Forum: Let’s look at attrition in engineers, too
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I refer to the article “Judiciary, Law Society to form joint committee to tackle lawyers’ attrition” (June 23). It prompted me to reflect on another profession that is equally vital to Singapore’s future: engineering.
Engineers design, build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps Singapore functioning. They enable advanced manufacturing, strengthen the transport and utilities systems, support the energy transition and digital transformation, and drive the innovation that underpins our competitiveness as a Smart Nation.
Yet, the engineering profession faces persistent challenges. Many experienced engineers are leaving the profession, while fewer young people are choosing this as a career. Long working hours, demanding project schedules, increasing technical complexity, the pressure to deliver projects safely and on time, and limited recognition of the profession have all made it more difficult to attract and retain engineering talent.
These are not simply workforce issues. They affect Singapore’s long-term ability to deliver critical infrastructure and realise its ambitions in advanced manufacturing, sustainability and technological innovation – the foundations of a resilient and future-ready economy.
Engineering talent is a strategic national asset. As Singapore prepares for increasingly complex infrastructure, climate and technology challenges, perhaps it is time for the Government, industry, engineering institutions and academia to examine the challenges facing the profession and develop a strategy to attract, develop and retain talent.
Liu Fook Thim
