Transforming lives and making a difference – that’s how Hasinah Binte Mohamed Amin sees her role as an engineer helming SP Group’s MRT Diversion Unit (MRTU). When she passes by MRT infrastructures with her two little ones, aged six and four years old, Hasinah would sometimes explain how the work of her team plays a part in shaping Singapore’s future land transport system.

The team led by Hasinah is a tight-knit group of dedicated technicians, technical officers and fellow engineers. They work closely with Land Transport Authority (LTA) to reroute existing live electricity cables to pave the way for major infrastructure initiatives for the country, such as new MRT lines and expressways.

ON THE FRONTLINE

“Just picture this,” Hasinah explains. “To build an underground MRT station in an area with restricted space, cables would have to be diverted temporarily and rediverted again to a permanent corridor when construction is completed.”

Hasinah leads in the coordination between LTA and SP Group on island-wide projects such the Thomson-East Coast Line and the integrated North South Corridor that will enhance connectivity from the northern region to the city. “It’s not as simple as relocating existing cables to make way for new developments,” Hasinah continues.

“The process requires decommissioning the old and installing in the new. This entails laying fresh cables and redirecting electricity through them. The meticulous procedure, known as ‘cable diversion’, must be flawlessly executed to prevent any interruption to electrical supply.”

These projects are massive undertakings. “An example is the Cross-Regional Line, which will run for 50km underground. You can imagine the magnitude of this task,” exclaims Hasinah.

A WORLD BENEATH OUR FEET

It’s no mean feat given the intricate labyrinth of electrical cables, gas pipes, telecommunication cables, fibre-optic cables and water pipes that crisscross beneath our feet. Their work is made more complex by large-scale underground developments, from utilities to rail lines and roads, to meet the many growing needs of our urban environment. And, it’s not just about the new; Hasinah and her team also serve as keepers of existing electrical grid assets.

“We have to regularly maintain the cables to make sure there’s no compromise to the electricity supply,” she says. “Faulty cables can also hinder the seamless transmission of electricity. Our goal is to pre-empt such scenarios through regular upkeep.”

Hasinah is unfazed by the challenging nature of her work and encourages her team to embrace the same perspective. “It’s definitely not easy work, but it’s worth it when you think about the improvements we are making to the lives of Singaporeans,” she states. The influence of their efforts isn’t limited to mega projects like the development of new MRT lines.

She fondly recalls a collaborative effort with Housing & Development Board, Singapore Land Authority and the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council to ease congestion in a carpark along Cashew Road, due to changing land use. Throughout the year-long mission, SP Group was integral in the reconfiguration of the driveway that was in front of an electricity substation.

Hasinah and her team stepped in to divert cables away from the site prior to the construction of the new driveway to alleviate traffic congestion, and improve overall safety for motorists in that estate.

CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES

Hasinah is passionate about dispelling the outdated notion that engineering is not a profession suited for women. Interestingly, it was an older female cousin who encouraged her towards the engineering path. Even though the engineering sector is still largely male-dominated, she lauds the inclusive culture at SP Group. “I’ve always felt an equal standing with my colleagues, regardless of gender.”

This principle of equality is one she ardently imparts to her children, especially her younger daughter, who already exhibits an engineer’s curiosity. “She’s captivated by building and taking apart her Lego sets. If she ever chooses engineering as her career path, she’ll have my unwavering support, just as my family stood behind me.”