Women in STEM: Ellis Eng on leadership, growth, and breaking stereotypes

As part of International Women’s Month, we caught up with Certact Engineering Managing Director Ellis Eng to discuss more about female representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries.

She first joined the Certact as an employee in 2002. Through hard work and dedication, she moved up the ranks of the organisation, first becoming a major shareholder before eventually becoming Certact’s owner in 2004.

Even though she was not from an engineering background, she was still able to lead and grow the company’s revenue.

But things were not always smooth sailing. When COVID-19 hit, Ellis had to think quick on how overcome problems on several fronts: manpower shortage, a highly saturated precision engineering market, and how to diversify Certact’s capabilities.

This led her to collaborate with her union, the Advanced Manufacturing Employees Union (AMEU), and NTUC. Together, they developed a five-year operations and technology roadmap (OTR) to help the company expand into new markets, and they also formed a Company Training Committee (CTC) to outline the skills and training the workforce needed.

Today, Certact has expanded into plastic manufacturing, and it has also digitalised most of its internal processes, branching into automation and robotics.

Ellis shares her journey of overcoming challenges and driving sustainable growth. She also shares why she would like to inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM.

NTUC: What inspired you to take over Certact Engineering, and what was your vision when you assumed leadership?

Ellis Eng: After spending several years working for other companies, I observed different leadership styles and business practices. I realised I could do things differently – build a sustainable business, be a responsible corporate citizen, and lead by example as a respected boss.

My vision was to create a company that not only excels in engineering innovation but one that also fosters a culture of continuous growth and inclusivity.

Looking back, do you feel you have achieved these initial goals?

Yes, I have achieved many milestones along the way.

We’ve seen significant revenue growth, forged successful partnerships, developed innovative products, and even ventured into new markets overseas.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I remain committed to continuous improvement.

Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.

When you took the reins, what gaps or opportunities in the engineering industry did you notice?

Coming from a non-technical background, I initially faced a steep learning curve. The skills gap was a major challenge, but it turned into an opportunity for hands-on learning.

By working closely with our engineers and technicians, I gained a deeper understanding of the operational groundwork.

This collaborative approach not only helped me earn the respect of my team but also enhanced our collective ability to innovate and excel.

Can you share some unique challenges you’ve experienced as a female business owner in engineering?

Beyond physical demands and the unique challenges of managing work during pregnancy and maternity, I’ve had to prove that efficiency in management isn’t defined by gender. There was even a time when I had to attend a court hearing to recover a bad debt while I was pregnant.

Yet, I believe that the resilience and strength women bring to the table often translate into exceptional leadership. It’s about demonstrating competence, even under the most challenging circumstances.

How do you balance the demands of running a business with your personal life?

Achieving work-life balance is a continuous process, and there are times when it gets disrupted. I’m fortunate to have a supportive husband, who is not only a corporate and HR director but also an incredible partner in managing home responsibilities.

His unwavering support makes it possible for me to juggle the pressures of leadership while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

He is the pillar supporting my family in both emotional and relational responsibilities. Many decisions we’ve made were based on mutual agreement.

How does Certact Engineering encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM?

Having technically competent employees is critical to our success.

We actively identify, counsel, and train promising talent, with a special focus on women. I believe that the empathetic and compassionate qualities women naturally bring can transform workplace cultures, creating supportive and collaborative environments.

While we may not have a specific programme to empower women in STEM, we continuously expand technical opportunities for female employees through mentorship and leadership in technical projects.

How can NTUC better support Certact Engineering in empowering more women in STEM?

NTUC can play a key role by providing targeted resources, mentorship, and skills development programmes to help women build technical expertise and leadership skills.

Helping to champion flexible work arrangements would also support women balancing career and family responsibilities.

If they could provide initiatives like subsidised enrichment courses, networking events, and even wellness benefits like gym memberships, these can help women stay engaged and motivated in their careers.

By fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment, I hope that NTUC can help businesses like mine attract, retain, and develop female talent in STEM.

What advice would you give to women battling self-doubt or societal expectations in STEM?

My advice is simple: “If you do not believe in yourself, who will?”

Each one of us is the spark that ignites our own success. Embrace your strengths, pursue continuous learning, and never let external doubts dim your inner light.

Let your success speak for itself. The path might be challenging, but every hurdle is a stepping stone to growth and empowerment.

Women play an invaluable role in our workforce. Find out how NTUC U Women and Family are helping more women return and contribute to the workforce.