THE BRAINS BEHIND THE SYSTEMS

Former Chief Defence Scientist Professor Lui Pao Chuen shares his story of how a world of opportunities was opened to him during his time in the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

"The connotation of work is something that is dreary, that you'd rather not do. But in my career, I've been engaged in my interest, so I've never worked," explained the 67-year-old, the first Asian to receive the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Pioneer Award this year and the youngest recipient to boot.

Prof Lui was given the award in July for his lifetime achievements in systems engineering that have significantly contributed to Singapore's defence. This form of engineering is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on how complex projects should be managed.

As the Chief Defence Scientist for 22 of his 41 years in MINDEF, Prof Lui's work coincided with his interest in systems engineering and pushing boundaries.

Not content with the common "from cradle to grave" approach in systems engineering while pursuing his Masters degree in Operations and Research and Systems Analysis, he came up with the "from conception to retirement" approach instead. This new approach differs in that integration issues are considered before the acquisition or development of individual systems and platforms.

Applying this approach in MINDEF upon the completion of his course at the United States Naval Postgraduate School, he integrated operations with technology in the conceptualisation and development stages of designing new capabilities in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

"This ability to integrate operations and technology is one of the greatest achievements of the SAF," he said, noting that this has propelled the SAF ahead of many other militaries with military officers becoming more tech-savvy, and technologists having a better understanding of operational concerns.

Added Prof Lui:"I'm lucky to have had bosses who gave me the freedom to pursue what I think is right...they allowed me to experiment with systems, to interact with scientists from other countries, to help train the engineers."

Having made innumerable contributions to building technological capabilities in the defence ministry, Prof Lui, who became a consultant to MINDEF after his retirement in 2008, hopes to continue inspiring others.

"Hopefully, people will read my story and say: 'It can be done, let's do it.' "