Speech by SMS Low Yen Ling at Meinhardt Singapore's 50th Anniversary Celebration

Dr Shahzad Nasim, Executive Chairman, Meinhardt Group;

Mr Omar Shahzad, Group CEO, Meinhardt Group;

Mr Goh Yang San, Managing Director, Meinhardt Singapore;

Distinguished Guests

Introduction

1. Good evening. I am delighted to join you in celebrating today's significant milestone – Meinhardt Singapore’s golden jubilee. This 50^th anniversary marks not only a remarkable achievement for the company but also a proud moment for Singapore.

A leader in engineering excellence, shaping the tapestry of our nation's built environment.

2. Meinhardt has led the way in engineering excellence for fifty years, playing an integral role in shaping our nation's built environment.

3. Meinhardt's legacy is evident in many signature projects that have become iconic landmarks in our Singapore skyline. These include Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Financial Centre, Resorts World Sentosa, and Guoco Tower. Each landmark is a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation and excellence.

4. Meinhardt has also been at the forefront of many groundbreaking achievements in Singapore. Notable projects include the Marina Coastal Expressway, our nation’s first undersea traffic tunnel, and SMU Connexion, Singapore’s first onsite net zero energy building in the city centre. SMU Connexion earned the BCA Green Mark – Platinum (Zero Energy) Award in 2019, setting new benchmarks for sustainable design and engineering.

5. Beyond these achievements, Meinhardt has laid the foundation for much of our social and transport infrastructure. From MRT networks to healthcare infrastructure to public housing projects, Meinhardt has shaped the fabric of our everyday lives.

6. I would also like to congratulate Meinhardt on its success at the ACES Design Excellence Awards last month. The company won awards for its projects “The ARTRA”, “JTC Logistics Hub @ Gul” and “The GEAR”. These accomplishments reflect Meinhardt’s unwavering commitment to consistently delivering exceptional engineering expertise throughout its five decades of growth. I am confident that Meinhardt will continue to be an industry leader, championing smart and sustainable solutions in Singapore and beyond.

Global Expansion and Innovation

7. Innovative and green solutions are more critical than ever in today's complex and unpredictable world. Geopolitical tensions, rising labour costs, and the growing need for diversified manufacturing are reshaping global supply chains and trade routes. Companies need to build strong global networks to stay competitive. Capturing emerging market opportunities is vital, especially for enterprises in a small and trade-dependent nation like ours.

8. Meinhardt’s extensive global footprint and strategic expansion into new markets have not only elevated the company but also significantly enhanced Singapore’s reputation as a hub for world-class engineering and infrastructure solutions. I thank the Meinhardt leadership for their commitment to championing Singapore businesses on the international stage and elevating the Singapore connection. Meinhardt has taken the lead in several significant international business missions, most recently spearheading the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) Overseas Market Workshop and Business Mission to Mexico, opening new avenues for Singaporean businesses in these emerging markets. I look forward to more years of partnership as we deepen collaboration with local solution providers and deliver resilient, sustainable urban solutions to the world together.

Dual challenges of rapid technological advancement and pressure to go green, fast.

9. To face the challenges of rapidly advancing technology and urgent decarbonisation, Singapore has prioritised digitalisation, sustainability and industry transformation for the Built Environment sector.

Digitalisation

10. We envision a digital-first Singapore where a Digital Government, Digital Economy and Digital Society harness technology to effect transformation. We encourage businesses to invest in both technology and talent and expand beyond our shores. Programmes like the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s Digital Leaders Programme empower our digitally mature enterprises to build strong core teams and deepen their capabilities in emerging technologies.

11. Meinhardt exemplifies this forward-thinking approach. It constantly stays ahead of the curve. By collaborating with IMDA and tech partners, Meinhardt has leveraged these programmes to strengthen its digital team and develop a GenAI Proof-of-Concept, as part of a new suite of AI capabilities.

12. This suite enhances Meinhardt’s AI and analytics capabilities and advances its end-to-end engineering consultancy and management. I understand that Meinhardt is now working with IMDA to expand this suite’s features.

Sustainability

13. On the sustainability front, the Built Environment sector plays a crucial role in the Singapore Green Plan 2030, our whole-of-nation effort to attain Singapore’s sustainable development goals. We are grateful for partners like Meinhardt Group that actively champion green initiatives to support the Green Plan and reduce carbon emissions. I am heartened that Meinhardt is on track to realise its green goals. By the end of 2024, it would have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 35% from its 2019 level. I commend Meinhardt on its sustainability efforts and look forward to more innovative and green design and construction methods from the company.

Workforce Transformation

14. Meinhardt’s commitment to workforce transformation ensures that our engineering talent remains globally competitive. The company’s collaboration with Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), and Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in shaping Singapore’s Built Environment Industry Transformation Map has been instrumental in maintaining our sector’s competitiveness.

Looking Ahead & Conclusion

15. Our Built Environment sector will remain a cornerstone of Singapore’s economy in the future. This vital industry drives growth and creates valuable jobs for Singaporeans. I encourage everyone to adapt and embrace continuous innovation to stay at the forefront of progress.

16. Congratulations to Meinhardt's 50 years of stellar engineering achievements. Here's to another spectacular era of shaping the future of cities, not just in Singapore but around the world!