Thinking by myself and realising my potential

My name is Ngiap Tiam Koh, but people usually call me Drake. I was born in Singapore and have lived here all my life.
After completing my military service, I did a bachelor’s degree with honors in electrical engineering at Newcastle University in Singapore. In my final year I focused on machine learning and artificial intelligence. It was then that I became interested in this topic and wanted to deepen my knowledge. 
My first job was at a company manufacturing hard drive components. Meanwhile, I was still a private part-time PhD student. After a few years of work and study, a professor who knew my future program manager at ENGIE gave me the opportunity to become a full-time PhD student and full-time employee at ENGIE lab Singapore. Since it would shorten my current study period while still allowing me a normal career progression, I decided to go for it. Currently, I am a researcher and my work focuses on forecasting models that support the energy management system. 

You are still studying and working full time, isn’t that a lot of work?

Yes, but I enjoy it. I get constant feedback from my manager who guides and supervises me so that I can progress smoothly.
I learned a lot during my time at ENGIE. When I started working in November 2020, I was closed, reserved, and did not really communicate with others. Basically, I listened and did the work that was asked of me. I believe I'm now a totally different person. I have opened up and I like to propose ideas during meetings, go beyond what is required, ensure the smooth delivery of projects and communicate with my peers.

So, that's one of the reasons you like what you're doing?

One great thing about being at ENGIE Lab Singapore is that it provides a safe communication environment. A good example would be that I am able to talk to anyone, including my seniors, my managers or even Loic Villocel, the Director of the Lab, and express what I think is a better way of doing things. As a result, we can gather constructive feedbacks from everyone and find the best way to deliver good results. It is great to have found a team that would take feedbacks from anyone into account.

Are there other things you like to do in your free time?

Now that I'm a full-time employee and PhD student, it's quite difficult to find time for myself. Because of that, I changed my hobbies. I used to exercise a lot, but now I’m switching to travels. I love travelling, understanding different cultures, and of course sightseeing and hiking.
It’s great because my job here gives me the opportunity for business trips to meet my colleagues, especially in France, where our headquarters are located. Last October, I went to the CRIGEN Lab in Paris, to meet some of the colleagues I have been working with for over a year. It was also the first business trip in my working career which allowed me to experience the difference between cultures. I must say that It's better to meet people face to face rather than via Teams when working very closely on a daily basis. I enjoy that ENGIE allows young people to express their own ideas/opinions so that we feel included even if we work remotely. One of the main things that I would like to share regarding working at ENGIE Lab Singapore is that they will guide you towards who you want to be. My manager with whom I have been working closely for the past years has been able to bring out the best in me and unlock my potential. 

How are Research and Innovation important for the Group?

As an employee and PhD student, I'm exposed to both the academic and industrial worlds, two very different worlds. In industry, we do not really have the time for research. We need to deliver good results quickly, often in less than one year, whereas on the academic side, you can study a topic for the next two or three years, and sometimes even longer. 
It’s a challenge but I think it's good that the industrial sector is able to express its needs and Research can work on them.
I have heard from different people that without R&I there would be no business, but it’s also true that without business there would be no R&I. In my opinion, we need to work together to find how R&I can support the business. We cannot continue to do research without thinking about the business perspective. The interconnection between R&D and business is essential. 

What is your vision for the future of energy? 

My vision for the future of the energy is definitely towards renewables. Global warming is a real threat to everyone. For me, the future of energy is about finding the best clean ways to produce energy, like solar or wind. And the way the company is evolving really shows foresight.
The Paris Agreement, which has been signed by most country leaders, requires that by 2050, most countries produce clean energy. So my guess is that the future of energy will most likely be renewables for at least the next 20-30 years.

How do you imagine yourself in 10 years?

I'm doing a PhD, so most people think that I'm more focused on the technical side. However, in ten years, I would see myself in a management role rather than an expert role. 

Is there a  meaningful quote for you?

As a PhD student, we are required to read a lot of papers and books. I feel like I’m always learning from other people’s writings. My wish is that once I read a book, it inspires me to start thinking by myself, and trying to emulate or be better than the author. So, my “mantra” would be to get out of my comfort zone.