Protecting coastal environments in Singapore: Jacqueline Tham on leading with purpose

From marine biology to project leadership

Jacqueline reflects on leading environmental and social work in Singapore, managing complex projects and field-based challenges, and creating a collaborative team culture that supports sustainable development.

Jacqueline at one of the intertidal areas looking at seagrasses

What do you do at Mott MacDonald and what are you currently working on?

I am currently leading the brilliant environment and society team in Singapore. My background is in marine biology, specialising in environmental impact assessments (EIAs), particularly for the marine and aquatic environment. My role involves evaluating the potential environmental and social impacts of development projects in the energy, water, building and transport markets. Right now, I am focused on meeting environmental regulations and assessments  and supporting projects through permitting and compliance processes. This includes balancing technical environmental considerations with practical business and project needs while working closely with clients, regulators and multidisciplinary teams.

Tell us about a recent project and how you delivered excellence

We have recently started working on biodiversity relocation project in Singapore - a one-of-its-kind here. It’s incredibly exciting to be involved. The project comes with its challenges, including early hours out in the field, to undertake intertidal activities. I deliver excellence by continuously prioritising safety and identifying better ways to execute the project, improving both internal and external processes, anticipating risks and introducing effective approaches that enhance delivery outcomes and gain internal management’s confidence.

What advice would you give to someone looking to shape their own story at Mott MacDonald?

Do not be shy to ask for help. Everyone at Mott MacDonald is very friendly and you have access to very technically skilled people. Look beyond your local office and do not be afraid to reach out to various offices to find your answers!

A hike up Mt Batur which is one of the active volcanic mountains in Indonesia

Describe what the Mott Mac Life means to you in three words

Purposeful, collaborative and rewarding

Can you share a moment when you felt particularly trusted and empowered in your role?

For our recent win on the biodiversity relocation project in Singapore, it was the first local project that required working near/on water, which poses a major safety concern. I had several meetings with our health and safety manager and worked with him thoroughly on the safety risks and mitigation measures that are in place to ensure that risks are mitigated and minimised. I felt particularly trusted and empowered when we were given the green light to proceed with our field work, and was leading a team of environmental consultants in the field to carry out the required work. The work has not been easy as it requires us to wake up at 4am/5am to chase the low tides at dawn, but the safety measures we have introduced mean we are managing well!

What does a typical day look like for you at Mott MacDonald, and how do you find opportunities to excel in your role?

A typical day for me at Mott MacDonald is dynamic and highly collaborative. My day usually involves coordinating and working with the various markets, tracking projects’ progress and mentoring and being there for my team when they need me. I find opportunities to excel in my role by staying curious and continuously exploring better working methods to enhance cross-market collaboration, identify inefficiencies and anticipate risks early to improve overall project delivery. Having a positive mindset, actively seeking feedback and learning new tools and approaches are opportunities that I proactively take to improve and excel in my role.

Using the visual quadrat method for intertidal assessment

Describe a moment when you learned something valuable from a colleague

I am an observer in general, and I was inspired by one of my colleagues who constantly seeks feedback after major milestones even though everything was going well. Seeing how openly they received the feedback and accepting it showed me the value of continuous learning and adaptability. It has also encouraged me to be more proactive in seeking input from others and using it to strengthen my own personal growth and working style.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their career at Mott MacDonald?

Focus on strong communication, adaptability and be curious on learning. Being a successful consultant is not about managing tasks but about working effectively with others, navigating ambiguity and being proactive in overall project delivery. Other than technical knowledge, people skills are equally important in delivery and working together collaboratively and successfully.

I’d also advise early career professionals to be more confident and comfortable with uncertainties and to focus less on having everything figured out early on in your career. Growth comes from experience and it is normal to not have all the answers. Stay curious, open-minded and willing to learn from different perspectives, and you’ll do well here.

How do you strive to create an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment with your colleagues?

I strive to create an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment by ensuring that everyone feels heard, respected and valued regardless of their role in the company. As a people manager, I make the effort to actively listen and reach out to my team and stay approachable when they need support or clarification. I also try to foster transparency by sharing information clearly and keeping everyone aligned on the team’s priorities, decisions and directions.