Why I Chose This Path
I joined Oung Construction by reaching out directly with the clear intent of interning in the marine civil engineering sector, a field I believe is vital for Singapore’s future as we face rising sea levels and the need for stronger coastal protection.
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I appreciate Oung Construction for giving me the opportunity to step into the role of a full-fledged engineer, which was my primary aim for this internship. At the same time, my secondary aim was to experience the work on the ground, and I was grateful to be granted a week working as a general worker. That hands-on experience not only deepened my appreciation for the challenges of coastal works but also gave me clarity on why things are done the way they are.
Floating Sea Barrier System
May
Oung Construction builds and maintains floating sea barriers along Singapore’s coastline from Changi to Punggol, Sembawang, and Sentosa. These barriers protect our harbour waters by blocking unauthorised entry. In my first week, I visited sites across Singapore to see how these marine operations were carried out.
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Shore Protection Works
May
Arriving at Tekong was eye opening experience. I spent my first two weeks learning the ropes on site and carried out my first inspection under an engineer's supervision, which gave me a clearer understanding of the construction process. Engaging with stakeholders such as the main contractor’s engineers, the RTO, and surveyors broadened my perspective of the project.
Temporary Floating Jetty
June
I started with an initial design sketch, then refined it into CAD drawings with input from the team to account for tide levels. Applying what I had learnt in school, while also researching and referring to regulatory guidelines, I managed to create a workable design in the end. It was a proud moment to see how classroom knowledge translated into something practical.
New Work Area In Charge
June
In early June I was also put in charge of a segment of the construction works. I handled RFI checklists, planned inspections, and coordinated manpower, equipment, and daily activities. The site was small compared to the overall project but it gave me valuable experience in managing and coordinating actual operations. The work was demanding yet with guidance and collaboration from the team we kept progress on track.
Volunteering and Company Events
June to August
I had the chance to assist with the setup of my company’s 30th anniversary celebration. It was meaningful to see the effort that goes into planning such an event and to be part of the team that made it happen.
30th Anniversary Setup
Safety Campaign Day
During the site’s safety campaign day, I was in charge of procuring food and assisting with the setup of safety campaign for the welfare of the workers. It may have been a simple task, but it showed me how small contributions help create a positive and safe work culture.
Outside of work, we joined Krsna Free Meals as a volunteer. Serving the community at these events reminded me of the importance of giving back and staying connected to the people around us.
Krsna Free Meals Volunteering
A week as General Worker
July
I requested to spend a week as a general worker to experience life on the ground. Working side by side with the team helped me see the effort behind even the simplest tasks. I gained insight into their daily routines, from long hours under the sun to operating heavy machinery.
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One example was the arrangement of steel plates for stone delivery. The original setup forced the excavator to make extra movements, wasting time and fuel. After speaking with the operator, I trialled his suggestion for a new arrangement that gave him more room to move. The change worked immediately with smoother operations and faster unloading. The team continued with this method, and I realised how by listening to the site team and making such small adjustments can make a big difference in productivity.
That week also allowed me to connect with workers on a personal level. During breaks and on site, I listened to their stories about family, their years of experience, and their views on the job. These conversations gave me a deeper respect for their resilience and commitment.
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Outside of inspections, I join in site activities such as moving materials and assisting with daily routines. These moments gave me greater clarity on why workflows are carried out in certain ways and how every step adds to the bigger picture. More than anything, it showed me that construction is built not only on structures and schedules but on people working together each day.
Channel Dredging Works
August
I had the chance to go onboard a crane barge used for dredging the seabed. It was my first close look at how such marine equipment operates.
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On board, I learned about the main components of the barge and their functions. The clamshell bucket was used to scoop material from the seabed, while the winch system and crane controlled its movement with precision. Observing how the dredging process creates and maintains navigable waterways was an interesting learning point.
Prefabricated Vertical Drains
September
I spent two days on site observing how prefabricated vertical drains were installed. Until then, I had only learned about them in lectures, so this was my first chance to see the process in real life.
The installation used a drilling rig to push geotextile filter strips into the ground, reaching depths of about thirty metres. These drains help consolidate the newly filled land by giving water trapped in the soil a quicker way to escape. They remain in the ground for several months to allow settlement.
A small team was enough to carry out the work, ensuring that the procedure followed the design specifications and that safety on site was maintained. Watching this process for the first time gave me a much clearer understanding of how PVDs tie into the larger picture of land reclamation works.
To end off, it was the people around me who guided, taught, and supported me throughout this journey. Without their patience and willingness to share, I would not have had such a meaningful and enriching internship experience. This opportunity has given me not only technical knowledge but also lessons in teamwork and resilience that I will carry forward in my career.
