#PeopleofJID: Meet some of the faces behind Jurong Innovation District

At the western corner of Singapore, a transformation is taking place. The 600-hectare Jurong Innovation District (JID) is steadily taking shape, bringing together advanced manufacturing facilities while reimagining how industrial buildings and spaces can better serve the people who use them.

Behind the district’s development are project managers Gabrielle Yip, Lee Choon Long and Samuel Chua from JTC’s New Estates Division team. They are part of a network of architects, consultants, engineers and planners turning JID’s blueprint into reality.

From left to right: Lee Choon Long, Gabrielle Yip and Samuel Chua.

One development they are closely involved with is Bulim Square, a key node in JID’s Bulim precinct. Sited in proximity to factories of the future such as Shimano and Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore, the four-block development is designed to allow companies to house the full suite of operational and HQ functions under roof, from R&D and prototyping to production and distribution. 

Their days involve careful decisions about the district's development, from implementing new infrastructure solutions to planning systems that consider both operational needs and user comfort. Here, Gabrielle, Choon Long and Samuel discuss the ins and outs of working on a massive project such as JID. 

Seeing the real-world impact of her work is something Gabrielle finds fulfilling. 

Gabrielle Yip
Tell us more about what you do.
My focus in JID is Bulim Square, as well as the infrastructure projects surrounding it. I jumped in towards the end of the project to help push Bulim Square over the finish line. We've already got the Temporary Occupation Permit for two of the blocks, with two more to go. It's been a whirlwind of coordinating complex design and infrastructure requirements, making sure we're meeting future tenants' needs, and weaving in sustainable design elements. It's exciting so far. 

What were some of the more memorable experiences you had while working on Bulim Square?
One experience that really stood out was the National Day event we held for residents in the Gek Poh neighbourhood. I had the chance to present our plans for Bulim Square and JID as a whole and let me tell you, it was incredibly rewarding! I saw the residents' genuine interest in how our JID developments would impact their neighbourhood and potentially create new job opportunities. It was a reminder of the real-world impact of our work and why community engagement is so crucial in these large-scale projects. 

What were some of the challenges you faced, especially given the complex nature of developing Bulim Square for the advanced manufacturing hub? 
Developing Bulim Square was no walk in the park, that’s for sure! One of our biggest headaches was integrating advanced infrastructure for high-tech manufacturing while keeping things flexible for future tech advancements. We had to think ten steps ahead, planning building systems that could handle heavy machinery and specialised equipment we might not even know about yet. Another tricky bit was coordinating the phased handover of different areas. We had to ensure each section was fully operational before tenants moved in, which meant a lot of meticulous planning and collaboration with various teams and contractors. It was like conducting a very complex orchestra, but instead of music, we were creating a manufacturing hub!

If you could instantly learn any skill to help with your job, what would it be?
You know what would be really cool? The ability to see the future. It’s not a skill, but it’s an ability I really want. As a project manager working on complex developments like Bulim Square, being able to foresee potential challenges and opportunities would be a game-changer. Imagine being able to spot and fix issues before they even happen, or to optimise our timelines and resources with perfect foresight. It’s a superpower. 

Choon Long also plays an active role in organising community outreach events.

Lee Choon Long
What do you do at JTC?
I oversee the planning, development and execution of large-scale industrial infrastructure projects, coordinating with stakeholders and managing timelines and budgets. Currently, I lead a multidisciplinary team working on planning and design for an undeveloped area within JID. Projects typically take five to nine years from funding to completion. This precinct is undergoing environmental impact assessment (EIA) as we design the infrastructure to complement JID. I also engage with local communities to share updates about JID, and host international delegates interested in our development approach.

Can you tell us about a day or moment that really captured what it's like working on the project?
One such moment occurred when I had to accompany our EIA consultants on a nocturnal site reconnaissance to gather evidence of bamboo bat sightings. We identified a suitable location in the forest and settled in for a two-hour observation period. During our wait, we were treated to the subtle illumination of a few fireflies, which added an unexpected charm to the evening. This experience offered a unique perspective on the ecosystems within our project area and reminded me of the importance of integrating our developments with their surrounding environment. 

What are some of the complexities you have to deal with while working on a project of this scale?
As next-generation industrial developer, we need to approach any challenge with a broader perspective, looking beyond just construction management. For example, we had to look at relocating an existing infrastructure to make way for the further development of JID. This meant thoroughly evaluating alternatives. This was crucial in ensuring that our new development was truly necessary and optimally located to support JID.

Once we determined the current location was indeed the best option, we faced the uphill task of developing a greenfield, which is an undeveloped land. Unlike developed areas, we started with a blank slate. This meant no existing road access, drainage systems, water supply, or power infrastructure. This required multi-agency coordination to put these systems into place. 

If you had to choose one word to describe JID, what would it be and why?
I'd say 'transformative'. JID changes how we see industrial estates. Most people think of industrial areas as dirty, noisy and pollutive, but JID breaks this mold with its clean environment and community parks. It's also forward-thinking. When we started planning this a decade ago, we had to design for future needs we couldn't fully predict. That meant creating spaces flexible enough to adapt to new technologies. Plus, JID isn't just about isolated factories. It brings together research, education, business and community in one place. We're creating opportunities for innovation and collaboration that we're just starting to see unfold.

According to Samuel, project managers need to wear many hats, but it’s what makes the work exciting, versatile and non-monotonous.

Samuel Chua
What's your story in JID's development?
Think of me as someone who makes sure our buildings and infrastructure projects come together smoothly — from the initial planning right through to when they're ready for use. A big part of my role in JID involves wearing multiple hats. One day I might be speaking to research institutions, potential companies looking for spaces or land and government agencies, the next I could be discussing various smart and sustainable systems with our technical team or sharing our vision with the community. I also work closely with our marketing team to help potential tenants in understanding what JID can offer them.

Creating a development like Bulim Square must have thrown up some unique challenges. Could you walk us through some of them?
The Bulim precinct is situated close to the RSAF Tengah Air Base. As such, there are height restrictions to consider when our contractors are working on the mobile cranes to build the superstructures. Naturally, this affected how we could work to meet the completion timeline. We found a way around it though – we started working in the wee hours and weekends so that it wouldn’t affect air base operations.  

As there are numerous construction projects (both building and infrastructure) adjacent to each other, the interfacing and coordination work between different projects has proven to be another challenging aspect. We conduct frequent meetings with the various project teams to synchronise efforts and ensure that each project minimises its impact on others.

If you had to choose one word to describe JID, what would it be and why?
I'd say JID is really looking ahead to the future. We wanted to create something different as compared to the traditional industrial property — an industrial estate where you can work, live, learn and play, all in one place.

We've implemented infrastructure elements that haven't been done before in Singapore, like our Sky Corridor and District Logistics Network. But it's more than just new buildings and fancy infrastructure. We're building an ecosystem where businesses can work together, innovate and grow sustainably. The idea is to create a space where both local companies and global players can thrive and push boundaries together. It's quite exciting to see it all coming together.