Operating machine tools to produce precision parts and fixtures using aluminium alloy and stainless steel may sound like a masculine job but it is no tough feat for Mdm Lee Lai Bay. As a lab technologist of over 10 years with the department’s workshop, Mdm Lee takes every job assigned to her seriously. Before joining NUS, Mdm Lee was already familiar with precision engineering having been in the private tool and die industry for a long time.

Appearing calm and collected as always, Mdm Lee beamed with delight as she shared unreservedly about her work. Screening through every job requirement assigned to her is something she will approach conscientiously. Not every job may be feasible given the limited resources and at times the engineering demanded. She will make sure that the technical drawings submitted are proper and does not hold any sense of ambiguity. Verifying details with the requestor is necessary if things are not clear. She also has to check the availability of tooling and material before proceeding further. A job may take a day, week or even months to complete depending on its complicacy.

Whether it is serving university faculty, researchers or students, Mdm Lee handles every request with care. “My greatest job satisfaction comes when a job is completed much earlier than expected with the best quality,” remarked the former ITE lecturer. Currently a judge for World Skills Singapore in the category of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Turning, Mdm Lee has to constantly keep up with her knowledge of turning and milling technology. Her willingness to devote her time and effort to advance the course of technical education has won her the IPS Crescendas Award for Outstanding ITE Engineering Physics Lecturer last year.