A Day in Tiong Seng as a Formwork System Specialist

The Specialist Behind the Formwork

Behind every concrete wall or structural beam lies a hidden but crucial element: the formwork system. For Mylene, who has been with Tiong Seng since 2007, this unseen component is both an art and a science. As a member of the Formwork System Specialist Unit, she designs, calculates, and implements formwork systems that ensure every project stands strong and safe.

Designing the Formwork of Success

A typical day for Mylene involves a mix of design, calculation, and coordination. Using systems like PERI, she drafts formwork designs and prepares design calculations for Professional Engineer endorsement. The process demands both precision and practicality, balancing structural requirements with on-site conditions.

Beyond the office, she also conducts site trainings, helping engineers, workers, and subcontractors understand how to use the systems effectively to ensure proper execution and safety on-site. “After so many years doing this, you develop mastery, and that’s something we’re proud to pass on.”

Collaboration and Innovation in Action

For Mylene, success in formwork design is built on teamwork and communication. Before each project begins, the team will prepare a Total Formwork Solution to identify challenges early and propose effective designs that align with project goals. These plans are presented to management for input and continuously refined through collaboration with engineers and site teams.

Once the drawings are endorsed, everything is uploaded into the Autodesk Construction Cloud, ensuring centralised storage of design files, safety presentations, and training materials. “It makes information easier to find and improves coordination,” she explains. “We can communicate efficiently with site teams and even subcontractors through group chats or meetings to clarify details and resolve issues quickly.” This digital approach enhances efficiency while maintaining the human connection that drives good collaboration.

Pride, Purpose, and Progress

What keeps Mylene inspired after nearly two decades? For her, it’s about sharing knowledge and seeing others grow. “The most rewarding part of my job is imparting what I know, guiding engineers and workers on how to use the systems correctly,” she says. “I don’t keep information to myself, the whole team gets stronger when we teach and share, .”

She recalls major projects such as the FairPrice Hub and NUS Kent Vale Housing, which pushed her team to new heights. “FairPrice was a huge challenge! We designed formworks for columns as tall as 40 metres,” she remembers. “It was tough, but teamwork between the designers, managers, and project teams made it possible.”

Mylene found her niche in formwork because it combines her love for numbers, mathematics, and construction. She credits Tiong Seng for nurturing that passion through continuous training, including opportunities to attend overseas programmes in Germany. “The company invests in its people,” she says. “We’re trained, supported, and given the tools to perform.”

As she looks ahead, Mylene is excited about how technology like BIM will enhance visualisation and sustainability in construction. “The future of formwork lies in innovation - exploring new materials, improving safety, and designing smarter,” she reflects. “But no matter how digital we become, the foundation will always be teamwork and integrity.”

Join Tiong Seng

At Tiong Seng, we are always looking for individuals who share our passion for building, innovation, and teamwork. Our projects are not just structures, they are opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference. If you are curious, determined, and driven to leave a lasting impact, there is a place for you here.

Explore your possibilities. Build your future. Join Tiong Seng.