While most nine year olds were playing with their electronic gadgets, Lee Wen Wei was taking them apart. Influenced by his father who is an electrical engineer, Wen Wei had fun figuring out how various electronic parts made the gadget work.
Once, he even took apart an expensive CD player and was scolded by his mother after he couldn’t put it back. Undeterred, the precocious child continued to experiment and even built an automatic lighting system for his cupboard.
Wen Wei’s interest and talent in engineering continued during his time in New Town Secondary School, where he had the opportunity to experience SP’s high-tech Engineering facilities through the Young Engineers Award programme. The
programme allowed him to transform a drawing of a virtual reality goggle into a 3D printed model. The meaningful experience convinced Wen Wei to apply for SP’s Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering course after receiving his
G.C.E ‘O’ Level examinations results.
A six-week internship stint at the Land Transport Authority (LTA) saw Wen Wei improving their data management applications and processes by applying the skills he picked up in his Diploma-plus
in Software Programming & Applications. During his internship, he also had the unique experience of assisting LTA on train tests for the new Downtown Line.
Besides picking up relevant engineering knowledge and skills in SP, Wen
Wei also developed himself holistically. As a member of the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Ambassadors Club, Wen Wei started an initiative to refurbish old computers and donated them to needy families. Taking on the role of Club Advisor
in his final year allowed Wen Wei to implement various initiatives to give back to the community. His selfless spirit was recognised in the form of the NYAA Gold Award.
SP also provided Wen Wei with a platform to experience different
cultures. An overseas community service trip to Yunnan, China, saw Wen Wei designing and building an incinerator for local villagers. He also represented Singapore at the International Standards Olympiad Competition in South Korea.
The
aspiring Power Engineer has already been accepted by the Nanyang Technological University to read Electrical & Electronic Engineering after national service. In the meantime, Wen Wei will be busy managing the 3D printing business he has founded.