An empathetic mentoring approach helping others advance in Singapore’s robotics sector

My personal experiences have shaped my approach to mentorship. I started my career in tech as an intern at the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). 

That period was intense, filled with highs and lows, and I acknowledge that I made many mistakes. For instance, I frequently imposed my own standards and expectations on others, a mindset that led to considerable friction and lost opportunities for connection. I was also often reserved, which sometimes hindered effective communication. 

Since I lacked a mentor during that phase, I can relate to the challenges faced by students embarking on internships. I sympathise with their feelings of uncertainty as they navigate their initial experiences in the intimidating professional world. As such, I ensure that my interns understand that experiencing imposter syndrome occasionally is a common sentiment. 

WATCH: Shin's advice for those looking to move into a Deep Tech career.  

I would also emphasise to these students that challenging oneself is beneficial and that true growth begins when we venture beyond our comfort zones. Mentorship is not limited to technical advice; emotional support and encouragement are equally vital.

Yong Shin Leong

Before founding Augmentus, I worked for four years as an engineer at the Advanced Remanufacturing Technology Centre at A*STAR. I was fortunate to have two mentors there who deeply influenced me. Both were always patient and empathetic, qualities I deem essential in a mentor. Their guidance bolstered my confidence and honed my communication skills, and they each contributed to my professional growth in distinct ways. 

Consider my group manager, Joshua Sim, who is now the Deputy Director in the A*STAR Project Management Office. I had been assigned the responsibility of establishing a new tech division from the ground up, a daunting task that seemed insurmountable at the time. Joshua was always available to listen to my concerns – those that kept me awake at night – and he offered practical advice based on his extensive experience as a seasoned manager. His support inspired me to persevere through the challenging transition from being an individual contributor to becoming a team leader. 

As I contemplated establishing Augmentus, Nicholas Yeo, who was then the Technical Director of A*STAR, was exceptionally generous with his time. He coached me on refining my vision for the company and emphasized the importance of crafting a product roadmap, among other invaluable insights. 

Owing to their mentorship, I felt more prepared to guide my own mentees. I aspire to emulate their example and give back by mentoring the upcoming generation of tech enthusiasts. 

Related: How CellVec’s Dr Paula Lam strives to give her mentees a competitive edge and why it matters in the long run 

We actively seek out individuals looking to change careers. One example is our robotics software developer, Roy Koo, who was employed at a virtual reality (VR) company before joining Augmentus. VR typically places a strong emphasis on user experience, so Roy was able to apply his expertise in that domain to our robotic platform, significantly enhancing its usability. I firmly believe that even if a candidate originates from a different industry and has never engaged in coding, they can still offer a unique perspective that can benefit our internal processes.  

Shin (second row, second from the right) and Roy (first row, second from the left) with the rest of the Augmentus team at a team building activity. 

Many individuals hesitate to dive into Deep Tech, fearing the need for specialized technical expertise. However, building a successful product in this field demands a diverse range of roles. Beyond technical know-how, Deep Tech startups require professionals skilled in sales, marketing, and UX design. Often, the necessary technical abilities can be cultivated over time. 

In my experience, technical proficiency constitutes only about half of what I seek in a candidate. Equally vital are soft skills, such as the ability to foster interpersonal relationships. I value candidates who demonstrate proactive behaviour, unwavering dedication, and the capacity to take complete ownership of a project, ensuring its successful completion. In the dynamic environment of a startup, possessing a robust sense of purpose is crucial. It's essential to cultivate a mindset that embraces mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning. 

Related: How Medios Technologies’ Florian Savoy prepares mentees for the ‘messy’ world of datasets and AI 

Upon joining, newcomers are immediately integrated into a project, allowing them to undertake specific tasks in real-world settings. This hands-on involvement in daily operations offers invaluable exposure and learning experiences. 

In the early stages, I engage in a one-on-one discussion with the mentee, highlighting areas for improvement. However, this feedback is always rooted in understanding and respect for their background. My aim is to guide them through their career transition in a friendly, supportive manner, rather than imposing any hierarchical dynamics. 

We recognise that some mentees might find the learning curve challenging. To address this, we offer extensive support to ensure their success. This includes fostering a vibrant, interactive work environment and connecting them to our team collaboration platforms, where they can access essential resources and reference materials. Additionally, the management team is always approachable, so there is always open communication. 

Ultimately, it very much depends on the mentees taking the initiative as much as possible and asking the right questions to ensure there are good progress on the deliverables. 

Mentorship programs are particularly beneficial in technical domains like robotics, where essential knowledge often extends beyond university curriculums. Success in this field is not about adhering to predefined protocols; there is no set playbook. Instead, it is about understanding the technology and cultivating the ability to innovate independently, fostering self-reliance in thought and action. 

Engaging in a mentorship program equips you with these skills. It prepares you to navigate uncertainties, ensuring a smoother transition as you enter the professional realm. 

Find out more about SGInnovate’s Talent Programmes here.