Hamad International Airport Ranked 5th Best Airport In The World By Skytrax World Airport Awards 2018

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Hamad International Airport has been ranked the 5th best airport in the world at the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2018, which took place during the Passenger Terminal Expo 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. HIA has also been honoured with the title of ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for the fourth year in a row and ‘Best Staff Service in the Middle East’ for the third year in a row.

The award recognises HIA’s innovative facilities, five-star customer service and state-of-the-art terminal which can accommodate more than 30 million passengers annually. The terminal has been described as the most architecturally significant terminal complex in the world, as well as being the most luxurious.

Commenting on the results of the Skytrax World Airport Awards, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport stated: “HIA sets itself apart from other airports with its optimised passenger journey, unmatched retail offering, five-star customer service, punctuality, cleanliness, iconic architecture and unique art programme, making the airport a destination on its own. These Skytrax results mark yet another milestone in HIA’s journey in solidifying its position as one of the world’s best airports. We are grateful to our passengers who gave us their trust and endorsement during the voting process.

Mr. Al Meer continued: “In spite of the challenging situation in the region, HIA succeeded in proving its resiliency by maintaining 5 Star passenger’ experience, and smooth operations.

As we are gearing up to welcome more than 50 million travellers by 2022, we will continue to invest in our facilities, services and the newest technologies to provide a world-class passenger experience.”

The Skytrax World Airport Awards are a global benchmark of airport excellence, based on 12.85 million customer nominations across 110 nationalities of air travellers, and include 410 airports worldwide. The survey evaluates customer satisfaction across 39 key performance indicators for airport service and product – from check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security and immigration, through to departure at the gate.

HIA – The Gateway to Qatar and to the World
Positioned at the edge of the Arabian Gulf, Hamad International Airport’s tranquil waterside setting provides a perfect backdrop for its stylish architectural elements, underpinned by advanced airport systems in line with its ‘Smart Airport’ vision.

Operating 24/7, the airport features two runways, a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower and currently processes 30 million passengers per year and 360,00 aircrafts per year. With over 40,000 square meters of combined retail, food and beverage facilities, unmatched spa facilities and a collection of unique art pieces from internationally acclaimed artists, HIA is a destination on its own, designed for the modern traveller.

Singapore Engineering Achievements Receive Regional Accolades at CAFEO35

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The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) announced that two outstanding engineering projects and four eminent engineers were accorded prestigious regional accolades at the 35th Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (CAFEO35) on 18 November 2017, in Bangkok, Thailand.

The two projects who received the esteemed ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Awards 2017 are:

  • Mitigation of Pollution at Kandy Lake and Mid-Canal, Sri Lanka by Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University & University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
  • Singapore Sports Hub by ARUP, DP ARCHITECTS & AECOM

Presented by the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (AFEO), a non- governmental organisation affiliated to the ASEAN Secretariat, the annual awards pay tribute to the most distinctive engineering projects in the region. The Singapore projects were selected for making significant contributions to advancing engineering and improving quality of life amongst the ASEAN countries.

At the ceremony, AFEO also conferred four eminent Singaporeans with the AFEO Honorary Fellowship title, for rendering exemplary and meritorious services to the engineering profession, IES and Singapore.

They are:

  • Mr Wong Yui Cheong, Past Council Member, IES
  • Er. Low Wong Fook, Past Council Member, IES and Past Principal, Singapore Polytechnic
  • Er. Khoo Seow Poh, Deputy CEO, National Environment Agency
  • Dr. Boh Jaw Woei, Past Honorary Secretary and Past Council Member, IES

IES-AIT MoU on Climate Change
In conjunction with CAFEO35, IES also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Asian Institute of Technology Thailand, to enable cooperation in promoting capacity building and project development in climate change through joint activities.

Both parties kicked off their collaborative partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to deliver a professional development workshop on ‘Managing Project Preparation for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation’. Targeted at senior level officials and executives responsible for climate change and mitigation projects, the workshop aims to deepen understanding and skillsets in project proposal preparation to facilitate acquisition of financing from the growing pool of climate resources in the region. The inaugural workshop will be held in Singapore in 2018.

This MoU represents another significant step forward in IES’ continuous efforts to strengthen global resilience towards the impact of climate change through engineering. Since 2013, IES has held the World Engineers Summit every two years in Singapore, to facilitate engineering-led discussions amongst the world’s engineering communities, to drive global climate action and sustainable urban development.

IES Assumes 2018 AFEO Chairmanship
At the conclusion of CAFEO35 on 18 November 2017, IES officially took over the AFEO Chairmanship, with a key role to host CAFEO36 in Singapore in November 2018. In alignment to the Master Plan on ASEAN connectivity 2025 and Singapore’s assumed role as ASEAN Chair in 2018, IES will focus CAFEO36 on enhancing rail connectivity and fostering excellence in engineering education.

“IES is excited to assume the Chairmanship of AFEO for 2018 as it coincides with Singapore’s role of ASEAN Chair. We aim to make CAFEO36 into a focal point for exchange of knowledge, standards and best practices in engineering amongst member countries, to support the development of a seamlessly and comprehensively connected ASEAN. Through CAFEO36, we also hope to spur greater engineering contributions towards infrastructural development in ASEAN and promote a strong collaborative engineering community,” said Er. Edwin Khew, President, IES.

IES led a contingent of engineering representatives to attend CAFEO35 in Bangkok from 16 to 18 November 2017. Since 1982, the annual CAFEO has been hosted in different ASEAN member countries to promote goodwill, understanding, cooperation and exchange of ideas and experiences in the fields of education, science, engineering, technology, environment, human resource, training and registration of professional engineers.

Global Architectural Thought Leaders Convene at DP50 Design Future Conference in Singapore

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Image courtesy of DP Architects

The DP50 Design Future Conference, held on 10 October, 2017, marked the third high point in DP Architects’ (DPA) year-long, 50th anniversary celebrations. More than 1,400 attendees comprising students, industry experts and practitioners of the architectural community from around the world convened at the MES Theatre on MediaCorp Campus for the conference.

The conference was categorised into three primary themes – Future Cities, Future Architecture and Future Design – and was graced by two keynote speakers: renowned architect and Pritzer Prize winner, Mr Fumihiko Maki and  diplomat Professor Chan Heng Chee.

Taking to the podium first, Mr Maki spoke on the topic of “Future Architecture”. His presentation, aptly titled Humanism of Empathy not only gave insight into his design thoughts and philosophy. Through clear examples of signature projects from his portfolio of works, he challenged the architects of today to re-examine the relationship between architecture, time and space in order to create spaces that delight. Professor Chan seconded this. Speaking on “Future Cities”, she made a clear call for the creation of more “sacred places” within the city’s fabric in her presentation on Asia’s Future Cities: Sustainable, Liveable, Loveable.

The conference also saw special guest appearances and presentations by Mr Keith Brewis, a partner at Grimshaw Architects and Ms Chan Hui Min, a director at DPA. Both explored the theme of “Future Design” with Mr Brewis speaking on Our Relationship with Mobility and Ms Chan sharing insights on Tech and the City. Each provided unique perspectives on how emerging technology-enabled trends are influencing user-space relationships and changing the way architects design.

Image courtesy of DP Architects

The event culminated in a panel discussion on the future of the built environment facilitated by Professor Erwin Viray, Head of Pillar of Architecture and Sustainable Design at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

Mr Seah Chee Huang, Director at DP Architects, concluded the event with the announcement of the winners of DP’s inaugural Inspire Awards. An annual awards programme, it aims to drive design excellence and innovation within the practice.

C&W Services Singapore Wins Big at Singapore Facility Management Awards 2017

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C&W Services Singapore was named Best Facility Management (FM) Service Provider of the Year for the second year running at the recent Singapore Facility Management (FM) Awards 2017. It also scooped the Singapore FM Service Provider Award for Innovation Excellence.

The awards ceremony was held on October 4, 2017 in conjunction with the fifth International Facility Management Expo 2017 and the fourth International Facility Management Conference 2017. The event was co-organised by the Singapore Chapter of the International Facility Management Association and Conference & Exhibition Management Services.

The Best FM Service Provider of the Year award is considered the highest industry accolade in Singapore. C&W Services Singapore was awarded the prize for the successful introduction of a food waste digester system. This has enhanced site-recycling efforts and reduced long-term waste disposal costs, in line with the Singapore government’s drive for a smarter, more sustainable nation.

The Innovation Excellence award was awarded for the successful implementation of mobile cameras with two-way voice communication accessible via a cell phone, as well as drones that provide a bird’s eye view of the estate that we manage. This system addresses illegal dumping, encroachment and parking issues commonly faced by our tenants. The implementation of these solutions has helped to improve the estate environment and image. Since the implementation, there has been a reduction in the number illegal dumping cases within the estate.

“Winning these two coveted awards is attributed to our innovative solutions that address our customers’ complex challenges while delivering excellent services. It’s an honour to be recognised as the industry leader in facility management services and I am very proud of our teams that serve our customers,” said Jun Sochi, Managing Director, C&W Services Singapore.

 The Singapore FM Awards recognise those who have made significant contributions to the knowledge, practical application and sustainable performance of Singapore’s FM industry. The awards promote industry excellence, encourage innovation and recognise the professionalism of facility managers among their industry peers as well as in the building and real estate sectors.

Bentley Announces Finalists in 2017 Be Inspired Awards Programme

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Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions for advancing infrastructure, today announced the finalists in the 2017 Be Inspired Awards programme. The annual awards honour the extraordinary work of Bentley users advancing infrastructure design, construction, and operations throughout the world. Ten independent jury panels comprising distinguished industry experts selected the 51 finalists from more than 400 nominations submitted by organisations in more than 50 countries.

The finalists will present their innovative projects to their peers, the jurors, industry thought leaders, and more than 120 members of the media as part of related infrastructure forums at The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference, October 10 to 12, 2017 in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

This gathering of leading professionals in the world of infrastructure design, construction, and operations will feature:

  • Thought-provoking keynotes by Bentley senior executives and prominent industry thought leaders
  • Live technology presentations from Bentley’s alliance partners – Microsoft, Siemens, Bureau Veritas, and Topcon
  • Opportunities for attendees to meet and have one-on-one discussions with awards finalists
  • Informative industry forums and panel discussions featuring speakers from Microsoft, Siemens, Bureau Veritas, Australia Road Research Board, Applied Research & Associates, Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, and more
  • Be Inspired Awards finalists’ presentations on October 10 and 11, 2017
  • Evening ceremony and gala featuring announcement of the Be Inspired Awards winners on October 12, 2017

The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference is an ideal opportunity for management-level executives in engineering firms, architecture firms, construction companies, and government or owner-operator organisations responsible for the design, delivery, and/or operations of infrastructure to share best practices and meet infrastructure professionals from around the world. All those who submitted a nomination in the Be Inspired Awards programme are also invited to attend.

Bentley Systems Chief Communications Officer Chris Barron said, “The Year in Infrastructure Conference is a one-of-a-kind networking and learning experience for infrastructure leaders from around the world. This year we have an unprecedented number of participants for the Be Inspired programme, and are pleased to congratulate and acknowledge all of the participants for their excellent work and inspiring projects. Conference attendees will have the chance to meet the awards finalists, and see them present their projects, which represent this year’s most outstanding BIM advancements in global infrastructure.”

This year’s conference will be held for the first time in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, one of the most iconic buildings in Asia. The structural design of Marina Bay Sands was done by Arup and was Bentley’s 2010 Be Inspired Award winner for Innovation in Structural Engineering.

Mike Lee, vice president of sales, Marina Bay Sands, said, “Marina Bay Sands is honoured to be the chosen venue for Bentley Systems’ first-to-Singapore conference. Our relationship with Bentley dates back to our construction days, as our iconic building was structurally engineered using Bentley Systems software. We look forward to welcoming Bentley and its delegates to our integrated resort to experience its multitude of business, leisure, and dining offerings under one roof.”

Click HERE to read more about the award finalists, conference speakers, supporting partners and more.

Exhibition Tracing DP Architects’ 50 Years Design Journey Opens to Public

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This exhibition is part of the line-up of events celebrating DP Architects’ 50th anniversary. Image courtesy of DP Architects.

DP Architects’ exhibition tracing the firm’s 50 years architecture journey is now open at The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Centre this evening. The exhibition was officially opened by guest-of-honour Minister of National Development Lawrence Wong.

The firm was founded as Design Partnership in 1967, and incorporated as DP Architects in 1975. DP has evolved in tandem with Singapore’s nation building, becoming an important contributor to the country’s public projects and urban development. The firm’s work in Singapore has played a critical role in shaping the urban landscape: beginning with early projects like People’s Park Complex and Golden Mile Complex, early architectural anchors that helped introduce Singapore to new styles of modernist architecture; to some 20 projects on and around Orchard Road that redeveloped the retail corridor; to more recent projects like Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and Singapore Sports Hub that have become integral components of the urban fabric.

A Common Line | One Global Studio curates DP Architects’ portfolio of works within the context of Singapore’s architectural history as well as the firm’s global projects. The works are presented through over 2,000 never-before-seen architectural drawings, in chronological order, showcasing the breadth of DP’s portfolio; 37 reconstructed models, some larger than typical building models, investigating the practice’s design methodology by typology; a specially commissioned wall-sized illustration, titled Building Blocks by local illustrator, Lee Xin Li; and an interactive visual display that customises Augmented Reality technology to allow visitors to reimagine the future through an immersive visual experience of two key urbanscapes, Orchard Road and Marina Bay.

The works are presented through over 2,000 never-before-seen architectural drawings, in chronological order. Image courtesy of DP Architects.

On the exhibition, DP Architects’ senior associate director and head of exhibition Ng San Son said, “This exhibition was over a year in the making and it is a retrospective of our design journey over the past five decades. We hope that visitors to the exhibition will not only query the function of architecture and urbanism, rethink conventions, but also encourage conversations as they relate their memories of the spaces they have interacted with, in one way or another.

The exhibition opens from August 12 to September 29, 2017, 9 AM to 5 PM (closed on Sundays) at The URA Centre. A half-hour architect-guided tour is offered on selected Saturdays at 11 AM. This exhibition is part of the line-up of events celebrating DP Architects’ 50th anniversary.

EDGE Green Building Certification System to Offer Certification for Existing Buildings and Retrofits

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EDGE has been expanded to include the full stage of a building’s life cycle. Now it’s possible to certify existing buildings and major renovations in addition to new construction.

The assessment of existing buildings and major renovations within the EDGE App attests to the building’s features, not its performance. In this way, EDGE serves as an asset rating instrument that defines whether a building has met the minimum standard of 20 percent less energy, 20 percent less water and 20 percent less embodied energy in materials compared to a base case building.

Broadening the scope of EDGE to include buildings of all vintages is beneficial to many different market players, including managers, banks and buyers:

  • Portfolio owners and real estate investment management companies can certify their stock to prove the resource efficiency of their assets.
  • Banks offering mortgages and financing energy retrofit projects can take a measurable approach to reducing the risk associated with property investments.
  • Homebuyers purchasing a pre-existing home are assured of the quality of their investment and know that they are doing the right thing for the environment.

For those who are interested in certifying an existing building, the first step is to create your project within the EDGE app. For pricing and to request a quote, choose your country in the Certify section.

EDGE experts can provide technical assistance to clients in the certification of existing buildings. While this is not required, project owners may be interested in choosing one of the EDGE experts around the world to help expedite a project. For additional inquiries, email edge@ifc.org.

Laguarda.Low Architects Awarded for Oct Bao’an Waterfront Development

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New York City-based Laguarda.Low Architects has been awarded first prize in an international competition conducted by OCT Group for the design of OCT Bao‘an, a new large-scale planned waterfront development in Shenzhen’s Bao‘an district in China. With stunning views of Qianhai Bay, Laguarda.Low’s master plan and design encompasses a 128-acre site and creates dynamic spaces for business, retail and entertainment.

As both Master Planner and Master Architect for the project, and in collaboration with renowned landscape design firm SWA, the Laguarda.Low Architects’ design integrates nature, recreation and culture into a new urban setting. The site is divided into four primary zones, connected by pedestrian paths, integrated waterscapes, and landscaped promenades. The four zones include a new Urban Business District, a multi-level Retail Park, a Culture Heritage Park and a Book Market.

“We are very proud to have been selected to design such a dynamic development that will incorporate the Laguarda.Low vision for this location,” states John Low, Principal of Laguarda.Low. “OCT Bao’an is an outstanding development and we’re confident that this project will complement the evolving neighbourhood in one of China’s most important cities.”

Laguarda.Low’s plan positions a multi-level retail village at the centre of the site, surrounded by four residential towers to the northeast; three office towers to the southeast; a hotel to the south; an indoor mall to the west; and a new performance hall and an exhibition facility to the north, across from the city’s green belt. A central loop connects the various zones and provides access to parking below.

At the south end of the site, the Urban Business District includes seven 13-storey office buildings and a 13-storey hotel. The tiered glass structures feature landscaped terraces and green roofs that collect rainwater and limit solar heat gain. The office buildings serve as a captivating backdrop to the waterfront development and frame the sloping, landscaped-formed retail park to the east, providing direct access to the waterfront. Large domed skylights merge the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. The four-story design elevates the traditional shopping experience with expansive natural light, dynamic circulation and expansive green spaces.

At the north end of the site, the Cultural Heritage Park provides numerous options for leisure and entertainment, including a retail centre and pedestrian paths leading to an open-air plaza and a performing arts centre next door. Water serves as a key element of the design by separating the various aquatic activities and creating a sense of discovery among spaces where visitors can explore the waterfront promenade and excursion boats, as well as a new Cultural Heritage Centre, X Sports Park, playground, food and beverage garden, and performance amphitheatre.

The Book Market is situated on the eastern parcel of the site, adjacent to a new library and youth centre. The subterranean space houses a multi-level bookstore and food hall with direct connections to the subway and the neighbouring youth facilities. Above the structure is a landscaped park that surrounds a dramatic skylight and space to appreciate the natural beauty and tranquillity of the outdoors.

“Our firm is honoured to again be working with OCT Group, and add to their impressive roster of 21st century developments,” said Pablo Laguarda, Principal of Laguarda.Low. “We are dedicated to contributing the highest quality design to Shenzhen’s growing business and entertainment districts, and OCT Bao’an will showcase our shared passion for design that does the utmost to enhance the surrounding environment.”

The spectacular waterfront site sits 13 miles west of Shenzhen’s city center and is less than an hour drive from Hong Kong. The development also includes two subway stations on Shenzhen’s Huangzhong Line (Line 5), making the area prime for development.

Buildtech Yangon 2017 Goes Green with Special Focus on Quality Finishes

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BuildTech Yangon is Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform for the construction and development sector.

BuildTech Yangon is Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform for the construction and development sector.

The latest in green building technologies as well as quality and interior finishings are some of the key features at the 4th edition of BuildTech Yangon, Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform serving the fast-growing construction and development sector. Held at the Myanmar Convention Centre from 18 to 20 May, this highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world in an expansive 10,000-square-metre space.

Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), and co-organised by the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), leading companies from China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand will showcase the latest equipment, machinery and solutions in a wide selection of exhibits catering to the construction, machinery, building materials and mechanical engineering segments.

According to BMI Research, the Asia construction sector’s growth is expected to hit 5.3 percent this year, with growth in emerging and frontier South and Southeast Asian markets, supporting the soft demand in China and many developed countries. Increased efforts by governments to encourage private participation in infrastructure projects will also boost the sector, with Myanmar being one of the brightest spots for construction in the world.

U Tha Htay, President of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), said, “Myanmar’s construction industry is forecasted to grow at an annual average rate of 10.37 percent over the next five years, with a total worth of US$13.5 billion by 2020. This is driven by the government’s commitment to updating essential services and infrastructure, and providing better housing as the country re-engages the international community and the global marketplace.”

“This presents a tremendous opportunity for companies looking to participate in Myanmar’s growth and BuildTech Yangon 2017 provides an ideal platform in Yangon where international firms can meet the important decision makers driving Myanmar’s building boom.”

Myanmar’s Growing Focus on Green Buildings and Sustainability
2017 will also see the launch of the inaugural Green Building Conference which will bring together keynote speakers and thought leaders such as Tai Lee Siang, Chair of the World Green Building Council as well as subject matter experts from Myanmar and around the world.

Dr. Swe Swe Aye, Chairman of the Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar and co-organiser of the Green Building Conference, said: “As Yangon’s construction activity continues to expand, there is a desire by developers, government agencies and the public to build buildings and facilities that are able to leverage new thinking for green building technologies and materials to be better for the environment and the people who work, live and play in them. The Green Building Conference is a good opportunity for learning new ideas and technologies and I look forward to learning and exchanging experiences and knowledge with many experts and practitioners who will be attending.”

This highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world.

This highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world.

Mr. Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, said, “Sustainable and green development is key to the construction industry as we help create homes and work spaces for the growing urban population. It plays an essential role in building a vibrant, creative and productive city – by ensuring healthy living and reducing the impact on the environment. As the leading trade show in Myanmar for the construction sector, we believe that BuildTech Yangon 2017 has an important role in sharing the best practices and knowledge from green developments around the world as an extension to its ongoing efforts supporting the development of Yangon as a mega city.”

Recognising Innovators and Leaders of the Construction Industry
This year, a special brick laying competition will be introduced to the trade floor. This project is open to construction companies and will showcase a live assembly of a set prototype of a model building.

MCEA will also be hosting its annual Gala on the 19 May, where a select group of delegates and luminaries of the construction sector will come together to network and celebrate the achievements of their peers in the 3rd Construction Entrepreneur Awards.

The Awards were conceptualised to recognise the best and brightest of construction professionals who have succeeded in raising local standards and skills, and in incorporating the latest construction technologies into the entire ecosystem. Sphere Exhibits & MCEA will jointly award four main awards: Best Contractor Awards, Best Project Awards, Individual Awards and Builder of the Year Awards.

This year's exhibition will showcase the latest in equipment, machinery and solutions.

This year’s exhibition will showcase the latest in equipment, machinery and solutions.

BuildTech Yangon 2017 is supported by the Association of Myanmar Architects, International Facilities Management Association, Singapore Chapter, Italian Chamber of Commerce (Singapore) Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar, Myanmar Engineering Council, Myanmar Engineering Society, Myanmar Industries Association, Malaysia Heavy Construction Equipment Owners Association, Master Builders Association Malaysia;; Malaysia Timber Council, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Green Building Council, Singapore Institute of Building Limited, Vietnam Building Ceramic Association, Vietnam Electronic Industries Association and the Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association and WSH (Asia).

Visitors can click here to pre-register before May 9, 2017 to attend the trade show or the Green Building Conference. Delegates attending the conference are entitled to continuing industry development points by the Myanmar Engineering Council.

For more information, click HERE.

Engineering Brilliance Lands Singapore Engineers Regional Honours at CAFEO 2016

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Innovative Floating Wetlands @ Punggol. Image courtesy of www.hdb.gov.sg

Innovative Floating Wetlands @ Punggol. Image courtesy of www.hdb.gov.sg

A record number of six engineering projects clinched the prestigious ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Awards 2016 at the 34th Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO34) on 23 November 2016, at Palawan, Philippines, out of a total of 34 winners from the region. AFEO also conferred five engineering champions and leaders from Singapore with the AFEO Honorary Fellowship title at the ceremony.

Presented by AFEO, a non-governmental organisation affiliated to the ASEAN Secretariat, the annual awards salute engineering achievements distinctive in their demonstration of outstanding engineering skills and significant contributions to the engineering progress and the quality of life amongst the ASEAN countries.

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) had selected these projects out of the 13 winners of the IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Awards 2016 for nomination to the AFEO awards. The winning projects are:

  •  A Biophilic Waterway@Punggol – Innovative Floating Wetlands and Freshwater-Tolerant Mangroves by Housing Development Board (HDB)
  • Development of Semakau Landfill Phase II by National Environment Agency (NEA)
  • Galassia – NUS First Nanosatellite by National University of Singapore (NUS)
  • The Future of Auditing: Early Detection & Prevention of Significant Trading Irregularities by A*STAR, Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) and Group Audit, DBS Bank Ltd
  • Highly Flexible and Wearable Sensors for Real-Time Healthcare Monitoring Applications by NUS
  • Seeing is believing: from Microscope to Nanoscope by NUS and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

“All the winners highly deserve to be applauded for their contributions as their work have made remarkable impact to the quality of life of the people in Singapore. IES is pleased to be a conduit for their work to be recognised by AFEO and hope that the awards will inspire them to bring about far-reaching positive impact to communities across ASEAN,” said Er. Edwin Khew, President of IES.

The ceremony also observed the conferring of the AFEO Honorary Fellowship title upon five distinguished persons from Singapore. Each of them has been exemplary in rendering outstanding and meritorious services to the engineering profession, IES and Singapore. They are:

  • Er. Chong Kee Sen – Immediate Past President, IES
  • Prof. Quek Tong Boon – Advisor, DSO National Laboratories; Chief Executive, National Robotics Programme; and Chief Defence Scientist, Ministry of Defence till June 2016
  • Prof. Low Teck Seng – CEO, National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office
  • Mr. Chua Chong Kheng – Deputy CEO, Land Transport Authority
  • Mr. Lee Fook Sun – President, Singapore Technologies Electronics Ltd

IES and various Singapore engineering representatives attended CAFEO34 in Palawan from 21 to 24 November 2016. Since 1982, the annual CAFEO has been hosted in different ASEAN member countries to promote goodwill, understanding, cooperation and exchange of ideas and experiences in the fields of education, science, engineering, technology, environment, human resource, training and registration of professional engineers.