IES Presents Charles Rudd Distinguished Global Lectures for WED 2025
The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES), in collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic (SP), proudly presented the World Engineering Day 2025: Charles Rudd Distinguished Global Lectures (WED 2025: CRDGL) at the SP Convention Centre. Held as a prelude to WED for Sustainable Development on 4 March 2025, this event convened leading experts, innovators and thought leaders from the global engineering community to share insights, explore emerging technologies and address engineering challenges shaping our future.
Themed ‘Towards a Sustainable World: Engineering the Way Forward’, this year’s lectures spotlighted two critical topics: Circular Economy and Resilient Future. With intensifying global challenges such as climate change, urbanisation and resource depletion, this event underscored the critical role of engineering in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, was the guest of honour at the event. The two distinguished keynote speakers were Ms Tita Yowana Alwis, Minister Counsellor, Head of Economy – Indonesia Embassy and Mr Kelvin Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Building and Construction Authority (BCA). Their addresses provided valuable insights into the intersection of engineering and sustainable development, inspiring participants to envision bold new pathways to a better future.
The panel discussion titled ‘Navigating the Future: Circular Economy and Building Resilience’ featured an influential lineup of experts, moderated by Professor Seeram Ramakrishna, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore and Chair of the Sustainability Cluster at IES. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in breakout activities, including learning journeys, technical talks and seminars, designed to foster collaboration and innovation in engineering solutions for sustainable development.
“WED 2025: CRDGL seeks to broaden public appreciation of the impact of engineering – showcasing its role in solving global challenges. By exploring the circular economy and resilient future, we aim to deepen appreciation for engineering as a driver of innovation – turning challenges into opportunities and forging solutions that balance progress with long-term sustainability,” said Er. Chan Ewe Jin, President of IES.
IES hosts the lectures annually in honour of the late Er. Charles Rudd, a distinguished IES member and engineer, who generously bequeathed over $1 million to the institution. Held as part of the WED 2025 celebrations, highlights of the lectures have been recorded and broadcast globally to celebrate engineering achievements in support of WED 2025’s goal of ‘Shaping Sustainable Future through Engineering’. Endorsed by seven sponsors and over 45 local and international organisations, the three-hour hybrid lecture attracted more than 1,000 local and overseas participants.
“As engineers, we are called upon to address challenges that transcend borders, from subsistence farming practices to infrastructure challenges in urban areas and overcoming poverty through digital technologies. These require a united effort from the global engineering community, alongside governments, businesses and civil society. As the incoming WFEO President, I am committed to advancing these collaborations to ensure engineering remains a catalyst for a sustainable world,” said Er. Tan Seng Chuan, President-Elect of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), Chair of WED Committee and Emeritus President of IES.
This commitment to innovation and collaboration is reflected in Singapore’s strong representation at the WED 2025 Hackathon, with two shortlisted entries out of a total of 15 finalists. A team from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has been recognised for their project, ‘Empower: Digital Tools for Women’s Social Change’ which focuses on helping women in underprivileged areas access digital resources through education, mentorship and skills-building to break the cycle of poverty.
Meanwhile, a team from PSB Academy also made it to the finals with their submission, ‘Smart Irrigation Monitoring System (SIMS): Solar-Powered Irrigation & AI for Small Farmers’, which provides farmers with affordable technology to enhance climate resilience and protect their crops. These innovative solutions highlight the ingenuity and problem-solving capabilities of Singapore’s young engineers in addressing pressing global challenges.
Launch of Built Environment Transformation Learning Journey
The event also saw the launch of the Built Environment (BE) Transformation Learning Journey, which was developed by SP and supported by BCA. Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal & CEO, SP; Er. Chan Ewe Jin, President, IES and Mr Kelvin Wong, CEO, BCA, officiated the launch, with A/P Muhammad Faishal as the witness. Supported by BCA, the initiative offers SMEs practical insights into this resilient and forward-looking industry.
Focusing on the Industry Transformation Map (ITM) and its three key pillars – Integrated Planning and Design, Advanced Manufacturing and Automation, and Sustainable Urban Systems – the journey showcases transformative examples of how BE sector companies leverage innovative technologies and sustainable practices. It also equips SMEs with the tools to strategically plan their business and workforce transformation.
Participants can access follow-up support, including training programmes and funding opportunities, to facilitate their growth and position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving BE landscape. Following the main programme, participants joined the breakout activities curated by co-organisers SP and the National Committee of Engineering Organisations (NCEO) members, including the Engineers Australia Singapore Chapter and INCOSE Singapore Chapter.