Jobs in Singapore: “How I went from SAF officer to project manager at a Dutch manufacturing MNC”

Ng Wee Kiat is a Project Manager at Dutch high-tech manufacturer VDL Enabling Technologies Group (ETG), which is one of Singapore’s key contract manufacturers supplying semiconductor players like Applied Materials, KLA and ASM. VDL ETG has been here for 55 years and recently invested S$100 million in a state-of-the-art facility in Singapore. Anchored by a highly-skilled team of 800 employees and a strong ecosystem of local suppliers, this facility is the largest in Asia and the third largest in operation globally by revenue.
 

1. Tell us about what you do at VDL ETG.

At VDL ETG, we specialise in product design and high-tech manufacturing and are one of the key contract manufacturers supplying equipment to global semiconductor players. As a Project Manager, my key focus is on new product development. I collaborate with our customers – from both Singapore and overseas – to bring their products and solutions to life. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution and each piece of equipment we manufacture is customised to the client’s needs.

In my day-to-day work, I liaise and communicate with a range of stakeholders, including internal departments, external suppliers and overseas clients. When a customer comes to VDL ETG, I will first speak with them to understand their requirements and align on project expectations. I then translate their needs to our engineering, sourcing and production teams and help oversee the manufacturing process, so we can deliver solutions to our clients on time.

For new products, clients often have a time-to-market goal as they want to be the first to launch a new solution or technology. The expectations are high and the timelines we have to work with are usually very tight. Hence, a big part of my job is about managing change, whether it’s ongoing improvements, process updates or cost reduction initiatives, to ensure the production process is smooth. That’s what makes the work challenging but rewarding.

2. How did you end up in this role at VDL ETG? What were some challenges you had to overcome when transitioning to a new industry?

I spent the first chapter of my career with the Singapore Armed Forces, where I developed strong leadership, operational planning, and stakeholder management skills. After over a decade of service, I made a conscious decision to pivot into the private sector as I was looking for a new challenge. The semiconductor industry stood out to me because of its global impact and the complexity of its operations – I wanted to be part of an industry that was at the forefront of technological advancements.

The product development role at VDL ETG felt like a good fit as I could be involved in developing and implementing innovative manufacturing solutions for global leaders in the semiconductor industry. It also offered me a sense of dynamism in my work – for new products, there will always be teething issues after they are launched and this requires problem-solving. The opportunity to pick up new skills and experiences was a big reason why I chose to join VDL ETG.

When I first came into this role, it was a huge culture shock as there were significant differences between collaborating with people in the private sector and working with military personnel. In the private sector, everyone has their own approach to work, so you need to figure out what’s the best way to communicate with them. I had to get up to speed with highly specialised technical knowledge and the nuances of different manufacturing environments as well. While the leadership and project management skills I had from my army days were transferable, adapting to the fast-paced nature of the semiconductor industry and learning to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders were significant challenges. The learning curve was steep, and I had to quickly immerse myself in engineering terminology, cleanroom protocols, and quality standards, but I gradually adapted.

3. You participated in the SGUnited Skills Programme for Additive Manufacturing. How was that experience like for you?

The SGUnited Skills Programme played a critical role in my career transition. It provided me with comprehensive training in semiconductor technology, project management, and industry-specific tools. More importantly, it instilled in me the mindset of continuous learning, a key attribute for any mid-career professional looking to switch paths.

One of the most unexpected and valuable parts of the programme was having the chance to collaborate with researchers and engineers from A*STAR. They shared their experience and knowledge with us in areas like 3D printing, which gave me hands-on exposure and insights into the latest industry developments. After all, it’s not every day that you get to learn directly from subject matter experts in the field.

Upskilling programmes like these are essential for Singapore’s workforce to remain adaptable and competitive. They bridge gaps in knowledge while unlocking new pathways for Singaporeans to contribute to high-value industries.

4. What words of advice do you have for others who are looking to make a mid-career switch?

When I first told my family and friends I was planning to leave the army, many of them reacted negatively as they felt that I was giving up on a stable career for the unknown. Today, I’m proud I had the courage to take the step forward to learn something new.

Switching careers takes time and effort, and moving between different industries requires you to put in the work to make it happen. The first step is staying open and being willing to explore. Do research on the sectors you’re interested in, but don’t write off the ones you’re not familiar with as there could still be opportunities out there for you to tap on. People are a valuable resource as well. Speak to individuals in the sectors you’re keen to explore and even those outside of it. Gathering different perspectives and opinions can help you make a more informed decision on where to go next.