Many have wondered why Leslie chose to pursue a Master’s in Supply Chain Management despite his career focus on safety in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. The reason is simple: supply chains underpin every industry. In recent years, Leslie has witnessed how global disruptions such as COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, and rising tariffs have placed immense pressure on businesses. For a resource-scarce nation like Singapore, securing raw materials, managing costs, and ensuring resilience are critical for survival. These challenges sparked Leslie’s interest in understanding supply chain dynamics, leading him to enrol in the MSc in Supply Chain Management programme at the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management, National University of Singapore.

Through his research project, “Impact of Energy Transition on Supply Chain Network Design,” Leslie gained a deeper appreciation of the complexity and significance of supply chain resilience in the energy sector. While many people associate supply chains with e-commerce or fast-moving consumer goods, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Apple, his experience revealed that energy supply chains are equally critical and far more intricate. It also reinforced the importance of staying ahead as a regulator. With Singapore’s limited resources, being prepared for diverse energy alternatives is essential to ensure reliability and sustainability in the long term.

Today, Leslie is a Specialist in the Civil Service, auditing the safety of installations that process, manufacture, or store hazardous substances, and assessing how major accident risks are managed. As industries and the transport sector work toward decarbonisation, green fuels such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen are emerging as key alternatives. While vital for sustainability, these also present new health and safety challenges. Leslie and his team are rethinking regulatory processes to streamline approvals without compromising safety. This approach will help businesses meet project timelines, capture market opportunities, and strengthen Singapore’s competitiveness.

Looking ahead, Leslie aims to continue developing within the Civil Service. He is committed to innovating in regulatory enforcement and influencing the industry not only through compliance but also by supporting organisations as they prepare for future challenges, including those related to climate change and energy transition, while ensuring operations remain both efficient and safe.

When Leslie began the programme, he had little prior knowledge of supply chain management, yet he took the leap without hesitation. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of his career. The experience challenged him, expanded his perspective, and transformed how he thinks about the interconnectedness of safety, resilience, and business continuity. His advice for anyone considering further studies is simple: go for it. It will push you beyond your comfort zone and equip you with the tools to stay relevant and future-ready.