Richard Lee Choon Kiong is a Senior Manager in Equipment Engineering at PSA Singapore Terminal 2. He is also a part of the Centre of Excellence program for Battery, which also closely tracks emerging technologies and energy sources with potential applications within the port.

‘Why not?’ This simple question is what Richard believes to be the springboard towards kicking off any innovation journey. Ever since his pre-school days when he added wheels to robots and wings to cars just to make toys more interesting, his creativity and innovativeness has never waned.

He is excited about the future, looking at the fast-paced development of AI, IOT, ultra-fast computers, neuron chips, 5G networks, robotics, new energy sources and quantum computing. We are living in an age where advances in technology are happening so quickly that we can see imaginative and futuristic gadgets become reality.

According to Richard, at the core of innovation one has to believe and visualise first, then prototype and materialise. Aligning this methodology with the courage to make a difference, embracing diversity to connect the dots and concepts differently, and always believing that there is a better way of doing things, are how Richard keeps the spirit of innovation burning bright. “Think big, start small, then scale up with innovation!”

Just for fun, we asked Richard: “If you had an unlimited supply of toothpicks, how would you use them?” Ever the practical individual, his suggestions included artwork competitions to get everyone involved – remember good ideas come from diversity regardless of age – to partnering with research labs and explore alternative uses for the humble toothpick. Because, why not?