World Engineering Day 2025: Charles Rudd Distinguished Global Lectures Inspire a Sustainable Future

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES), in collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic (SP), proudly hosted the World Engineering Day 2025: Charles Rudd Distinguished Global Lectures (WED 2025: CRDGL) at the SP Convention Centre. This influential event set the stage for World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development on 4 March 2025, bringing together global experts, innovators, and thought leaders to explore emerging technologies and tackle engineering challenges shaping our future.

Pioneering Sustainability Through Engineering

Under the theme “Towards a Sustainable World: Engineering the Way Forward,” the event spotlighted two crucial topics: Circular Economy and Resilient Future. As the world faces growing challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and resource depletion, the discussions emphasized the pivotal role of engineering in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, graced the event as the guest of honour. The lectures featured distinguished keynote speakers Ms Tita Yowana Alwis, Minister Counsellor at the Indonesian Embassy, and Mr Kelvin Wong, CEO of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), who offered inspiring insights into the intersection of engineering and sustainable development.

Dynamic Discussions and Collaborative Learning

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion “Navigating the Future: Circular Economy and Building Resilience,” moderated by Professor Seeram Ramakrishna from the National University of Singapore. Participants engaged in interactive breakout activities, including learning journeys, technical talks, and seminars, fostering collaboration and innovative solutions for sustainable development.

Honouring Legacy and Inspiring Innovation

The annual lectures honor the late Er. Charles Rudd, a respected IES member who generously bequeathed over $1 million to the institution. This year’s hybrid event attracted over 1,000 local and international participants and was endorsed by seven sponsors and 45 local and international organizations. Highlights were broadcast globally to celebrate engineering achievements aligned with WED 2025’s theme: “Shaping a Sustainable Future through Engineering.”

Showcasing Young Talent at WED 2025 Hackathon

Reflecting Singapore’s commitment to innovation, two local teams were shortlisted as finalists in the WED 2025 Hackathon. A team from the National University of Singapore (NUS) was recognized for their project, “Empower: Digital Tools for Women’s Social Change,” aimed at uplifting women in underprivileged communities. PSB Academy also made it to the finals with their “Smart Irrigation Monitoring System (SIMS),” leveraging solar power and AI to support small-scale farmers.

Launch of Built Environment Transformation Learning Journey

A key highlight was the launch of the Built Environment (BE) Transformation Learning Journey, developed by SP and supported by BCA. This initiative provides Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with practical insights into Integrated Planning and Design, Advanced Manufacturing and Automation, and Sustainable Urban Systems. It also offers strategic planning tools, training programs, and funding opportunities to support business transformation in the evolving BE landscape.

The launch was officiated by Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal & CEO of SP; Er. Chan Ewe Jin, President of IES; and Mr Kelvin Wong, CEO of BCA, with A/P Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim as the witness.

The event concluded with curated breakout activities, fostering engagement and knowledge-sharing among participants.

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