This article originates from Women In 3D Printing and is part of our effort to support the use of 3D printing technology by women. The article is re-published with permission.
Paulene Siew is the the Operation Director for Singapore-based start-up 3D Printing Studios. We asked her about her background, thoughts about the A.M industry and how she handles being a woman in a man’s world.
Nora Toure: Paulene, could you let us know about your background and what brought you into 3D printing in the first place?
Paulene Siew: After graduating with a Master’s degree in IT from Queensland University of Technology, I worked for a Fortune 100 global business software giant for 10 years. My husband, Jason Joo, started 3D Printing Studios Asia in Singapore in 2014. Coincidently, I was ready to take a break from my software career and I told my husband why not I just spend some time helping out the business while figuring out my next step.
Since then my passion for 3D Printing is unstoppable!
Nora Toure: What was your very first experience with 3D Printing?
Paulene Siew: I printed out some models with our new arrival of FDM 3D printers at our Singapore studio to ensure the machines were working. I got some 3D test files, slice the files with the software called ‘slicer’ and sent the job to the 3D printer. Prior to that, I loaded the 3D printer with ABS plastic and start printing. I was amazed at how a 3D printer can print out a model just within hours and I know this technology will definitely be an added advantage to many companies.
Nora Toure: Could you let us know what 3D Printing Studios is and what services or products you ar offering?
Paulene Siew: We are the leading one stop 3D printing studios and stores with regional operation in Singapore and Australia that offers a wide range of 3D related services with cutting edge 3D technologies including 3D design, 3D printing, 3D scanning, Rapid Prototyping, Reverse Engineering, 3D training and 3D desktop printer and consumable sales catering to different industries as well as consumers and prosumers.
Our motivation is to help our customers ‘Bring Their Ideas to Life’ by leveraging 3D technologies in their business and making it a part of their competitive advantage in their respective industries. Whether you are a complete newcomer to 3D technologies or an expert CAD modeler, we can help. The experienced team at 3D Printing Studios consist of qualified and highly skilled 3D Industrial Designers, Product Designers, and Engineers. 3D Printing Studios has delivered many successful 3D printing projects and assignments of all sizes and complexity using the wide range of the latest 3D technologies.
Nora Toure: You are part of the Operation Director at 3D Printing Studios. What is your everyday job at the 3D Printing Studios?
Paulene Siew: I have many roles in 3D Printing Studios. I never have a dull moment because I can do 3D modeling, 3D scanning to 3D printing. I am also a trainer and a technician fixing our all our in-house and customer 3D printers. I am a very hands-on person and love interacting with our customers to brainstorm their new ideas and bring their ideas to life just like our company slogan!
Nora Toure: As a woman in tech, what was/ is your biggest challenge?
Paulene Siew: It seems to be my line of industry is more male dominant so at times I sense some individuals would prefer to speak with a male specialist. Having said that from a male perspective, I have great respect from my husband who acknowledges and appreciate my technical knowledge in 3D Printing that means a lot to me. I do not let this sexism to prevent me from doing what I am good at as I have constantly gained respects from my customers. This prejudice will change over time as long we “women” being confident and continue to do what we love I truly believe every woman can excel in any industries.
Nora Toure: Do you have any (fun or not) story about your experience in the 3D Printing industry to share with us?
Paulene Siew: Most of my 3D Printing projects are unique and so they can be very difficult because there is no reference or guidelines. So, in the beginning, they were not fun at all but once you have figured a way out the entire process will be so much of fun. I have done projects that are exhibiting at Gardens by the Bay, a prototype for Coast Guard Singapore, customized trophies for one of the local telco companies, medical models and much more.
Nora Toure: Anything exciting coming up you’d like us to know about?
Paulene Siew: Yes, our company will be officially launched in March this year! I am looking forward to meeting all our business associates and customers. Do get an update from our website and Facebook soon!
Nora Toure: What was the most impressive or impactful use of 3D printing you’ve seen so far?
Paulene Siew: The most impactful use of 3D Printing was the news of separating conjoined twins with the aid of 3D printing. Imagine having a 3D printed model gives surgeons an insight into what will be encountered and enable the surgeons to prepare ahead of the surgery. Our company will be able to provide such on-demand 3D Printing services for local hospitals and we encourage more of such impressive use of 3D Printing in medical.
Nora Toure: What do you think of the 3D printing industry today? And how would you like to see it evolve?
Paulene Siew: Countries like the United States and Europe already have quite a mature market in the 3D printing industry. In Asia, a lot of people and companies are still in the exploring stage to see how 3D printing can help them in their business or invention. I would like to see more companies and individuals being more adventurous to have an open mind to explore 3D printing and incorporate this technology into their businesses and inventions.
Nora Toure: In your opinion, how could we encourage more women to become involved with 3D Printing?
Paulene Siew: Don’t be afraid and go for it! I see myself as an example, I wasn’t a product designer or an engineer when I started 3D Printing but my natural talent in designing and technical background gives huge advantage and most important of all is work hard and believe in yourself you will achieve it.
If you are interested in learning more about Paulene, I recommend checking 3D Printing Studios‘ website.
And don’t forget to join the Women in 3D Printing group on LinkedIn and Facebook!
Thank you for reading and for sharing!
