SINGAPORE, 22 October 2025 — The World Engineers Summit (WES) 2025 opened today at the Orchard Hotel Singapore, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, academics, and industry professionals to chart pathways toward climate-resilient, intelligent, and inclusive cities.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Desmond Tan, Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Trade Union Congress, who served as Guest of Honour.
Organised by the Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES), this seventh edition of the biennial summit has evolved into one of the world’s premier platforms for knowledge-sharing and engineering collaboration.
Held under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow: Engineering Smart Sustainable Cities”, WES 2025 takes place at a pivotal time as nations confront escalating climate challenges. Singapore’s recent submission of its updated emission reduction targets to the United Nations underscores the urgency for innovation and cross-sector cooperation.
The summit showcases how engineers are leveraging technology to reimagine urban living, making cities more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable, while improving quality of life.
A new highlight this year is the introduction of three Special Sessions, offering deep dives into cutting-edge areas, including systems engineering, asset management, and Vision Zero, which promotes safer and more sustainable urban futures.
Delegates also heard from five distinguished plenary speakers:
- Hiroshi Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore
- Thomas Ardian Siregar, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Indonesia in Singapore
- Richard Lim, Deputy Chairman, Land Transport Authority
- David Foo, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations & Technology) and Chief Data Officer, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
- Professor Liu Bin, Deputy President (Research and Technology), National University of Singapore
The summit programme features four technical tracks covering: Technological solutions for a climate-resilient, greener future; Urban mobility innovations for sustainable cities; Green building design for sustainability; and Educational technology and skill development for future-ready engineers.
On the third day, participants will visit two landmark projects, Punggol Digital District and SingSpring Desalination Plant, exemplifying Singapore’s practical application of innovation and sustainability.
With participation from the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO), and Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific (FEIAP), as well as delegates from more than 10 countries, WES 2025 underscores the importance of global collaboration in engineering the future.
“The climate crisis is the defining challenge of our time, demanding urgent action and collective resolve. Engineers are at the heart of this transformation,” said Er. Chan Ewe Jin, President of IES. “WES 2025 provides a platform for collaboration and innovation that will help societies meet these global challenges head-on.”
“This year’s programme is one of our most comprehensive yet, offering fresh insights, practical solutions and cross-border collaboration opportunities,” added Jasmine Foo, Chair of the WES 2025 Organising Committee.
