Lee Xue Ling studied chemical process technology at the Institute of Technical Education and chemical engineering at Temasek Polytechnic, both in Singapore, which equipped her "with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of chemical engineering and chemical process technology." She transitioned from the oil and gas industry — "where I primarily worked with refineries, petrochemicals, energy and utilities" — and joined Saudi Basic Industries Corp.
"I was motivated to expand my knowledge and delve into the world of polymers and specialty chemicals. The prospect of working with Sabic with its global reach fascinated me and drove me to pursue this exciting career opportunity," said Xue Ling, Ultem polymer commissioning and startup shift leader for the global supplier of commodity and engineering resins in Singapore. Ultem, Sabic's high-performance thermoplastic, offers strength, heat resistance and chemical resistance with widespread applications in the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors.
Responsible for managing process technicians, Xue Ling was the first female shift leader in the organization: "It is truly rewarding to observe the collective efforts of my team as they come together, forging strong bonds and establishing a foundation of trust while working collaboratively."
Prior to Sabic, she contributed to the commission and setup of the world's largest floating liquefied natural gas facility during its construction.
"Challenges in commissioning and starting up each new project are unique in their own ways. Each challenge requires a problem-solving mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement," she said. "Despite the obstacles, I approach each challenge with determination, aiming to overcome them and contribute to the success of the project."
The best pieces of advice she has received include "embrace your own uniqueness and live authentically, never stop seeking knowledge, and surround yourself with people who uplift and support you."
"The support from Sabic allowed me to overcome gender stereotypes, where merit and competency are recognized. I was also determined to overcome any biases, and over the course of several months of working closely with others, I am proud to say that I successfully overcame challenges and achieved remarkable success with my team," she said. "This experience has not only allowed me to break through gender biases but has also instilled in me a sense of confidence and resilience. It serves as a testament to the power of teamwork, collaboration and perseverance."
