Posts

Image1

Singapore’s Construction Industry Set to Outpace the Country’s GDP Growth Rate This Year

/in /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Construction growth in Singapore sees a 12 percent rise in productivity in 2024, outstripping the country’s modest overall GDP growth rate of 2 to 3 percent four times over, according to global professional services company, Turner & Townsend.

With construction volume anticipated to reach between S$32 billion to S$38 billion by the end of 20242, Turner and Townsend’s Singapore Market Intelligence cites a series of government-backed initiatives and major state projects, such as Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5) and Tuas Port, are key contributors boosting demand.

Recent built environment incentives including the enhanced Contractors Registration System (CRS), the Productivity Innovation Project (PIP), the Future Energy Fund and Energy Efficient Grant are supporting activity. By year-end, the Singaporean state is expected to contribute to 55 percent of domestic construction projects while the private sector is poised for a contribution of 45 percent.  

Image1

Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability, the construction market in Singapore is also benefitting from investment in digital infrastructure and the launch of the NEC4,3 contract by the Building Construction Authority (BCA). The latter provides favourable conditions and extensive options for collaborative contracting.

While the overall growth trajectory is positive for the domestic construction sector, there are still challenges to navigate principally the availability of skilled labour. The departure of many construction workers during the pandemic continues to highlight the labour squeeze and increasing costs to secure the right talent.

Khoo Sze Boon, Managing Director, Turner & Townsend in Singapore, said, “Construction demand in Singapore is on course to surpass last year by a significant margin which is positive for our domestic economy. The industry’s overall positive outlook stems from the series of ongoing government initiatives connected to the built environment including robust schemes to promote funding, foster technological advancements, ensure ease of doing business, and boost sustainable green initiatives.

“While challenges persist, such as manpower shortages and rising costs, optimism around collaborative contracting schemes and the digitisation of processes will further improve productivity. We believe now is the time for our industry to really embrace collaborative contracting which will offset rising construction costs and transform the construction sector for the better to ensure long-term resilience.”

1) GDP growth according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry Singapore, and construction growth according to the Building Construction Authority, calculated based on the 2024 demand forecast of $38 billion over the 2023 demand of $33.8 billion.

2) According to the Building Construction Authority as of 15 January 2024

3) NEC4 contract is a suite of contracts for effective project management and collaboration

Image1

IES Welcomes New President with Bold Vision for the Future

/in /by

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Image1

 

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) announced the inauguration of Engineer (Er.) Chan Ewe Jin as its 30th President during the 58th IES Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 25 May 2024. Er. Chan takes over the reins from Mr. Dalson Chung and will lead the institution for a two-year term.

 

Er. Chan is poised to steer IES forward with a comprehensive two-pronged strategy aimed at strengthening the engineering profession and amplifying its impact on both national and global stages. In his inaugural address at the AGM, Er. Chan emphasised the importance of fortifying the four foundational pillars of IES: engineering excellence, professional development, professional registration and internationalisation with new initiatives and goals.

 

At the same time, he is committed to pushing the boundaries in enhancing professional accreditation for engineers. This will involve growing the IES Chartered Engineers programme to another level while polishing accreditation processes to maximise efficiency and scaling up accreditation in specific sectors highly sought after by the industry, such as sustainability. In addition, he will continue to put members at the core of IES, implementing new initiatives to enhance membership services and attract new members while expanding outreach efforts to recruit students and young aspiring engineers into the IES family.

 

“As the world’s challenges grow increasingly complex, IES will take the driver’s seat in empowering our engineers to take future challenges head-on. In the next two years, we will hone our engineers’ skills and substantially enhance their professional recognition to foster a robust engineering core. Concurrently, we will focus on nurturing young talents, expanding their horizon through global exposure, aligning them to the industry’s latest needs and future-proofing their careers,” said Er. Chan.

 

These plans are aligned to support Singapore’s national imperatives, particularly the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the SkillsFuture movement, to drive societal progress and prosperity. Er. Chan is currently the Managing Director of ECAS Consultants Pte Ltd, a leading multidisciplinary engineering firm offering design consultancy services to diverse industries.

 

His key contributions include developing major landmarks in Singapore such as the Marina Coastal Expressway, the Thomson-East Coast Line MRT and the Punggol Northshore HDB project. Immediate Past President, Mr Chung, was instrumental in advancing the engineering community’s capacity to propel Singapore’s sustainability agenda forward through the introduction of the IES Green Plan 2030. Under his stewardship, IES has set a robust framework for engineers to actively contribute towards the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

 

 

ean Chiao 4

Surbana Jurong Group Appoints Sean Chiao as New Group Chief Executive Officer

/in /by

Reading Time: 2 minutes

ean Chiao 4

Surbana Jurong (SJ) Group has named Mr. Sean Chiao as Group Chief Executive Officer and a member of its Board of Directors, effective 1 April 2023.  With this appointment, the Group is poised to accelerate its transformation into a global consulting leader in urban, infrastructure, and managed services.

 

Mr Chiao has over 35 years of experience in design and engineering consulting for the built environment as well as global business leadership. Previously, he led the Asia Pacific operations of one of the world’s largest infrastructure, design, and engineering companies. A passionate urbanist and firm advocate of collaboration to create holistic solutions, he has spearheaded many iconic projects in the region harnessing multidisciplinary expertise.

 

Surbana Jurong Group Chairman, Mr. Chaly Mah, said of Mr. Chiao’s appointment: “The Board undertook a rigorous global search for a Group CEO with a clear objective: to grow Surbana Jurong into a global platform and drive lasting positive change through leadership. Sean has extensive Asia-Pacific as well as global experience, deep insight into the industry and an outstanding track record of business results.”

 

He added: “We are confident that we have found in Sean the right leader for Surbana Jurong as we advance the implementation of SJ 2.0, the Group’s roadmap to becoming one of the top urban, infrastructure and managed services consulting firms in Asia-Pacific.”

 

Mr. Chiao said: “I am inspired by the SJ 2.0 strategy to position Surbana Jurong for leadership in an era of sustainability and digital transformation and as an employer of choice in the built environment, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to fulfill these aspirations.”

Photo 3. users will be able to pre-programme recipes and activate them from their mobile devices.

Blossoms by the Park to be First Singapore Condominium with Fully Integrated Smart Kitchen Solutions

/in , , /by

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Photo 3. users will be able to pre-programme recipes and activate them from their mobile devices.

Blossoms by the Park at Slim Barracks Rise is set to become the first condominium in Singapore to be fitted out with fully integrated green and smart kitchen solutions powered by City Energy’s piped town gas. About 750 gas appliances from Küche, a German-inspired brand, comprising smart hobs,  smart cooker hoods and built-in smart electric ovens will be installed in the standard three- and four-bedroom apartments and four-bedder penthouses.

 

The hobs, hoods and ovens, which blend sleek design with Internet-of-Things (IoT)  technology, are fully interoperable and can be controlled remotely through an iAppliances smartphone app. On top of monitoring their gas consumption, users will be able to pre-programme recipes and activate them from their mobile devices, as well as respond to safety alerts, among others. For instance, the smart feature enables users to turn off the gas hob wherever they are, allowing people at home including elderly parents and domestic helpers to cook with protection and peace of mind.

 

Photo 2. the appliances will include smart hoods which blend sleek design with iot technology.

 

Mr. Perry Ong, Chief Executive Officer of City Energy, said, “We are proud to be the brand owner for Küche, a premium brand that provides smart IoT-enabled and eco-friendly solutions for new private home developments. Through these, as well as our town gas, EV charging and solar energy solutions, we are offering sustainable solutions for property developers to further enhance their competitive advantage. We are confident that more property developers will leverage City Energy’s multiple  green energy solutions for home buyers and investors who are increasingly seeking low carbon and smart living features for their properties.”

 

Mr. Lim Yew Soon, Managing Director of EL Development, said: “At EL Development, we are always looking for new ways to excite our home buyers and offer them well-designed homes that are also assets. The Küche kitchen appliances and EV charging solution powered by City Energy are a great fit for Blossoms by the Park, as they elevate the eco and technological needs of our savvy home buyers.”

 

Photo 1.ku che's green and smart kitchen solutions are fully interoperable and can be controlled remotely through an iappliances smartphone app.

 

Statistics show that more Singaporeans are seeking smart and environmentally friendly home solutions. According to one survey, 77% of Singaporeans prefer to dwell in green buildings. Another survey found that 58% of Singaporeans are willing to pay a premium for an environmentally sustainable home. City Energy said that the market potential for gas-powered appliances in Singapore continues to grow steadily, with about 10,000 to 12,000 new private housing units expected to use piped town gas this year.

Besides the smart appliances, Go by City Energy (Go), an electric vehicle (EV) charging solution provided as a service by City Energy, will deploy three charging points at the development for EV drivers. Blossoms by the Park joins more than 25 new private condominiums to be fitted with Go’s EV charging services. Located within walking distance of Buona Vista MRT station, the 275-unit Blossoms by the Park is expected to open for the public from 14 April 2023.

Settle Into The Newly Reimagined Wanderlust In Little India

/in , , , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes

The newly reimagined Wanderlust, the latest flexible living concept from 8M Collective, is now open for bookings. Moving away from the rigid protocols and antiquated services at conventional hotels, Wanderlust is a conscientiously designed space for a new generation, welcoming all jaunts and journeys.

Retaining only the name of the original property, the new Wanderlust has undergone a complete transformation, merging old-world charm with essential modern-day comforts. Step through the adorned façade of original Peranakan tiles and feel instantly at home, entering the naturally peaceful and inviting lobby, a wonderful dichotomy to the vibrancy of the neighbourhood. Relax on the open-air terrace overlooking charming Dickson Road, taking in the bustling streets of Little India from a private oasis with a dipping pool, the perfect escape on a hot Singapore afternoon.

Just a few convenient steps from the Downtown MRT Line, Wanderlust offers the balance of being just minutes from the bustling city centre yet immersed in the historic urban montage of Little India. With a range of different room categories from spacious Lofts to comfortably appointed Studios, Wanderlust invites guests to take a break from the hectic pace of daily life and embrace the mindset of slow travel, making the lively neighbourhood a home away from home while soaking in the culture, colours and character of the multifaceted cityscape.

Embracing the select service model that has made KēSa House, in Keong Saik Road, a favourite among contemporary travellers, Wanderlust encourages guests to settle in and stay a while with a range of flexible rate packages and services depending on the desired length of stay. Amenities such as complimentary laundry service, fully furnished pantries and comfortable common spaces make Wanderlust an ideal refuge whether you’re checking in to relax, work or play.

Settle In

The Loft category on the top floor of the heritage property, provides space to relax and hide away, with a lofted double bed to accommodate a separate living space. Your private urban retreat, the spacious Wanderlust Loft is elegantly appointed with natural finishes, textural overlays and a kitchenette for convenient in-room meals. Striking the perfect chord between classic comforts and modern essentials, the Wanderlust Junior Loft offers a living space and kitchenette alongside enhanced modern fittings and functionalities.

The Studio category is ideal for the modern traveller seeking new perspectives. For a bit more space, the Wanderlust Studio delivers contemporary and homelike living with a stylish, cleverly constructed interior and kitchenette. Expertly designed with comfort in mind, the Wanderlust Junior Studio also features a kitchenette for everyday convenience along with enhanced functionalities.

Perfect for the intrepid traveller seeking a refined respite from the hustle and bustle, the Wanderlust Room offers everything you need and nothing you don’t. Enjoy a luxurious double bed, cosy fittings and a quiet view overlooking the streets of Little India.

Savour the Moment

With kitchenettes in the majority of rooms, Wanderlust offers the opportunity to explore the local markets with its eclectic flavours and ingredients and prepare a home cooked meal in the comfort of your own space.

You can grab essentials at the in-house Mama Shop that offers a hand-picked assortment of locally sourced brands and staples with ample selection for the health conscious. Enjoy a taste of Singapore with items such as craft beer from The Guild, artisan cold brew and tea from Made Cold, gluten free treats from The Whole Kitchen and kombucha from Yocha.

And in true 8M Collective style, Wanderlust will also offer an amazing in-house restaurant and bar – Kotuwa, opening in April 2020. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Rishi Naleendra of local dining destinations Cloudstreet and Cheek Bistro (formerly Cheek by Jowl), Kotuwa will celebrate Sri Lankan flavours, culture, people and hospitality.

Raffles Hotel Singapore Officially Reopens

/in , /by

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Raffles Hotel Singapore recently announced its highly anticipated reopening, heralding an exciting new chapter in the iconic property’s rich history and heritage. A flagship property within Accor, the world’s leading augmented hospitality group, Raffles Hotel Singapore is now welcoming guests and visitors, following the iconic hotel’s careful and sensitive three-phased restoration, which began in February 2017.

The Grand Lobby. Image from facebook.com/raffleshotelsingapore

“There are few hotels in the world whose names have become virtually synonymous with the cities in which they are located – and none more so than the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The newly restored Raffles will provide an experience like no other,” said Christian Westbeld, General Manager, Raffles Hotel Singapore. “It is our wish and desire that our guests will continue to create treasured memories at the hotel, while rediscovering what makes it so special – the distinctive architecture, heritage and legendary service.”

The meticulous restoration led by acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud was also supported by Aedas, a leading global architecture and design firm. Together, the designers created a refreshed social haven that delivers a compelling mix of culture, beauty and gentility. Exquisite new suite categories, vibrant lifestyle experiences and exclusive dining concepts are designed for international visitors and Singaporeans to meet, stay, shop, dine and celebrate.

Discerning travellers can expect new levels of unrivalled comfort and inimitable service with enhanced suite experience, brought to life by the fabled Raffles Butlers, while enjoying the new and reimagined spaces at Raffles Hotel Singapore.

Jeannette Ho, Vice President, Raffles Brand and Strategic Relationships, Raffles Hotels and Resorts, commented, “We are very pleased to be part of the reopening of the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore officially returning to the city, refreshed, reimagined and revitalised. This is where it all started and faithful to its roots, Raffles Hotel Singapore reinvents emotional luxury. As the hotel concludes its restoration and embarks on the next chapter, the return of this flagship property to Raffles Hotels & Resorts paves the way for the expansion of the brand as we deliver this same level of unparalleled service and sublime experiences to new destinations in cities such as Udaipur, London and Boston.”

The revitalised Raffles Hotel Singapore offers luxurious all-suite accommodations, across nine distinct suite categories: State Room Suites, Courtyard Suites, Palm Court Suites, Personality Suites, Residence Suites, Promenade Suites, Grand Hotel Suites and Presidential Suites. Residence, Promenade and Studio suites, are the three latest additions to the hotel’s existing line-up. The total suite count increases from 103 suites to 115 suites.

One of the hotel’s luxuriously spacious suites. Image from facebook.com/raffleshotelsingapore

The Raffles Arcade has been newly outfitted with a charming Raffles Boutique and various bespoke retail brands. Guests and locals will also delight in exploring the worldly restaurants and bars at Raffles Hotel Singapore, including restaurant collaborations with Chef Anne- Sophie Pic, of the three-Michelin star Maison Pic in Valence, France; venerable French Master Chef Alain Ducasse; and Chef Jereme Leung, known for his innovative Chinese cooking. At the refreshed Long Bar, travellers will continue to enjoy the hotel’s most famous cocktail, the original Singapore Sling, along with the timeless tradition of tossing peanut shells on the floor.

Christian further added, “Raffles Hotel Singapore is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world and its restoration has been carefully designed to preserve its unique historic charm, while creating extraordinary experiences for our esteemed guests – a dedicated commitment from all of us at Raffles Hotel Singapore and also from our owner, Katara Hospitality.”

First opened in 1887, and declared a National Monument a century later by the Singapore Government in 1987, Raffles Hotel Singapore has through the years, gained both local and international recognition as an oasis for the well-travelled. It is a national treasure among Singaporeans who deeply value its historical significance and unique heritage. The last restoration was conducted from 1989 to 1991 where the hotel closed for two and a half years.

FINALCAD Underway in Revolutionising the Building Industry in Singapore

/in , , /by

Reading Time: 2 minutes

FINALCAD, a leading construction mobile platform, is facilitating the digital transformation of the building and construction industry in Singapore. Since 2015, the company has rapidly established itself as a leader in the local built environment sector, having undertaken several high-profile projects in the country, including Changi Airport (Terminals 1 and 4), Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore Sports Hub, Yishun Community Hospital, amongst many others.

Given Singapore’s limited labour pool in construction, the sector is eagerly looking at ways to reduce labour and increase productivity. Across Asia Pacific, there has been a clarion call to boost infrastructure spend, if the region is to maintain its growth trajectory. Currently, only US$880 billion — slightly over half of the US$1.7 trillion required — is spent on infrastructure, annually.

“In order to boost efficiency and productivity in the built environment space, in the face of mounting challenges, the construction industry needs to look at technologies that can reduce the amount of time spent on manual tasks, and optimize their ability to make real-time decisions,” said Jimmy Louchart, President & Co-Founder, FINALCAD. “Additionally, the industry can now leverage solutions that provide data, which can be analysed to eventually reduce defects and increase the safety of projects.”

Significant contributors to time wastage include manual routine inspections — which also adds to paper wastage — and communications. In larger projects that involve multiple subcontractors, communications between groups can also be a source of delays. Being able to make decisions digitally and in on-the-go ensures that less time and resources are wasted unnecessarily, leading to more time spent on valuable tasks that improve the quality of work, while also paying a closer eye to monitoring progress.

FINALCAD provides a simple platform for various parties in a construction project to communicate, while providing timely updates and log reports that can incorporate anything from pictures, descriptions, as well as details about issues. Additionally, users can use the masses of data collected to glean insights around regular issues, to see how they can be reduced in the future. Everyone on the project team, including foremen, site engineers and architects, among others, can share these benefits.

In the case of manual inspections, FINALCAD has enabled inspectors to perform their inspections digitally — driving increased efficiency of defect management by up to 50 percent. In some instances, the inspection and rectification processes were cut down by eight days. During the construction of Changi Airport’s Terminal 1, the time saved by adopting technologies to increase efficiency amounts to about S$300,000.

“We have improved the productivity, quality and efficiency of operations by using FINALCAD, and I believe that we will definitely increase our competitiveness,” said Wei Kewu, Senior Technical Manager, China Construction.

Solutions like these show that the digitisation of construction is the next clear step that will revolutionise the industry, while increasing their capabilities many times over. With digitisation now reaching new heights, demand for FINALCAD’s mobile-first construction app is accelerating. The company has more than 170 people, across 12 countries and has serviced over 20,000 projects.

Bentley Systems to Host Infrastructure Leaders at the Year in Infrastructure 2019 Conference in Singapore

/in , , , /by

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The structural design of the Marina Bay Sands was done by Arup and was the 2010 Year in Infrastructure Award winner for Innovation in Structural Engineering

Bentley Systems, Incorporated, the leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions and digital twin cloud services for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure will host its Year in Infrastructure 2019 Conference and awards ceremony at one of the most iconic buildings in Asia, the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.

 

 

Advancing BIM through Digital Twins is the theme of this year’s conference, which takes place 21 to 24 October, 2019.

The Year in Infrastructure Conference is an annual global gathering of leading executives of infrastructure design, construction, and operations focused on best practices and technologies for going digital. This year’s conference features nearly 100 speakers and more than 150 informative sessions including keynotes by leading industry experts, user success stories, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and technology demonstrations.

Dr. Ayesha Khanna, co-founder and CEO of ADDO AI, is a keynote speaker for the Year in Infrastructure 2019 Conference

Dr. Ayesha Khanna, co-founder and CEO of ADDO AI, an artificial intelligence (AI) advisory firm headquartered in Singapore, is one of the guest keynote speakers for this year’s conference. Dr. Khanna has been a strategic advisor on artificial intelligence, smart cities, and fintech to clients including SMRT, SOMPO, and Smart Dubai. She was also named one of South East Asia’s groundbreaking female entrepreneurs by Forbes magazine in 2018.

Keith Clarke, chairman of the board for UK-based Forum for the Future, is the other featured guest keynote speaker. Clarke is a chartered architect with more than 40 years of experience in construction and engineering and was formerly the chief executive of the global engineering and design consultancy firm, Atkins. He is a non-executive director for Sirius Minerals plc, chair of Future Cities Catapult and Tidal Lagoon Power plc, vice president of the Institute of Civil Engineers, patron of the Environmental Industries Commission at Oxford, and has honorary fellowships from the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Structural Engineers, and Cardiff University. He is also visiting professor for sustainable design at Aston University.

Attendees will hear from other industry thought leaders and learn about technologies and best practices that are shaping the future of infrastructure delivery and operations. Speakers from Bentley’s strategic partner organizations, including Microsoft, Siemens, and Topcon will participate in technology demonstrations, presentations, and discussions on numerous topics.

New to this year’s conference are ACCELERATE sessions led by Bentley’s application experts. Featuring more than 20 topics, the sessions give infrastructure experts exclusive insights into how their organizations can master the latest enhancements and key capabilities of Bentley applications to help drive efficiency through multidiscipline workflows.

Attendees can learn best practices through Academies Day sessions led by industry experts. Academies Day features six sessions: digital advancement, construction, constructioneering, research, reality modeling, and process industries. The academies team will also conduct live, interactive sessions in the Technology Pavilion throughout the conference.

In addition, the 2019 finalists in Bentley’s Year in Infrastructure Awards program will present their projects during industry-focused forums — Buildings and Campuses, Digital Cities, Industrial Infrastructure, Rail and Transit, Roads and Bridges, and Energy and Water Utilities. Winners will be announced at a gala and awards program at the conclusion of the conference.

Chris Barron, chief communications officer for Bentley Systems, said, “We’re pleased to be hosting our Year in Infrastructure conference and awards gala in Singapore again this year. Singapore is a leader in innovative use of technology for the delivery and operations of infrastructure and was named a Smart City in 2018, so it is a fitting and inspirational location to host an event that explores the innovations and best practices of technology use for outstanding infrastructure projects around the world. And we’re proud to note that the extraordinary Marina Bay Sands structural system was designed by Arup using Bentley software and is a spectacular example of excellence in structural design and engineering.

Kimberly-Clark Switches On One of Singapore’s Largest Solar Roofs at Tuas

/in , , , , /by

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Earlier this year, Kimberly-Clark Corporation switched on one of Singapore’s largest solar energy installations at its manufacturing facility in Tuas, which produces Huggies diapers and baby wipes. 7,730 photovoltaic panels mounted on its roof will generate 3.5 Gigawatt hours of clean energy, enough to power up a thousand three-bedroom HDB flats for a year.

With this investment, renewable energy will now replace 15 percent of conventional energy use at the plant, reducing Green House Gas emissions (GHGs) by approximately 1,600 metric tons per year. This is equivalent to removing nearly 350 passenger cars from roads annually.

Kimberly-Clark’s Tuas plant has a long track record of reducing its environmental footprint. In 2016, it launched an in-house wastewater treatment plant that recycles 75 percent of the water used in its wet wipes production. Since 2017, it has partnered with Ngee Ann polytechnic researchers to find utility for material waste generated during its production process, as part of its broader efforts to re-use or recycle 100 percent of its waste.

At a ceremony held to inaugurate its solar roof, Achal Agarwal, President, Kimberly- Clark Asia Pacific, said “Our manufacturing operations in Singapore have long been recognized as a leader in environmental protection. Switching on this solar roof marks a new milestone in our sustainability journey and accelerates our progress towards our goal of achieving a 20 percent reduction in GHG emissions globally, by 2022.”

Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, was the guest of honour at the inauguration. He said, “I am glad to see enterprises such as Kimberly-Clark Corporation step up efforts to adopt renewable energy. Sustainable development is not just central to the mitigation of climate change and protection of the environment. When thoughtfully incorporated, it can benefit business operations and reduce costs in the long run.”

The solar roof panels were installed in partnership with Singapore-based solar energy provider Sunseap, which has played an instrumental role in the development of many grid-connected PV systems, pioneering the solar energy movement in Singapore.

“We are pleased to work with Kimberly-Clark in their efforts to go green. As the leading integrated clean energy solutions provider in Singapore, we encourage all companies to look for ways to be environmentally friendly in their business. There are various measures companies can take to reduce their carbon footprint including tapping renewable energy for their operations and going paperless in their day-to-day work,” said Frank Phuan, CEO and Executive Director, Sunseap Group.

World Engineers Summit 2019 Convened Global Engineering Experts to Make Future Cities More Sustainable, Liveable with Technology

/in , , /by

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) kicked off the World Engineers Summit (WES) 2019 on ‘Engineering Future Cities – Harnessing and Managing Technologies to Improve Quality of Life’ today at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, graced the Opening Ceremony as the guest-of-honour.

The world is at a critical turning point of urbanisation, with about 68 per cent of its population expected to be living in urban areas by 2050. In the face of such unprecedented growth, WES 2019 placed the spotlight on critical and escalating issues such as climate change, pollution and traffic congestion. More than 800 international engineers from around the world have gathered to exchange knowledge, expertise and ideas in using and managing of technologies to build greater sustainability, liveability, economic security and climate resilience for cities.

WES 2019 will feature six topical discussion tracks namely climate change: mitigation & adaptation, connectivity & mobility, sustainable energy, Industry 4.0 & beyond, water and sustainable environment and smart infrastructure.

In addition, for the first time, IES and The Institution of Professional Engineers, Japan, (IEPJ) have joined hands to organise a seventh track that will cover building smart energy and sustainable cities in Asia. His Excellency, Mr Jun Yamazaki, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, also gave a speech as a guest speaker at the Opening Ceremony.

“WES 2019 will cover a multitude of interests and perspectives with the aim of creating greater momentum and spawning new collaborations amongst engineering communities around the world to engineer sustainable and liveable cities of tomorrow,” said Er. Prof Lim Kok Hwa, WES 2019 Conference Chair.