Sticky SPY Dream Creators

Tower cranes, excavators, concrete blocks.

The picture that comes to mind is undoubtedly a construction site. In Singapore, the stereotypical perception of the construction industry is one associated with foreign labour, safety hats, and yellow rubber boots. Not many people would associate women with such careers. YP Magazine is proud to learn more from two such emeralds of the sea.

(Wo)Men at Work

YP Magazine Advisor and Correspondent Peter Chiong interviewed two women at work; Doina Koh and Melissa Poon. They work with Dragages Singapore Pte Ltd, a Bouygues Construction Group which major projects includes the Sail @ Marina Bay. Dragage Singapore is  also currently building an upmarket condominium project on Sentosa. Doina is a Civil Engineer and Melissa is a Mechanical Engineer. They graduated from the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University respectively.

Imagine the baking sun, unpredictable elements of Mother Nature, and sweaty clothes. Well, that is only half correct. Being a Trades Engineer, Doina spends most of her time onsite being responsible for the works at the common areas (for example; corridors, clubhouses, other facilities area and equipment). She was also responsible for the external façade and building enclosures at The Sail @ Marina Bay. In addition, she ensures that the interior works that the interior works at the common areas are carried out in accordance to specifications before the handover to the Condominium’s Management.

In contrast, Melissa spends a large proportion of her time exposed to the harsh weather. As a Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Engineer of the project (though she does consider herself more mechanical rather than electrical), she spends most of her time onsite working with subcontractors and her co-workers. For both women, they couldn’t ask for more. Melissa’s intimate passion for engineering was greatly influenced by her Civil Engineer father. Her potential and passion was quickly realized by her current employer. Shortly after she completed her internship with Dragages Singapore Pte Ltd during her third year in university, and she was awarded with a standing offer of employment.

Being in an environment dominated by men, Melissa and Doina feel that it was actually beneficial. Apart from being considered as the more meticulous gender, they are also accorded more respect by the men in the workforce. Unavoidably, there is the occasional jeering from veterans of the industry. By and large, they are able to use their gender to their advantage during heated discussions and difficult situations. I mean, when these women needed assistance, which gentleman could resist saying no? Unanimously, they cited examples of ‘gallant’ co-workers coming to their rescue during disputes. On a lighter note, they would oftentimes earn the respect from the industry veterans after successfully completing their task.

While the working hours are not your usual 9-5, both Doina and Melissa enjoy the flexibility that their jobs have to offer. They are measured by deadlines and project completions. When they are not required to work the graveyard shifts, their working hours are very much in their own hands. Although sometimes their working hours impact their family and social life, they are especially thankful to have supportive families, boyfriends and friends.

Melissa often receives looks of disbelief when she explains her occupation to people. Even her own friends puns her questions such as “are you sure your building is safe?” or “do you really know what you are doing?” Clearly, their achievements and demonstrated examples spoke up for the women. The true litmus test of credibility is the acceptance by people within the company and industry, including sceptical subcontractors and workers. Doina and Melissa have since built strong bonds with subcontractor and co-workers. Of course, they have become super good friends who believe in themselves and they offer each other their encouragement during trying days.

The company focuses on team work and the spirit of camaraderie. These allowed them to grow, learn and mature in work and life. The organization also believes on a culture of diversity and meritocracy. More women are also assuming roles in the industry which is perceived as a male-dominated, chauvinistic environment.

Singapore is a vibrant city that constantly moves forward and reinvents itself.  Doina and Melissa encourage more women to step forward into their industry of passion. Do not be intimidated by the apparent harshness of the work environment, because it may turn out to be your best experience ever.