She gave up her high heels for construction boots. She sacrificed her time to work six days a week. She weathered the scorching sun and torrential rain, all for a chance to experience first hand the construction works at the much-anticipated integrated resort in downtown Marina Bay.
Trained in civil engineering, Grace Mui jumped at the opportunity to work at the construction site of the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. When the Building and Construction Authority was tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of various works at the site, Grace signed up for the Resident Engineer position almost immediately!
After spending nine months at Marina Bay, Grace is now back in her air-conditioned office in BCA’s Strategic Policy Department. We caught up with her as she shares her experiences on what it is like working under the sun.
MNDLINK: How did you come to be seconded to the IR job?
Grace: I thought the project was interesting, so we tried to link up with them (Marina Bay Sands). I wanted to work at the site even though it was a six-day work-week as I thought I needed the experience for my own development. I joined BCA straight after I graduated in 2001, so I didn’t have much site experience. I was excited and raging to go. At the same time, I was also apprehensive about it as I did have my concern as to whether I could handle full-time site work.
So what’s a typical day like for you at the Marina Bay Sands?
On a typical day, as a Resident Engineer for the 55-storey hotel tower construction, I need to first check out the contractor's programme for the day to learn about the construction works that would be carried out. Then I have to plan the inspection schedule for my technical officers and myself.
My team carried out inspections on the structural elements done by the contractor. It was my duty to make sure that the works carried out on the site complied with the structural plans and designer's specifications.
In addition, my team looked after the material quality. We took samples from the materials used onsite and witnessed the testing. We also interpreted the results to see if the material quality met the required standards.
Furthermore, I reviewed the builder's submissions, such as the construction method statement, materials proposals, tests reports and monitoring reports etc. Sometimes, we also need to attend construction coordination meetings, QA/QC meetings, and any other ad-hoc discussions with regard to site issues.
You are a lady working in a male-dominated environment. How did you feel about this?
Indeed, I was one of the very few ladies on site. It kind of works two ways. For one, my colleagues generally took more care of me. They would warn me of the potential site hazards and so on.
But inevitably, there were some minor glitches and inconveniences. For instance, I still recall how many of the workers did not close the doors when using one of those mobile toilets. That gave me a shock initially. So after that, I learnt to look away and not let my eyes wander whenever I walked past these toilets.
Any learning points you picked up during your time there? And what were some of the challenges you faced?
My supervisors and co-workers guided me and taught me about site operations, things to look out for during inspections, 'tricks' of the contractors and their sub-contractors.
In terms of challenges, I found myself exercising more EQ and not just IQ working in a male-dominated environment and working for a regulatory arm like BCA. Due to this, the people there were generally more wary of me, and they took some time to finally warm up to me. I relied quite a bit on my female sensitivity and often listened to their concerns, while trying my best to resolve their problems.
Grace Mui and her colleagues at Marina Bay Sands
I also had to get used to working in unpredictable conditions such as extreme weather and working from height. There was once when 10 of us had to seek shelter in a small shed during a storm. It was memorable, but such instances also reminded me of the challenges that I could face at the work site.
In what ways do you think this experience has benefited you in your current position at BCA?
The technical knowledge that I have gained enables me to better understand the site environment, the mode of operation and the supply chain. Now that I am back in BCA working on policy issues, I can definitely reflect on this body of knowledge when it comes to future policy formulation. The hands-on experience also helps me when I am reviewing technical proposals. I now have a better understanding of the site operations and construction methods, and I can deal with site-related issues in a better manner.
Do you miss being out in the field?
Definitely! It’s always interesting to see and experience for myself the actual construction works on site, even though that means spending more on sun block. Actually, I gave up on sun block few months after my attachment at Marina Bay.
Want to experience life like Grace? Find out more about BCA’s career opportunities here: http://www.bca.gov.sg/Careers/careers.html. For more information about a career in the built environment, check out http://www.buildingcareers.sg.