A Journey of Learning to Be Reliable with CTCI

— Yohanes, Structural Engineer at Civil and Building Engineering Department, CTCI Corporation

Could you briefly tell us about yourself?

Hello everyone! I’m Yohanes from Indonesia. In the spring of 2022, I graduated from Taiwan's prestigious National Cheng Kung University with a master's degree in Structural Engineering. That same year, I began working as a structural engineer at the headquarters of CTCI's Civil and Building Engineering Department in Taiwan. During my journey at CTCI, I have had the opportunity to work on two international projects: the Saffron B Polymer Plant Project in Singapore and the FPC TX-C6 Plant Project in Texas, USA. Becoming an engineer at one of the top 100 engineering firms globally has truly marked a pivotal milestone in my career.

What made you join CTCI?

For me, becoming part of CTCI’s workforce has been an invaluable experience, allowing me to apply what I’ve learned and participate in important global projects. CTCI’s commitment to being the “Most Reliable” service provider has enabled me to grow, learn quickly, and become a reliable engineer. After joining CTCI, in addition to contributing my skills, I found that CTCI's corporate culture of “Professionalism, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation” aligns with my personal values. This promises a rewarding journey of personal growth and collaboration.

What has your journey with CTCI been like in becoming a reliable engineer?

During my journey at CTCI, the slogan 'Discover Reliable' has evolved from mere words into a powerful, action-driven force within the company. To me, it’s a constant reminder to strive for reliability, foster innovation, and elevate the standards of engineering excellence. CTCI provides abundant learning resources for employees, which motivates me to learn, innovate, and stay up to date with the latest technological trends. The “Most Reliable” brand spirit deeply inspires me, and I resonate strongly with CTCI’s corporate vision of becoming the “Most Reliable Global Engineering Services Provider.” This vision not only benefits clients and partners but is also essential for the personal growth of every CTCI engineer.

Which country are you from? What interesting cultures or traditions does your country have?

I come from Indonesia, a country which is a country with over 17,000 islands, 300 ethnic groups, and a multitude of different languages, religions, and cultural traditions. Known for its cultural richness flourishes across thousands of islands. "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" is the official national motto of Indonesia, originally written in Old Javanese, this phrase translates to "Unity in Diversity" in English. Which reflects Indonesia’s cultural diversity, and highlighting the strength that lies in unity and the importance of respecting differences while collaborating towards a shared goal. It has been an unifying force in Indonesia's history and plays a vital role in shaping its cultural and national identity.

"Ramah tamah" is a deeply rooted Indonesian tradition that translates to a "friendly attitude" and embodies the warm and hospitable nature of the Indonesians. Whether you are a guest, tourist, or newcomer, locals will make you feel welcomed and at home. This tradition encompasses acts of kindness, assistance, and respectful interactions, reflecting the close-knit spirit of Indonesian society.

What is your native language? How many languages do you speak?

My native languages are Bahasa Indonesia and Javanese. I’m fluent in English, and currently in progress of learning Chinese Mandarin, which I can use at a basic level for daily conversation.

Could you give us some examples of the foreign culture and people that impress you the most studying/working overseas

While studying and working in Taiwan, I encountered local Taiwanese culture and individuals who made a lasting impression on me, especially the effort and passion shown by Taiwanese people in preserving their historical and cultural heritage. I’m fascinated by how traditional rituals and celebrations are demonstrated during holidays such as the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Ghost Festival. Witnessing how these cultural celebrations bring together people from all walks of life, transcending boundaries and fostering a sense of unity, is truly inspiring.

Additionally, the vibrant atmosphere of Taiwanese night markets and their incredible street food highlighted the importance of food in Taiwanese culture. The warmth and friendliness of the locals, who enthusiastically shared their culinary traditions with me, created an unforgettable and enriching experience. Furthermore, Taiwan's multicultural society introduced me to people from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of global unity and cultural appreciation. These experiences are just a few examples of the Taiwanese culture that have left a lasting impression on me.

Could you share some interesting experiences you had when working in CTCI?

Currently, I am working on the FPC TX-C6 Plant Project in Texas, USA. This project utilizes a modular pre-assembled steel construction method, where the modular structure is first assembled in Taiwan and then transported by land and sea to Texas. This poses a significant challenge for design engineers as we must ensure that the structure is robust enough to withstand the load during construction and transportation via land and sea. This challenge requires constant innovation, teamwork, professionalism, and integrity. Every engineer involved in this project is motivated to work hard to provide the best and most reliable design results. Contributing to this project has been an extraordinary and unforgettable experience for me as a structural engineer.

In addition to my professional work experience, I have observed that CTCI strongly emphasizes employee welfare through various extracurricular activities. One particularly memorable event for me was the 2023 CTCI Sports Day, a grand gathering with approximately 3,000 participants from CTCI Group's domestic and overseas companies joining together, to experience camaraderie and excitement through various games and prizes. What makes this event even more appealing is CTCI's steadfast dedication to upholding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values in all its initiatives.