As a passionate engineer and footballer, Bala believes that excellent teamwork breeds success. He is hugely proud of his team mates and shares how DSO’s unique culture has propelled him closer to his goals.

What are your current responsibilities in DSO?
I’m involved in designing component packaging for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). My team and I seek innovative solutions to enclose UAV components in the lightest and most compact way. Recently, I started learning more about UAV Airframe design. It is very interesting and something I love to do.

Why do you think your work is special?
In Singapore, there are only a few companies involved in the R&D of UAVs. It’s a privilege for me to be part of this elite group.

So you love your job?
I love many things about my job. I enjoy the fact that I am learning even more things after graduation. It’s great that every working day is different. I love working in a cohesive and striving team. They are now my soccer buddies! We take time to play during DSO’s sports hour every Friday at 4.30pm.

What excites you most about your job?
The most exciting part is seeing the team’s creation take off. Each of us play a significant role in the project and when a flight test is successful, there’s a sense of instant gratification.

And teamwork is important in the accomplishment of the project’s objectives?
Defence systems, including UAVs, are highly complicated. Without a multidisciplinary team working hand in hand, the project cannot succeed. Beyond project collaborations, my team mates and supervisors have been instrumental to my personal growth. Their patience, constant advice and belief in me is something that I am very grateful for.

As an organisation, how has DSO played a role in your personal development?
DSO has a distinctive workplace culture where we are encouraged to learn and grow. Currently, I am co-sponsored for my Masters in Mechanical Engineering, but this is beyond the organisation sending you for enrichment courses. It is about developing the workplace into an open and nurturing environment. Mistakes are recognised not as flaws or faults, but valuable learning lessons.

What do you hope to accomplish in DSO?
I hope to contribute valuable ideas that will eventually develop into useful innovations that save lives.