Introducing Vivian 

Vivian Wong joined Bureau Veritas as a Machinery and System Review Engineer. Seven years and three children later, she is balancing motherhood with her role as the Machinery Section Head in our Singapore Plan Approval Office.

Please describe your career path, and how you came to Bureau Veritas?

I majored in Mechanical Engineering at Singapore’s National Technological University. I went on to work in the Damen shipyard before joining Bureau Veritas as a Machinery and System Review Engineer in 2015.

I chose Bureau Veritas because it was and is a global leader in marine classification. To me, this meant being able to discover a wide variety of personal and professional development opportunities – including overseas technical training.

Today my main function is to review environmental protection, quality and safety documentation for our clients. I also support the operational needs of the internal Machinery team and – importantly – help ensure team members have opportunities to grow.

What challenges do you face in your day-to-day work?

My job involves ensuring that our client’s regulatory documentation meet ever-evolving, international requirements. As a Section Head I also supervise the Machinery team in the South Asia and Pacific zone.

It’s certainly challenging to balance the needs of my family, clients and my team all at once! I was initially hesitant about stepping into the Section Head role because of having to balance these different dimensions, but I was given the support I needed.

What opportunities have helped you develop your career?

The shipping industry is constantly evolving through developing technology, innovative designs and new regulations, so professional development is built into the job. I learn something new about ship design every day, which in turn enables me to better support the team. Each new challenge gives the whole team the opportunity to grow with the industry.

In addition to my professional training, Bureau Veritas has supported me with the flexibility that parenthood demands. This includes hybrid working arrangements that made it possible to balance work and home life. This means a lot to me under normal circumstances - it meant everything during Covid. My boss gave me the time and Bureau Veritas gave me the training I needed to feel truly comfortable.

Why do you say to women working in this sector?

Problem solving skills are essential at work and at home. But you have to remember to count yourself in the equation. Everyone needs some “me time” to remain sane so be kind to yourself. Taking care of yourself is not a weakness; it makes you a more capable.

What do you enjoy most about working for Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore?

At Bureau Veritas, we often speak about how we are always “by your side” for our clients. This means we’re in the business of finding solutions for them, and this fits naturally with my aptitude for problem-solving.

Having room to grow as a person is as important to me today as it was when I joined Bureau Veritas. I’d say the company is also “by your side” in terms of its people. Bureau Veritas takes a meaningful interest in our holistic development – which keeps me motivated and seeking out new learning opportunities.