Vocus People
Discovering the bigger picture
For Cindy Chuah, every project is about more than cables and connections, it’s about building something that brings people closer together.
As a Project Engineer working on Vocus’ Project Horizon, Cindy plays a key role in one of the most ambitious infrastructure builds in Australia: delivering the first competitive, high-speed broadband network across the Pilbara. It’s a project that blends technical precision, complex logistics and collaboration across diverse teams, and is exactly the kind of challenge that drew her to Vocus two years ago.
“Projects like Horizon and the Subsea fibre builds are what initially attracted me to Vocus. They offered the chance to work with cutting-edge technology and be part of something that genuinely changes how communities connect,” Cindy says.
Finding balance in bold projects
When Cindy joined Vocus in 2021, she had just relocated from New Zealand to Melbourne with her family. The company’s flexible approach to hybrid working made that transition smoother, allowing her to focus on both her family and career without compromise.
“Being able to work from home three days a week made a huge difference for me and my family when we moved here. It meant I could be there to help my kids adjust to a new life, both emotionally and physically.”
Cindy’s role involves integrating supplier and stakeholder schedules, monitoring timelines, and managing risks to keep the massive Horizon project on track. It’s detailed, high-stakes work that requires collaboration across environmental, heritage and engineering teams, all operating across vast and remote terrain.
“It’s not just about laying fibre; it’s about navigating complex approvals, working with local shires and Aboriginal heritage teams, and making sure everything aligns — that's what makes it both challenging and rewarding,” she explains.
Growing through curiosity
Cindy credits her growth at Vocus to a combination of strong leadership support and opportunities to step beyond her comfort zone.
“My managers have always encouraged me to take on new challenges and broaden my experience. They give constructive feedback and trust me to handle tasks outside my usual scope,” she says.
One experience that particularly stood out was the Mindset & Me workshop, an internal development program focused on personal growth and resilience. This reminded Cindy that real growth happens when challenged, and that change should be embraced, not feared.
Engineering with purpose
For Cindy, being part of Project Horizon isn’t just a career milestone, it’s also a chance to contribute to something meaningful.
“I love that our work directly supports Vocus’ goals of delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity to some of the most remote parts of Australia. Knowing that what we build will make a difference to those communities is a big motivator for success.”
Her advice to others entering the industry reflects that same spirit of curiosity and determination: “Be curious and proactive. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — every challenge is an opportunity to learn.”
Creating space for more perspectives
Cindy’s story reflects what’s possible when technical expertise meets genuine opportunity. She's part of a growing group of engineers at Vocus who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the table, something that strengthens the way we tackle complex problems and deliver innovation for our Vocus customers across Australia.
A connection isn’t just what we build but also how we work, learn, and grow together.
