IES UPDATE Message from the President The marine & offshore sector plays an important role in the economic development of the world. Most of the trade across the world is facilitated by ships. And to meet the increasing demand for oil and gas, due to the rapid progress of countries and rising living standards, drilling operations are being conducted deeper into the seabed. In Singapore, too, the marine & offshore industries contribute substantially to the country’s economic growth. The country has become a world leader in ship repair and ship conversion, as well as in the construction of jack-up rigs and the conversion of tankers to FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) units. It is also involved in the construction of specialised vessels. Safety, security and environmental performance are major challenges in the marine & offshore sector. Accidents and incidents have been widely publicised - from the sinking of the Titanic exactly 100 years ago, to the BP oil spill in 2010 and the partial sinking of the cruise ship Costa Concordia in January this year as well as the several instances of piracy on the high seas. Under the leadership of the International Maritime Organization, and with the participation of all the stakeholders, measures are being taken to address these issues. In the area of environmental performance, for example, new regulations are expected to come into effect at the beginning of next year, that will require new ships to be designed such that they are more energy-efficient. On its part, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is investing up to S$ 100 million, over five years, in the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative which seeks to promote clean and green shipping. Meanwhile, IES celebrated its 46th anniversary on 28 September 2012, at its Annual Dinner, held at Resorts World Sentosa. Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Teo Chee Hean, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs was the Guest-of-Honour. At the dinner, DPM Teo announced the launch of the IES Aerospace Engineering Chapter to support and strengthen Singapore’s position as the regional aerospace hub. The chapter will raise the profile of local aerospace <strong>engineer</strong>s and help them achieve higher standing globally, as well as encourage students to aspire to become aerospace <strong>engineer</strong>s. This new chapter will also develop critical mass to support professional development upgrading programmes. From 7 to 13 September 2013, IES will be hosting the inaugural World Engineers’ Summit (WES) which will be held in conjunction with the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) General Assembly 2013. Addressing the theme ‘Innovative and Sustainable Solutions to Climate Change’, WES is expected to attract more than 2000 delegates including <strong>engineer</strong>s from multiple disciplines, financiers, property developers, urban planning specialists, legal advisors, energy specialists, researchers and others. Co-located with WES will be Build Eco Xpo Asia 2013 (BEX Asia 2013), an exhibition on sustainable solutions for the building sector. The events will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Prof Chou Siaw Kiang President The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) IES COUNCIL MEMBERS 2012/2013 President Prof Chou Siaw Kiang Vice Presidents Er. Chong Kee Sen Er. Edwin Khew Dr Kwok Wai Onn, Richard Mr Neo Kok Beng Er. Ong Geok Soo Er. Ong See Ho Honorary Secretary Dr Boh Jaw Woei Honorary Treasurer Mr Kang Choon Seng Assistant Honorary Secretary Er. Koh Beng Thong Assistant Honorary Treasurer Er. Seow Kang Seng Immediate Past President Er. Ho Siong Hin Past Presidents Er. Dr Lee Bee Wah Er. Tan Seng Chuan Honorary Council Member Er. Ong Ser Huan Council Members Prof Chau Fook Siong Er. Dr Chew Soon Hoe Ms Fam Meiling Er. Dr Ho Kwong Meng Dr Ho Teck Tuak Mr Lee Kwok Weng Mr Lim Horng Leong Mr Ng Sing Chan Mr Oh Boon Chye, Jason Er. Tan Shu Min, Emily Mr Tan Boon Leng, Mark Er. Toh Siaw Hui, Joseph Er. Wong Fee Min, Alfred Dr Zhou Yi 02 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER October 2012
October 2012 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER 03