As cities grow, so do the potential risks and threats they face. Based in the Smart Security & Automation team at ST Engineering’s Urban Solutions (URS) business, Senior Engineer Jay Chen is at the forefront of designing innovative smart security and automation solutions that seamlessly integrate access control, visitor management, real-time analytics and more.
By connecting every piece of the puzzle, Jay is helping to build resilient, reliable systems that not only safeguard the future of smart cities but also enhance urban living.
Q: What is a key challenge that you face at work?
One key challenge is coordinating multiple moving parts across teams while ensuring everything works seamlessly in the field. Another challenge is anticipating future scalability and cybersecurity needs while delivering solutions for today. This balancing act is what keeps my work both complex and rewarding.
Jay (front row, far left in the first photo) with his teammates.
Q: What is your personal motto for overcoming such key challenges at work, and how might it resonate with fresh graduates?
My personal motto is “progress through clarity”. In engineering and in life, challenges often feel overwhelming because they are vague. I’ve learnt that taking the time to define a problem precisely, to understand why something fails or what success truly means, is what allows me to move forward confidently.For fresh graduates, I think this mindset matters because the first few years are full of unknowns. Instead of rushing for answers, focus on asking better questions. Clarity builds momentum.
Q: Why do you want to work at ST Engineering?
ST Engineering is a globally recognised organisation with a strong track record in innovation and real-world impact. What excites me most is how it provides engineers like me with diverse pathways to grow not just technically but as well-rounded professionals. Beyond advancing in emerging technologies, there are opportunities to strengthen leadership capabilities, refine communication skills and develop a deeper understanding of how engineering solutions contribute to broader business outcomes. In the long term, I hope to grow into a role that bridges technical excellence with organisational strategy—one where I can create value at a higher level and contribute meaningfully to the company’s direction as a future leader.
As a member of CARE4URS, a CSR committee that organises wellness activities for URS employees, he helped coordinate sports events like pickleball sessions, bringing teams together to have fun and stay active.
Q: You mentioned that you visit traditional tea houses monthly to unwind from the daily grind. How do these visits help you reset and return to work with a refreshed mindset?
Tea culture teaches patience, precision, and presence—values that apply directly to engineering. The small details, like timing and temperature, remind me that while precision is key, maintaining calmness is just as important.
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