6 engineering myths, busted

HTX engineers debunk common misconceptions and spill the truth about an engineering career

By Janna Giam | Published on 23 September 2026

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Engineering world

(Photo: Generated with OpenAI)

The word "engineering" might conjure images of tools, heavy machinery, overalls and hard hats. That's not wrong, but it isn't exactly accurate either.

Because engineering is so much more than that. In fact, many of the things we rely on depend on it – from streetlights to digital services.

Even Singapore's safety depends on it. Which is why HTX exists.

In this article, HTX's engineers set the record straight and debunk some of the common misconceptions about this discipline.

1. Engineering means fixing machines.

It does, sometimes. But engineering is also about designing, building and improving systems, processes and technologies to solve real-world problems.

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An example? HTX engineers developed the cyborg cockroach to aid the Home Team in search-and-rescue missions. Who would've thought engineering could look like this?

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Engineers like Ganeshan Sureendhar design future-ready technologies like autonomous humanoid robots to augment the hazardous work of Home Team officers.

(Photo: HTX/Alywin Chew)

"Engineering is really not about fixing machines, but developing meaningful technology. In the case of HTX, it's tech that keeps our officers safe."

(Photo: HTX/Andrew Leong)

2. Engineering is about building something physical.

From autonomous robots to advanced unmanned aerial systems, engineering certainly produces impressive physical innovations.

But not every engineering outcome is something you can touch.

For example, xDigital’s artificial intelligence (AI) product manager Tan Jun Kiat builds digital products that supercharge the work of Home Team officers.

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One of the products he works on is Buzzer, HTX’s in-house AI-powered engagement platform.

(Photo: HTX/Janna Giam)

“I’ve never once needed a hard hat at work. Here, the medium is code and data instead of concrete and steel. And curiosity, research and problem framing – those are all part of engineering too.”

(Photo: HTX/Janna Giam)

3. Engineering is for nerds.

If for some reason you think engineering is only for introverted, reclusive bookworms, think again.

Meet xData machine learning engineer, Deborah Yuen. She’s the last person you’d describe in such a manner.

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When she’s not training AI and machine learning models to enhance the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) operations, you’d find her doing woodworking, playing pickleball or doing strength training with friends.

(Photo: Deborah Yuen)

“I don’t think we’re nerds. We’re just super enthusiastic about engineering. Many of us are also athletes, artists, and everything else in between.”

(Photo: HTX/Janna Giam)

4. Engineers belong to traditional industries that build stuff – like construction.

Simply untrue. Engineering is everywhere.

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In public safety, engineers are essential in deploying smart and secure technologies that protect lives and keep critical services running.

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Serene Tan of HTX’s Policing Programme Management Centre (PPMC) (right) is one such engineer.

Without her work on critical Home Team systems, calling the ‘999’ emergency police hotline will get you nowhere.

(Photo: HTX/Janna Giam)

“I feel a deep responsibility to keep innovating and improving as an engineer in public safety, so my fellow Singapore residents can always access the services they need.”

(Photo: HTX/Jasline Tan)

5. Engineering is repetitive and boring.

You might find some engineers working near assembly lines, but this discipline is certainly not boring.

For engineers like Roslan Bin Yahya, his career has been one defined by dynamism and excitement.

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Supporting and sustaining the Home Team’s operational equipment has taken him right to the action-packed fore. In fact, he was once deployed to Myanmar with the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) Operation Lionheart.

(Photo: Roslan Bin Yahya)

“Engineering is often unpredictable. But it has taught me to make decisions quickly and stay composed under pressure.”

(Photo: HTX/Alywin Chew)

6. You need an engineering degree to be an engineer.

Theoretical physics graduate, Chew Xin Hui, will tell you otherwise.

Now an engineer with HTX’s Sensors and Sensemaking CoE, she pivoted from scientific research to engineering AI technologies for the Home Team.

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The lack of an engineering background hasn’t stopped her from developing practical and future-forward solutions that secure Singapore’s borders – and structured learning and development plans have helped her along.

(Photo: HTX/Janna Giam)

Among the projects she’s helped implement are AI-integrated camera systems that automate Hazmat vehicle checks at Singapore’s checkpoints.

(Photo: HTX/Chew Xin Hui)

“Engineering is about solving the right problems with the most effective solutions. Anyone can be an engineer as long as you have the right mindset.”

(Photo: HTX/Janna Giam)

Interested in tackling public safety challenges just like these engineers? Look no further and explore your career options with HTX today.

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