Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering

Relish the challenge of overcoming environmental concerns and rising costs while driving pharmaceutical drug discoveries and process innovation.

The chemical industry in Singapore is centred chiefly in Jurong Island, a well-developed area housing companies such as BASF, ExxonMobil, Mitsui Chemicals, Sumitomo Chemicals, Shell and Lanxess, to name a few.

Although small, the city-state was ranked the eighth largest exporter of chemicals in 2019. The chemicals and energy sector in Singapore also maintains a steady presence among the top 10 countries in the world.

Oil, pharmaceuticals and polymers are some of the products these companies put out, along with fine chemicals and commodity chemicals.

Career overview

Chemical engineering involves the challenge of solving society’s problems with chemicals and biochemicals. Those in this field strive to create and develop the best possible methods to process raw materials into useful, innovative goods to satiate the growing demand for new products, as well as improve the use of limited natural resources.

Other career opportunities can be found in support businesses such as engineering contractors and technology development organisations, if specialisations in building chemical plants or development and patenting of new chemical manufacturing technologies are preferred.

Trends and developments

The rising cost of oil, water shortages, environmental concerns and other relevant and prominent issues are driving the industry at present, drastically affecting it and giving companies good business circumstances that have translated to a hotbed of innovation and opportunity. Likewise, there are many opportunities for graduates, as the industry is always in need of highly-skilled specialists.

It’s here that chemical engineers are trusted to find solutions that optimise processes, save on cost, and use fewer resources for the good of the environment.

Career highlights

Continuous learning

A highlight in this industry is the opportunity for continuous learning, and graduates will have the chance to explore new innovations or improvements to existing products.

Flexibility

A benefit many graduates look forward to in this industry, there’s enough flexibility accorded to explore a variety of specialised career opportunities, which can even include changes in career direction.

Mobility

There’s the chance to work anywhere in the world, whether permanently, on a secondment, or travelling from place to place when routes reopen. On the flip side, roles in R&D or production generally allow graduates to stay in one place.