Email:secretariat@saeng.sg
Email:secretariat@saeng.sg
The Academy of Engineering, Singapore (SAEng), in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) School of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), successfully hosted the inaugural TechTalk Series Symposium titled “Urban Solutions for Sustainable Cities” on 27 September 2024 at NTU. The symposium, aimed at exploring innovative approaches to sustainability, brought together leading experts from the academia, government, and industry to address some of the most pressing issues faced by urban environments in light of climate change.
The symposium featured four prominent speakers who provided insights on various aspects of sustainable urban development. Each presentation highlighted cutting-edge research and practical solutions aimed at addressing challenges related to energy security, coastal protection, waste management, and future water needs:
1. Prof Chan Siew Hwa, Co-Director of the Energy Research Institute at NTU and Fellow of SAEng, kicked off the symposium with a keynote presentation on “The Role of Hydrogen in Addressing Energy Security & Sustainability”. Prof Chan discussed how hydrogen could be a key component of a sustainable energy future, particularly in decarbonizing heavy industries and supporting energy resilience.
2. Prof Chu Jian, Chair of CEE at NTU and Fellow of SAEng, presented on “Innovative Solutions for Space Creation & Coastal Protection”. His talk focused on innovative engineering approaches to creating new urban spaces and protecting coastal regions from rising sea levels and environmental degradation, a topic of increasing relevance for land-scarce cities like Singapore.
3. Prof Adrian Law, Executive Director of the Coastal Protection & Flood Resilience Institute, Singapore at the National University of Singapore (NUS), shared insights on “AI Applications in Waste & Water Management: Sharing Experience & Perspectives”. He highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in optimizing resource management, reducing waste, and improving the resilience of urban water systems.
4. Dr Gurdev Singh, Chief Engineering & Technology Officer at the Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore’s National Water Agency, concluded the speaker presentations with his talk on “Singapore’s Future Water Needs”. Dr Singh discussed PUB’s ongoing initiatives to ensure a sustainable and secure water supply for Singapore, including advancements in desalination, water recycling, and demand management technologies.
The symposium also featured a dynamic panel discussion on “The Impact of Climate Change on Sustainable Cities”, moderated by Prof Ng Wun Jern, Emeritus Professor of CEE at NTU and Fellow of SAEng. Panellists, including the invited speakers and Prof Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI and Fellow of SAEng, engaged in a lively dialogue on how cities can adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. The discussion emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, innovation, and policy support in building cities that are resilient to environmental challenges while also supporting sustainable growth.
The symposium hosted a total of 204 participants from various sectors comprising 58% from universities and research institutions, 20% students, 18% from private companies and industries and 4% from public agencies.
The event fostered valuable exchanges between academia, industry leaders, and government agencies, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges. Feedback from participants was highly positive, with many noting the insightful presentations, opportunities for networking and the formation of new partnerships. Several participants expressed interest in further collaboration and joint research efforts aimed at driving urban sustainability forward.
The inaugural TechTalk Series Symposium: Urban Solutions for Sustainable Cities was a resounding success, providing a vital platform for sharing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and creating new opportunities for collaboration across the academia, industry, and government sectors. The Academy of Engineering, Singapore, and NTU look forward to organizing more such events in the future to continue advancing the discussion on sustainable urban development and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.