THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER - Institution of Engineers Singapore

IES UPDATE
Message from the President
The aviation industry is a very dynamic sector of the
economy, as could be seen from the phenomenal success
of Singapore Airshow 2012.
What is important to note, is that for both civil and military
aviation, practitioners from a number of engineering
disciplines are involved in the development of the industry,
from the construction of the infrastructure and facilities, to
the design and development of aircraft and components;
selection of materials; manufacturing; assembly; testing &
certification; maintenance, repair & overhaul; training &
education etc.
Whilst improving safety and security, as well as comfort and efficiency of passengers and crew are
particularly important, for obvious reasons, efforts are also currently being directed at replacing
petroleum-based fuel as the source of energy. This has led to the development of biofuels for the
aviation sector and its increasing use in the future, for environmental reasons and also to ensure
sustainability of fuel supplies.
There will always be an interest in the development of new technology and products for the
design and manufacture of aircraft and for their maintenance. We can look forward to applications
in the aviation sector, of breakthroughs in various engineering disciplines, including aeronautical
engineering, mechanical and structural engineering, propulsion technology, materials technology,
electronics engineering etc.
At the same time, engineering expertise is also required for the creation of the infrastructural
facilities – airport terminal buildings, runways etc. The training and education of engineers for
suitable positions in the aviation industry has to keep pace with the changes in the industry and
with the changes in the methodologies of training, which include the development and application
of new training tools.
In October of this year, Singapore will also host the 8th International Conference on Intelligent
Unmanned Systems. Covering intelligent systems, robotics and biometrics, control and computation
as well as unmanned systems, this conference will cover advances that include technology related
to the aeronautics and aviation industry.
With technology seamlessly integrated into our lives in the systems that surround us, we
sometimes forget how efficiently they operate unnoticed. The Land Transport Excellence Awards
2012 recognised companies and organisations as well as individuals for their contributions to the
transportation system in Singapore. Information on the winners will be included in the next issue
of ‘The Singapore Engineer’.
IES recently organised the Humanitarian Engineering Alliance (HEAL) Simulation 2012, which had a full
class of 26 participants. It was a two-day simulation-based training programme designed to introduce
participants to fundamental ethics and standards. Because of the good response, IES is planning on
organising another session in the near future and it might even become a regular course.
A Management Committee has been formed for the College of Fellows and it is looking towards
forming the framework of the organisation and running its first activity soon. More information will
be available once details have been worked out.
It is the efforts of many that allow IES to operate as well as it does. To show our regard for the
volunteers who have participated on committees and have very generously donated their time
and expertise to IES, they will be recognised at our upcoming Appreciation Night on 10 May. And
at our Annual General Meeting on 26 May, outgoing IES Council members will be given awards in
recognition of their contributions to IES. All members are invited to the AGM which will be held at
the Furama Riverfront, starting at 12.45pm.
Er. Ho Siong Hin
President
The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES)
IES COUNCIL MEMBERS
2011/2012
President
Er. Ho Siong Hin
Deputy President
Prof Chou Siaw Kiang
Vice Presidents
Er. Chong Kee Sen
Er. Edwin Khew
Mr Neo Kok Beng
Er. Ong Geok Soo
Er. Ong See Ho
Honorary Secretary
Er. Ng Say Cheong
Honorary Treasurer
Dr Boh Jaw Woei
Assistant Honorary Secretary
Mr Oh Boon Chye, Jason
Assistant Honorary Treasurer
Mr Kang Choon Seng
Immediate Past President
Er. Dr Lee Bee Wah
Past President
Er. Tan Seng Chuan
Er. A/Prof Foo Say Wei
Er. Ong Ser Huan
Council Members
Er. Dr Chew Soon Hoe
Prof Er Meng Joo
Ms Fam Mei Ling
Er. Dr Ho Kwong Meng
Dr Ho Teck Tuak
Er. Jee Yi Yng
Er. Koh Beng Thong
Dr Kwok Wai Onn, Richard
Mr Lee Kwok Weng
Mr Lim Horng Leong
Er. Low Wong Fook
Er. Prof Ong Say Leong
Mr Tan Boon Leng, Mark
Er. Toh Siaw Hui, Joseph
02 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER April 2012