'Switch Roles' An advice to new professionals

As a penultimate-year Information Systems student, I recently had the rare opportunity to engage with Mr. Shaolin Li, the visionary leader steering PetroChina’s trading operations across Asia Pacific. Our informal encounter transformed into a profoundly enlightening experience, offering me invaluable insights and lessons that will profoundly influence my future career, especially as I delve into the commodities sector.

Embracing Purpose-Driven Careers

Mr. Li’s narrative underscored the importance of aligning one's career with deeper personal values rather than merely chasing prestige or financial rewards. His own path, marked by a significant career shift from teaching to the oil and gas industry, highlights the impact of pursuing roles that resonate with one’s intrinsic motivations. Mr. Li’s emphasis on finding fulfillment through meaningful contributions rather than material gain provided a powerful reminder that professional satisfaction often comes from engaging in work that aligns with one’s core values and societal contributions.

Resilience and Overcoming Adversity

Mr. Li’s personal story of relocating to a remote region and later expanding PetroChina’s operations abroad illustrated the value of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. His willingness to make personal sacrifices and tackle challenging environments is a testament to the impact of perseverance and determination. For me, this serves as an inspiring example of how overcoming significant challenges can lead to substantial personal and professional growth, reinforcing the importance of resilience in navigating one’s career path.

Understanding the Future of Energy and Technological Impact

Mr. Li highlighted a crucial shift in the industry: the future will increasingly focus on clean energy, with traditional fuels and coal being phased out. His insights into how emerging technologies are driving this transition underscored the transformative potential of clean energy innovations. As an Information Systems student, this perspective is particularly valuable, offering a forward-looking view on how technological advancements will not only redefine industry practices but also open up new opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.

Informal Settings for Meaningful Exchange

The informal nature of the hike facilitated a candid and engaging dialogue with Mr. Li, making his insights even more impactful. The relaxed setting allowed for a deeper exchange of ideas and personal stories, which provided practical lessons and actionable advice. This experience reinforced the value of informal interactions in gaining genuine and nuanced understandings of professional experiences and leadership approaches.

Conclusion: A Transformative Learning Experience

In conclusion, Mr. Shaolin Li’s talk was a profound learning experience that offered significant insights into purpose-driven careers, strategic leadership, resilience, and the impact of technology. His journey and reflections have deeply influenced my perspective, particularly in how I approach my future career in the information systems and commodities fields.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Li for sharing his experiences and to the Singapore Mentorship Committee for organizing this enlightening event. The wisdom gained from Mr. Li’s journey will undoubtedly guide my career decisions and professional development as I continue to explore the dynamic intersection of technology and commodities.