For Dickson Fong, becoming an engineer wasn’t his plan growing up – but it led to a career he now enjoys and is proud of.

“I was always drawn to mathematics and physics; solving complex problems gave me immense satisfaction,” he says. “I initially set my sights on actuarial science. But due to personal circumstances, I pivoted to civil engineering – and I’ve never looked back. That decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve made!”

Today, Dickson is a senior structural engineer in the Buildings team at global built environment consultancy Arup in Singapore. He has worked on several major projects, including the Shaw Tower redevelopment, the Comcentre redevelopment, and the Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat Nature Park.

From schematic design to post-construction stages, he oversees design coordination, manages project deliverables with his team, and resolves site challenges – whether they relate to design, construction, or materials.

Dickson was accorded ACES Young Consulting Engineer of the Year 2025 (Civil & Structural) in recognition of his contributions to the consulting engineering field in Singapore. The award was presented by the Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore (ACES).

“Beyond day-to-day responsibilities, I strongly believe that a good engineer must be up on their toes with the latest technologies,” states Dickson. “As the technology portfolio lead in my group, I actively explore and share new innovations with my team, connecting colleagues with industry players to explore potential implementations. It’s rewarding to see how technology can enhance what we do and how we do it.”

‘Talent retention’ still challenging

With his previous experience as a consulting engineer in Malaysia, Dickson has the best of both worlds. ”I’ve come to appreciate the rigour and resilience of Singapore’s construction practices. Here, every lesson learned from past incidents is taken seriously. Measures are quickly implemented to prevent recurrence, as there is a lot to lose if the incident happens again. I really admire how all stakeholders – from authorities to clients and contractors – collaborate to create a safer, more sustainable industry.”

Having said that, he points out that talent retention is still a key challenge in engineering and construction. “While attracting young talent to our industry is already an uphill task, retaining those we’ve trained adds another layer of complexity. Many leave for other industries, and as a mentor, it’s disheartening to see potential walk away.

“However, I’m encouraged to know this issue is being addressed at the national level, with leaders like Minister Indranee Rajah co-chairing a taskforce focused on this and other pressing challenges. It shows that the future of our industry is being taken seriously.”

‘Entering a new era’

Speaking of innovation, Dickson shares what makes his job even more interesting. “In land-scarce Singapore, we’re constantly challenged to innovate. We’ve entered a new era where sustainability isn’t just encouraged – it’s expected.

“There’s a growing emphasis on circular economy principles: designing for disassembly, reuse, retrofitting and adaptability. Clients are increasingly receptive to these ideas, and engineers are on their toes to do better.”

He stresses that “each new project is an opportunity to improve, to apply lessons from the past, and to grow as an engineer.”

The Comcentre redevelopment, currently under construction, stands out as Dickson’s favourite project. “It holds a special place in my heart because we’re pushing new boundaries. We’re reconstructing a basement over an existing structure, carefully evaluating and retaining certain structural elements to improve the project’s carbon footprint.

“It’s poised to be Singapore’s first development with carbon-neutral construction and operations, and I’m happy to be playing a part in achieving this vision.”

‘Be a sponge’

Dickson’s advice to aspiring engineers? “Build a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals during your academic years, and then actively apply that knowledge during your practical experiences. Technical skills are essential, but so are communication and problem-solving skills. Also, if you’re in consulting, you’ll quickly learn that a technically sound solution isn’t always practical on-site.”

“Having passion in this industry helps a lot,” he adds. “Our projects can span years, and without a genuine desire to see them through, it’s easy to feel burned out. But if you care deeply about creating lasting impact, this career can be incredibly fulfilling.”

He gives another important piece of advice, which he received early in his career and now passes on to his juniors: “Spend as much time as possible on construction sites. Be a sponge. Observe how things are built. Understand construction constraints. Many solutions that look perfect on paper may not work on-site due to real-world limitations. Site visits allow professional engineers to pick up any design inadequacy and react in a timely manner to rectify the design.”

Sharing his hope and aspirations for the future, Dickson says, “The SG60 theme, ‘Building Our Singapore Together,’ beautifully reflects the spirit of our engineering and construction industry. We stand on the shoulders of those who built this nation – engineers, architects and construction professionals who laid a solid foundation. My hope is that we continue to build on their legacy, strengthening our profession while embracing innovation and sustainability.”

“I’m also excited about how technology, especially AI, can enhance our work. From streamlining design workflows to automating repetitive tasks, these tools will allow us to focus more on creativity, value creation and impact,” he enthuses, but reminding that “no matter how advanced our tools become, I believe our human values matter most.”

As he grows into a leadership role, Dickson is clear on his objective. “I’m committed to nurturing a culture of kindness, knowledge-sharing and integrity. We must uplift those around us and invest in the next generation because they will carry the torch long after us.

“I live by this simple motto: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ I believe that if we lead with empathy and purpose, the future of our industry and our nation will be bright.”

All images courtesy of Dickson Fong/Arup