue an Executive MBA programme to expand my knowledge and management skills, in spite of tight project schedules.
Can you recall what are the most fulfilling times you have had in CAI? Any particular examples to share?
Honestly, there are many memorable events for me in CAI, so it is hard to say which one is the most memorable. We provide engineering consultancy service to our clients and customers. For each and every project, we listen carefully to the client’s requirements, ponder through the fine details, and customise the service so as to help clients effectively solve their issues. The most fulfilling time for me is when I receive compliments from clients.
How would you describe your job here at CAI in a single sentence?
Passion and interest converge.
Describe what drives the CAI culture.
Commitment to excellence with excellent people.
What is the biggest and most interesting challenge to your job (without going into too much details)?
Understanding potential disruption in the industry, adapting my skills for the new trend and new technology whenever the opportunity presents itself.
What advice would you give to prospective job seekers?
Attitude plays the biggest role in the work environment. Be positive, open and continually seek growth. This will pave the way for career growth and further development.
Anything we have missed out but you would like to share with us on your journey with CAI so far?
There are plenty of learning opportunities in CAI for everyone. The role in the company is not limited to profession or discipline, and can be performed across different functions.