PSA Singapore, globally recognized for its cutting-edge advancements in port automation and logistics, is the world’s largest transhipment hub. At the heart of the team driving these groundbreaking innovations are two DigiPen (Singapore) alumni, Zachary Lee and Justine Kee. Both of them are senior software engineers in the Optimisation Research and Algorithms Department at PSA where they’re contributing their expertise to enhance operations at the Tuas Mega Port.
Zachary and Justine are graduates from the BS in Computer Science and Game Design program. Zachary joined PSA in 2020 and Justine joined the company a year later. As senior software engineers, both of them are heavily involved in developing systems to make the port more efficient. Zachary describes his work as a blend of system maintenance, code analysis, and optimization. One of the key projects that Zachary is working on is the fleet management system for Tuas Port, which he likens to a “ridesharing system” for port logistics. “The system helps direct Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) on where to go and which containers to pick up by optimizing the movement and assignment of these vehicles based on various factors such as distance, timing, and priority of the job,” he explains.
Meanwhile, Justine mainly focuses on developing the Tuas Management Engine. This helps to enhance the productivity of the AGVs and involves designing and implementing new features or modifications based on operational requirements. Justine and his colleagues also regularly engage stakeholders to gather insights and feedback, ensuring that their solutions are aligned with PSA’s strategic goals. “One of my key projects involves reducing AGV movements by optimizing the assignments of their next jobs,” Justine says. “By streamlining AGV operations, we help to improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the port.”
For both alumni, PSA’s innovative culture and supportive work environment were major draws. “PSA places a high emphasis on continuous learning and development,” Zachary says. “Every year, we’re encouraged to take courses and attend training sessions to upgrade our skills and stay current with the latest industry trends and technologies. Justine echoes this sentiment while also highlighting the sense of camaraderie at PSA. “The collaborative culture at PSA is one of its greatest strengths,” he says. “Colleagues are always willing to help one another and the environment makes it easy to seek assistance when needed.”
Reflecting on their journeys at PSA so far, Zachary and Justine are thankful that their time at DigiPen (Singapore) prepared them well for the demands of the working world. “DigiPen (Singapore) provided a robust foundation that has been instrumental in preparing me for my career,” Zachary says. “The hands-on projects and coding-intensive curriculum taught me to break down complex challenges into manageable solutions.” Justine agrees, adding that his time in school taught him to handle challenging tasks professionally and efficiently.
Their efforts at PSA have not gone unnoticed. According to Chen Xiankun, a Principal AI Analyst who works with Zachary and Justine, both of them were able to seamlessly integrate into the team and contribute meaningfully from day one. “Their technical expertise and innovative thinking are valuable to PSA,” Xiankun says. “Additionally, their problem-solving skills bring fresh perspectives, driving our team to explore new approaches,” he adds.
Looking ahead, both Zachary and Justine remain passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex challenges in the logistics and transhipment sectors. Their advice to aspiring software engineers? Stay curious, embrace lifelong learning, and never shy away from challenges. “The technology landscape is always evolving,” Justine says. “A willingness to continuously upgrade one’s skills and knowledge is crucial.”