Life at SK Tes - Liang Yingtao

Hi, my name is Liang Yingtao, and I’m the Plant Manager at SK Tes B Plant in Tuas, Singapore. I have the unique privilege of leading daily operations at Southeast Asia’s first state-of-the-art hydrometallurgy battery recycling facility—an achievement I’m incredibly proud to be part of.

My journey with SK Tes

Before joining SK Tes, I spent over two decades in the semiconductor and electronics industries, specializing in wet processes. In 2015, I joined SK Tes as an Engineering Manager and was given an exciting opportunity: to develop lithium-ion battery recycling processes from the ground up. It was a leap into the future—and one that made me one of the pioneers of our battery recycling business.

Later, I moved into our strategic projects team, where I led the setup of our region’s very first advanced hydrometallurgy battery recycling plant. From idea to execution, this journey has been filled with purpose and possibility.

Finding purpose in the circular economy

What I enjoy most in my role is the sense of impact and progress. Battery recycling is still a young and fast-evolving field, but it's also one of the most essential to building a sustainable, circular economy. Every step forward—whether in R&D, plant operations, or project execution—feels like a meaningful contribution to a better world.

Opportunities to grow and lead

SK Tes has supported me throughout my journey here, offering room to grow both personally and professionally. From developing new recycling technologies to launching large-scale projects and managing plant operations, I’ve been trusted to lead, explore, and build. That trust has been essential to my growth.

Being a plant manager comes with its challenges—like managing manpower or addressing environmental, health, and safety issues—but I’ve always had the support of senior leadership and cross-functional teams to overcome them. It’s a collaborative environment where solutions are a shared effort.

Balance, team spirit, and the little things

Work-life balance matters too, and SK Tes gets that. A five-day work week, generous leave policies, and thoughtful extras like team meals, ice cream, and even durian—yes, really—make a difference. It’s a workplace that values people, not just performance.

Moments that matter

One of the proudest moments in my time here was when our battery recycling plant was officially opened— by the Minister for Sustainability and Environment, no less—right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a moment of validation for years of effort and a clear signal of the importance of the work we do.

Redefining recycling

Before I joined SK tes, I thought of recycling as a straightforward industry. But what I’ve discovered is that it’s deeply complex and constantly evolving. There’s a growing demand for cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking—especially in battery recycling—and that’s what makes the work so dynamic and engaging.

A shared mission

I’ve always believed that conserving resources for future generations is essential. SK Tes’s mission to drive sustainability perfectly aligns with my personal values, and I’m proud to contribute to a company where my daily work supports that mission.

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