September 18, 2025 • 3 min read
A systematic approach to cutting emissions and managing the kids
“It’s unusual to find this type of opportunity to have communication with top management.”
Since joining our Singapore office in May 2022, Guan Teck Tan has quickly risen through the organization to become a senior project engineer. But his progression hasn’t just been about job titles. For Guan Teck, progressing means finding a place where he can learn and grow on the job while watching his kids, aged two and five, learn and grow at home.
After all, being a dad requires just as much dedication as navigating complex international projects. “I pick them up from childcare after work and settle them at home,” Guan Teck says. “Most of my time is spent with them. I’m a family man.”
Flexibility makes it possible. “There is work-life balance,” he says. “I like the culture here. Work means work, of course, but they also understand your personal needs.”
It helps to be heard
Guan Teck’s career path began in chemical engineering in Malaysia. He transitioned from tank construction to site work with a contractor, then moved to an engineering, procurement and construction consultancy before relocating to Singapore. Our team took note of Guan Teck’s range of experience, and it wasn’t long before the business also earned Guan Teck’s respect.
“Something that really impressed me when I joined Worley is that my colleagues are all very approachable, even up to the top management,” he says. “I hadn’t seen this type of culture at other companies. It’s unusual to find this type of opportunity to have communication with top management.”
Taking a systematic approach
Guan Teck is focused on delivering projects and ensuring milestones are met. Communication must be crystal clear across disciplines and sometimes across international borders. “My job is to ensure a project is on track and that we don’t work in siloes.”
The same approach applies to risk mitigation. “We solve issues and clear the way for our engineers to ensure work runs smoothly,” he explains.
It helps when an employer’s internal systems and standards provide a solid foundation for project management. “We have a system to follow,” he says. “If there’s any doubt, we can refer to the Worley system procedure standard. That ensures we work in a very systematic way.”
Speaking up and keeping an open mind
Beyond engineering, Guan Teck emphasizes collaboration. “We are always synchronized with the client, so we are one team. We are prompt to inform them of any issues and are always prepared to offer a solution and an action plan. It’s not simply about throwing questions at clients.”
He also values listening to clients. “We are always trying to think from their angle, rather than basing everything on our experience. So, we are open-minded.”
The transition to lower-carbon energy solutions is a central part of the job, he says. “For example, in optimizing a design I might save, say, 10 tonnes off a structure. That will reduce the carbon emissions.”
Whether working from home when his child is unwell or participating in leadership development, Guan Teck sees work as a place that fosters personal and professional growth. “It really suits me. It is a good place for me to grow.”
