From the Lab to the Plant: Maria in Singapore

Hello everyone! 

I’m Maria, a trainee in RD&I at Evonik with a chemistry background. During my rotational program, I spent three months with the Coating Additives RD&I team at the Asia Research Hub in Singapore. 

Every day, I take the MRT, Singapore’s metro, to work and grab an iced milk tea on the way. I say hi to my co-workers in the open office before heading to the lab, where I set up new reactions and analyze those from the previous day. For lunch, we head out to a hawker center. I really got to love Singapore’s world-famous street food! Back at the office, I show my results to my supervisor and receive valuable suggestions. After meetings with colleagues in Germany, I wrap up my lab work and head home.

But today is a different day. I get up early to catch a bus to Jurong Island. At the entrance, we complete an iris scan to confirm our identities. We then continue to Evonik’s Methionine plant. The island is fascinating, filled with chemical plants!At the plant, a colleague greets two interns and me and takes us on a tour.  We receive our full safety outfit, including helmets, goggles, and protective clothing. Fully equipped, we enter the plant, where our colleagues show us the process of methionine production, from the petrochemical starting materials to the drying of the final amino acid. I am especially fascinated by a reactor that operates at about 1,000°C! 

From the upper level, we enjoy amazing views over the plants and the sea.Back at the entrance building, we are thankful for the showers after being outside in full safety clothing under the Singaporean sun! Over lunch in the canteen, we learn more about the processes and the people there. 

In the afternoon, we visit the Oil Additives plant at another site. It is smaller but equally fascinating. We first receive an introduction to the chemistry of oil additives. We then visit the quality control and production support laboratories, as well as the plant’s reactors and control room. 

And just like that, the day is already over. The company bus takes us back to Singapore proper. Afterwards, we enjoy Singaporean food and chat about the fascinating insights we gained. 

What an amazingly interesting day!A huge thank you to everyone who made this amazing experience possible, both the plant visits and my stay in Singapore!