A Day in Tiong Seng: Embracing Change, One Step at a Time

At 50, many would consider settling into familiarity. For Marliny, it was the perfect time to start again.

Having joined Tiong Seng in 2003 as a Technical Officer, Marliny spent years on-site, immersed in drawings, coordination, and the day-to-day rhythm of construction projects. It was a path she knew well: structured, technical, and deeply rooted in experience. But nearly two decades later, an unexpected opportunity would challenge her to step into something entirely new.

A Courageous Shift

In 2023, amid organisational changes, Marliny transitioned into the Contracts Department as a Contracts Executive, a role closely aligned with Quantity Surveying, despite not being formally trained in it.

The move was not part of a long-term plan. It was, in her words, a decision to “challenge myself… why not?”

With her background in technical drawings and AutoCAD dating back to the 1990s, she recognised she had a foundation to build on. What she needed was the willingness to learn and the courage to start over.

Learning Beyond Comfort Zones

Transitioning into a new discipline came with steep learning curves. From understanding contract documents to performing quantity take-offs and working with digital tools like Cubicost, Marliny had to quickly adapt to unfamiliar systems and workflows.

“It’s not easy, especially at my age,” she shares candidly. “Sometimes I feel slow. But I keep learning and improving.”

What made the difference was not just resilience, but support. Her team provided guidance, shared knowledge, and created an environment where asking questions was encouraged. With access to training, project models, and hands-on mentorship, Marliny gradually built her confidence in the role.

Her journey reflects an important truth: growth is rarely linear but it is always possible.

Turning Experience into Advantage

While the role was new, Marliny’s past experience became a powerful asset.

Her deep familiarity with drawings gave her an edge in interpreting construction details and performing accurate measurements. Where others relied solely on software, she combined digital tools with practical knowledge, sometimes even reverting to AutoCAD to validate calculations.

This blend of experience and adaptability allowed her to bridge technical and commercial perspectives which is an increasingly valuable capability in today’s construction environment.

Redefining Achievement

Looking back, Marliny does not define success by titles or milestones alone. Instead, it is the journey itself that stands out.

From contributing to landmark projects such as Capella Hotel and Parkroyal on Pickering, to being part of close-knit project teams, and now working at headquarters in a completely new function, each chapter represents a willingness to grow.

“I never thought I would stay in one company for so long. And I never thought I could do this role,” she reflects. “But I’m happy with what I’m doing.”

A Mindset That Keeps Moving Forward

At the core of Marliny’s journey is a simple but powerful mindset: stay open, keep learning, and do your best in every task.

Her advice to others considering a mid-career transition is equally straightforward:

“Challenge yourself. If you are willing to learn, you can do it. And when you do, it makes you happy.”

Beyond work, this mindset carries into her personal life. A dedicated athlete, Marliny continues to push her limits—recently completing an Ironman triathlon, a testament to her discipline and perseverance.

The Power of Starting Again

Marliny’s story is not just about changing roles. It is about redefining what is possible at any stage of a career.

In an industry that is constantly evolving, her journey reminds us that growth does not depend on where you start, but on your willingness to keep moving forward.

At Tiong Seng, stories like hers reflect a culture that values opportunity, continuous learning, and the courage to embrace change.

Because sometimes, the most meaningful progress begins when you decide to try.

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.