Scholarships

Learning and Living Abroad

This scholarship has provided me with endless learning opportunities – from the time when I pursued my Bachelors in a foreign land in 2017, all the way till now as a member of Gardens by the Bay.

My studies brought me to the University of Queensland’s Gatton campus, where I – a city girl through and through – got to experience a completely different way of life in the Australian countryside. A rural town one hour away from the bustling city of Brisbane, Gatton offered a plethora of off-campus learning opportunities. I also had the opportunity to visit various farms, gardens, and production facilities in the neighbouring towns and cities, where I learnt about the wide range of horticultural methodologies available, from traditional methods to modern ones that incorporate technology.

Working in the Gardens

I am a Manager in the Research & Horticulture department, where I am part of the in-house plant production team responsible for producing up to 30,000 plants a year to support the seven to eight floral displays that Gardens by the Bay stages annually. I also carry out production trials to determine the suitability of new plant materials for introduction to various displays. From time to time, I assist the Conservatory Operations team with the floral displays, supporting them in display conceptualisation, plant sourcing, and installation. Last but not least, I am a member of the steering committee that drives biodiversity at the Gardens. The committee’s projects include the propagation of threatened plant species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), content creation to raise wildlife awareness, as well as enhancement of the Gardens’ landscape to encourage biodiversity, among others.

Growing with the Gardens

Beyond supporting plant production in Research and Horticulture, I have had the opportunity to take on various roles in other departments, such as Attractions Operations, Conservatory Operations, Gardens Operations, and Programming. The exposure gave me the chance to interact with visitors as well as gain a deeper insight into the Gardens’ operational and corporate functions. With each job rotation, I have come to appreciate more fully the concerted efforts behind the scenes that enable the smooth running of the Gardens. Seeing how the different departments work together to nurture and grow this world-class attraction has been eye-opening.

My time in Gardens by the Bay has been immensely fruitful. New challenges mean there is never a dull day at the Gardens working alongside a team of passionate horticulturists. Being exposed to a multitude of plants from all over the globe is a key highlight of my job. As a travel enthusiast, growing and learning about the Gardens’ extensive and uncommon plant collection vicariously transports me to the different parts of the world where these plants come from. Seeing our visitors enjoy the fruits of our labour is the icing on the cake that makes my work even more meaningful.