Impacting Lives With Smart Solutions

From a young age, Adrian’s childhood dream was to be a software engineer.

“I started playing computer games at the age of five and owned my personal website at nine,” said Adrian. “My parents are very supportive of my goals and aspirations.”

Today, Adrian’s interest has led him to pursue a career with A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research (I²R), where he works on the development of an Internet of Things (IoT) platform as a Senior Research Engineer.

One of the notable projects Adrian took part in was the Integrated Environmental Modeller (IEM). Co-developed by A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC),I²R and the Housing & Development Board (HDB), the IEM is the first unified microclimatic modelling tool that integrates key environmental conditions such as wind, solar irradiance, temperature and their complex interactions into a single simulation platform.

Adrian Tan Zeng Yi as pictured here with Fachmin Folianto (standing).

The IEM is one of the smart planning tools that was adopted in the urban design of the new Tengah HDB town. From the simulation tool, architects, planners and designers are able to optimise building design, and wind flow, to build a comfortable living environment. Due to the innovative technology, IEM won the 2019 President’s Technology Award.

“No doubt, I am honoured to be part of a project that won a prestigious award, but I think the fact that I have the opportunity to join A*STAR and work in an inclusive workplace is gratifying to me,” he said.

I am always grateful to my ex-unit head, Dr Tan Hwee Pink, who had given me a chance to contribute to A*STAR when I was a fresh graduate.

Principal Research Engineer, Fachmin Folianto, who was the Co-Principal Investigator for the IEM project, shared that Adrian is a valuable member of the team.

When asked about his experience working with Adrian, Fachmin said, “Adrian is a great team player who contributes his software and technical knowledge proactively. He is open-minded to different perspectives, and the team is able to work well with him.”

Reflecting on his eight-year journey at A*STAR, Adrian shared that it is important not to be a “frog in the well” and be abreast of new technology trends.

Colleagues in A*STAR make a huge difference at work. They provide opportunities for me to learn and grow

During his free time, Adrian enjoys travelling with his family, and he enjoys learning about investment and improving his financial literacy.

For STEM students who are keen to pursue a similar discipline, Adrian advised:

If you want a challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling career that lets you develop innovative solutions, the STEM discipline is for you. Your work will potentially impact lives and help make the world a better place.

Impacting Lives With Smart Solutions

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