Detail

Meet Mr Lu Weiyao, a Singapore Polytechnic (SP) Alumnus who looks at life through the lens of his expertise.

Graduating in 2009 from SP, Mr Lu Weiyao is now the co-founder and technical director of Flare Dynamics Pte Ltd, an Aerospace Robotics Company. As a child, Mr Lu was fascinated with the way things worked and often tinkered with machines to improve them, leading him to pursue a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering with SP. Now as an entrepreneur and adjunct lecturer in SP, Mr Lu shares more on how he sees life through the lens of engineering.

Why SP?

Inspired by documentaries on innovative engineering companies, Mr Lu was drawn to how engineers created products that changed the world around them. “I was immersed in it and thought that’s what I want to do. I wanted to get my hands dirty and more importantly, start a company to materialise my ideas and make them commercial. It put me on this path of engineering and entrepreneurship. SP was the cornerstone, the foundation that allowed me to pursue this.”

When Mr Lu was in secondary school, an SP outreach programme inspired him to study harder so he could qualify for a diploma programme of his choice. “My experience at SP was nothing short of amazing and I think it’s because SP creates an environment where students can identify with what they want to do in the future.”

Campus life at SP

During his days as an SP student, Mr Lu was the president of SP Aviation Club, which he initially joined to hone his aeromodelling skills.

“We learnt how to build radio-controlled aeroplanes, helicopters and how to control them, which helped stem my interest in it as a hobby. Being the president of the Club was an eye-opener and I had my first taste of people management. The role put me in a position where I was forced to learn how to manage individuals in group projects. This unknowingly helped prepare me for my current role as a technical director, where I manage people everyday while managing my company.”

When asked if any individuals in particular helped him during his time in SP, Mr Lu credits his ex-lecturer, Mr Liew Hui Sing as the person who created a conducive environment for him to flourish. Even years after graduation, Mr Lu still goes to Mr Liew for advice often.

“Mr Liew is the type of lecturer who put in so much effort and paid so much attention to his students. For him, we students were his priority. With whatever he had, he would fight for the rights of the students.

Coming full circle as an adjunct lecturer at SP

Through his phases of life, the engineer in him has been ever-present. He has fully embraced his profession through his training, trade and even in his lifestyle.

I see things from an engineering perspective and I break things down to sub-system levels using a very systematic approach, whether I am solving hardware problems or human relations issues.”

So the next step for Mr Lu seemed clear. He would return to SP as an adjunct lecturer, to train the next generation of engineers.

“I work with drones which are revolutionary in the aviation industry. SP saw an opportunity for me to provide specialised knowledge to engineering students as an adjunct lecturer. My first-hand insight on how the market moves helps provide an effective feedback loop, where I share what the future demands of this industry look like. SP can then train students in these particular disciplines, better preparing them for their future.”

Words of advice

When asked what advice he had for graduating students, Mr Lu replied, “After graduating, I advise you to take some time and commit to finding your inspiration. After finding your goal, plan towards it. For example, if I want to come to work on time, I plan what time I wake up, brush my teeth, what bus to take and so on. Do the same thing, but in a macro approach.”

He also emphasised how changing your mind about a goal is perfectly alright. “It’s okay to change your mind as it means you have found a new goal. Pick something and go with it for 1 to 2 years. If it doesn’t work out, don’t see it as a waste. It is something you can strike off your list before moving on to the next goal.”

Mr Lu Weiyao
Co-Founder and Technical Director, Flare Dynamics Pte Ltd
Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering, 2009