Philippines voices concern over 'dangerous' Chinese actions after Scarborough Shoal collision
MANILA - The Philippines expressed serious concern on Tuesday over what it described as "dangerous manoeuvres and unlawful interference" by Chinese vessels during a coast guard supply mission for Filipino fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal on Monday.
"Their actions not only posed a grave danger to Philippine personnel and vessels, but also resulted in the unfortunate collision between the two Chinese vessels," the Philippine foreign ministry said in a statement.
A Chinese navy ship collided with a smaller coast guard vessel while the latter was chasing one of the Philippine Coast Guard ships involved in the mission, according to the PCG, which captured the incident on video.
China's defence ministry and its embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the ministry's statement.
On Monday, China's coast guard said it took necessary measures to expel Philippine vessels from waters around the Scarborough Shoal.
The Philippine said it had offered medical aid and other support to the Chinese side, including an offer to tow the damaged China Coast Guard vessel out of the area.
"Yesterday's incident demonstrates the importance of adhering to international maritime rules," the Philippine foreign ministry said. It reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and dialogue in resolving differences.
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Monday's confrontation marks the latest in a series of incidents amid a period of heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
A 2016 ruling of an international arbitral tribunal voided Beijing's sweeping claims in the region, saying they had no basis under international law, a decision China rejects.
Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, Philippine navy spokesperson for the South China Sea, warned at a press briefing on Tuesday that similar incidents could happen again as long as China continued to conduct what he called "illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive" activities in the strategic waterway. REUTERS
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Straits Times
24 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Hong Leong grows with the nation
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox GROWING with the nation in the past 60 years, Hong Leong Group is a household name and a home-grown conglomerate with a sprawling global portfolio. Real estate, hospitality, finance and industrials are key sectors where it makes its mark. Amid fast-paced economic transformation, Hong Leong's diversified companies are investing in their Singaporean core, even as they compete on the world stage. 'Much like Singapore, Hong Leong Group stands as a testament to what vision, resilience, and innovation can achieve over time,' Hong Leong Group executive chairman Kwek Leng Beng tells The Business Times, pointing to a legacy and record 'shaped by performance, adaptability, and trust'. Pioneering success The Singapore River has undergone a massive evolution since independence, with shophouses and godowns making room for scores of modern skyscrapers. Crucially, 'the 1970s and 80s saw a frenzy of private sector building construction in the Golden Shoe area', National Library Board publication BiblioAsia has reported. One example that the article cites: Hong Leong Holdings' redevelopment of 28 shophouses in the Raffles Quay area into a new office tower. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Luxury items seized in $3b money laundering case handed over to Deloitte for liquidation Singapore MyRepublic customers air concerns over broadband speed after sale to StarHub Singapore Power switchboard failure led to disruption in NEL, Sengkang-Punggol LRT services: SBS Transit Singapore NEL and Sengkang-Punggol LRT resume service after hours-long power fault Business Ninja Van cuts 12% of Singapore workforce after 2 rounds of layoffs in 2024 Singapore Hyflux investigator 'took advantage' of Olivia Lum's inability to recall events: Davinder Singh Singapore Man who stabbed son-in-law to death in Boon Tat Street in 2017 dies of heart attack, says daughter Singapore Man who stalked woman blasted by judge on appeal for asking scandalous questions in court Today, Hong Leong Building is a landmark in the central business district (CBD), and among the flagship projects in property developer Hong Leong Holdings' commercial stable, while its sister company City Developments Limited (CDL) counts nearby Republic Plaza – one of Singapore's tallest skyscrapers – as a jewel in the crown of its Grade A office portfolio. Listed on the Singapore Exchange, CDL – a pioneering Singapore developer established in 1963 – has grown alongside the nation, shaping the city's skyline with numerous residential, commercial, hotel and retail properties. CDL has been part of the Hong Leong Group since 1972, after the group became its controlling shareholder. Since then, the company has developed more than 53,000 homes and owns around 23 million square feet of gross floor area in residential for lease, commercial and hospitality assets globally. The 280-metre, 66-storey Republic Plaza, which was completed in 1996 and refurbished in 2019, has been honoured by architecture's prestigious FIABCI Prix d'Excellence, and has also racked up accolades for sustainability and eco-friendliness. Republic Plaza. Hong Leong Holdings' 80 Robinson Road and CDL's The Sail @ Marina Bay – launched in 2004 as Singapore's tallest residential project – are some other downtown gems. In fact, 80 Robinson Road is home to a co-working hub set up with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Singapore Fintech Association to promote collaboration among fintech firms. These edifices are just some of the contributions to the skyline made over the decades by Hong Leong companies, including sister developers Hong Realty and TID Pte Ltd. Founded by the late Kwek Hong Png as a building materials trading company in 1941, the Hong Leong Group still counts the real estate industry as central to its corporate portfolio. Incorporated in 1963, urban solutions provider Hong Leong Asia grew in tandem with Singapore's public housing in the post-independence years. Today, Housing and Development Board (HDB) projects are the mainstay for Hong Leong Asia's pre-cast concrete business, which specialises in the design and manufacture of prefabricated building components. The business counts the 50-storey public housing landmark Pinnacle@Duxton as a signature build. Meanwhile, ready-mix concrete supplier Island Concrete has also been integral to several major public infrastructure works since its formation in 1970. These include Changi Airport Terminal 1 in the 1970s, the first Mass Rapid Transit line in the 1980s, the iconic Marina Bay Sands in 2010, and the Marina Coastal Expressway, which opened in 2013 and is Singapore's first highway to include an undersea road along its route. In fact, Hong Leong Group has provided not just the raw materials for nation building, through Hong Leong Asia, but also the capital needed to get local entrepreneurs off the ground. Hong Leong Finance – founded in 1961 and listed on the Singapore bourse in 1974 – is Singapore's largest finance company. Hong Leong Finance. It serves individuals and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) alike, offering deposits, savings, loans, and advisory services at its 28 branches and 12 SME Centres islandwide. SMEs make up a strategic segment of the clientele for the financial services firm, which is also the only finance company in Singapore with full sponsorship status for the Singapore Exchange's Catalist board. Representing the nation Beyond forging local partnerships, Hong Leong Group has also cast a wide net in international waters. Significant overseas investments include Hong Leong Asia's acquisition of Malaysia's cement producer Tasek Corporation Berhad in the 1970s. The company also entered powertrain solutions manufacturing and distribution in the 1990s with its 48.7 per cent stake in New York-listed China Yuchai International. This powertrain solutions business contributed almost S$3.6 billion in revenue in 2024, or more than four-fifths of Hong Leong Asia's top line. Similarly, Hong Leong Group's private developer arm, Hong Leong Holdings, entered the mainland Chinese market early, launching the Beijing Riviera luxury residential project in 1993. The developer is still active in China, where its joint ventures have built mixed-use developments in major hubs such as Chengdu and Chongqing. CDL's China arm has likewise built a strong portfolio across key Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, including Shanghai, Suzhou, Chongqing and Shenzhen, since its setup in 2010. CDL has expanded its property development and asset management operations in major overseas markets, like Britain, Japan and Australia, and a sizeable living sector portfolio. Hong Leong Group's international reach also comes on the back of its vibrant hospitality arm, which has helped to fly the Singapore flag in global cities like New York and London. The group's strategic hotel expansion took off in the 1990s, when an earlier CDL hotel unit built on its Asian footprint to begin a string of acquisitions in the West. One watershed transaction was the purchase of the Plaza Hotel in New York for S$455 million. Those deals paved the way for the London listing of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc (M&C) in 1996 – which made M&C the first Singapore-controlled company to trade on the London Stock Exchange. 'The listing opened doors to opportunities and built investor confidence. It gave us access to global capital, enhanced governance standards, and strengthened our brand positioning in international markets,' Kwek muses. M&C was privatised into a wholly owned CDL subsidiary in 2019 and its role as a hotel operator and long-term asset owner is 'still selling' the Singapore brand, Kwek notes. Today, CDL operates a stable of global properties under its Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) brand. Kwek has touted MHR's hotel ownership model as a deliberate decision to 'ensure control over the guest experience and protect long-term value'. MHR serves both business and leisure travellers with 145 properties in 80 locations – including London, New York, Paris, Dubai, Beijing, Tokyo, Auckland and, of course, Singapore. The youngest of the group's 12 brands is trendy M Social, which debuted in 2016 to woo a new generation of tech-savvy, design-conscious guests with its smart tech-enabled rooms. M Social Resort Penang. Some MHR hotels are owned by mainboard-listed CDL Hospitality Trusts (CDLHT), a stapled group which comprises the first hotel real estate investment trust on the Singapore Exchange and had about S$3.5 billion in assets under management as at end-March. CDLHT has more than 4,900 hotel rooms worldwide, with its portfolio anchored by strategic locations in gateway cities. A substantial portion of its portfolio value is concentrated in central Singapore, with the upcoming Moxy Singapore Clarke Quay slated to add 475 keys to CDLHT's presence in Singapore. The trust also marked its foray into the living asset class in 2021 and achieved two milestones in 2024 with the opening of its build-to-rent residential project, The Castings in Manchester, and the acquisition of a purpose-built student accommodation building, Benson Yard in Liverpool. The Castings in Manchester. The addition of these longer-stay assets is expected to enhance CDLHT's income resilience and reinforce the benefits of a diversified lodging portfolio. Charting new paths Having been part of the national backbone for six decades, Hong Leong Group continues to make its mark in Singapore and the world. In fact, the group is actively pursuing environmental sustainability goals across the board, with business units working to reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions by 2030. For example, CDL has been pioneering green buildings and sustainable development over the past 30 years and has gained global recognition for its leadership in sustainability and climate action. It has consistently been ranked among the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World by media and research firm Corporate Knights since 2010 and continues to invest in green and innovative building methods. In Singapore, CDL is rejuvenating the skyline with new-generation mixed-use and integrated developments in the Singapore River precinct and CBD. The upcoming CanningHill Piers and CanningHill Square, at the former Liang Court; Newport Plaza, at the former Fuji Xerox Towers; and Union Square, where Central Mall and Central Square used to be, will all transform the cityscape and infuse their neighbourhoods with new energy when completed. Hong Leong Holdings has been moving to finance projects with green loans, starting with the nature-centric private mixed-use residential project in Tengah, while Hong Leong Asia is revolutionising its core industries with lower-carbon and circular economy solutions. MHR and CDLHT hotels have adopted digital practices to streamline the guest experience, and tapping technology also delivers eco-friendly operational efficiency for the business. For instance, MHR is the first hotel company to enter the Metaverse and install voice-enabled technology. It also utilises analytics to optimise energy consumption and resources. MHR and CDLHT have also introduced waste reduction programmes in their properties, including cutting single-use plastics and deploying food waste digestors where possible. On the industrial front, Hong Leong Asia has made significant investments in recent years to transform construction processes. Notably, it developed the HL-Sunway Prefab Hub, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that streamlines the production of precast building components. The company also established a fully automated batching plant at the Ready-Mixed Concrete Ecosystem at Jurong Port, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity. HL-Sunway Prefab Hub. Meanwhile, Hong Leong Finance's transformation and digitalisation efforts have enhanced customer experience, operational efficiency and business growth. Its digital platform for vehicle loans saw over 300 per cent increase in new electric vehicle (EV) loans to S$314 million in 2024 – up from S$73 million in the year before – as Singapore guns for EV adoption. The HLF Digital App also enables customers to manage a range of services including fund transfers and placing of fixed deposits. Across all these business divisions, Hong Leong Group continues to strive for excellence. 'In the face of global challenges, market shifts, and even a pandemic, we have remained steadfast,' Kwek tells BT. 'Our true strength lies not only in solid foundations, but in our ability to reinvent, adapt, and lead with purpose.' In the years to come, 'we remain firmly committed to shaping a smarter, greener, and more sustainable Singapore, and building a future worthy of our past', he adds.
Straits Times
24 minutes ago
- Straits Times
From Singapore to the world: Homegrown leaders in emerging fields
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Three Singaporean leaders blaze trails in global MNCs, from chasing biopharma breakthroughs to redefining construction, and charging ahead with AI innovation. Their bold career leaps and relentless determination show how local talent can shine in global corporate leadership roles, fuelled by grit, collaboration, and a thirst for impact. The trio give a glimpse of what it is like to be part of new growth industries, in manufacturing and tradeable services, that Singapore has pivoted towards. These efforts have been led by the Economic Development Board (EDB), which is responsible for planning and rolling out economic and industrial development strategies, together with government agencies and industry partners, to achieve sustainable growth, vibrant businesses and good jobs. Singaporeans are equipped to take unconventional paths, says Kajima's youngest leader 'If you are able to contribute meaningfully, there is room to thrive within global platforms,' says Luke Wu, managing director at The GEAR, Kajima. When Luke Wu stepped into a leadership role in one of Japan's oldest and largest construction groups, he did not just take an unconventional path, he redefined what leadership at the firm looks like. The 34-year-old is the youngest managing director at construction and engineering conglomerate Kajima, which is behind iconic buildings including Parkway Parade, OUB Centre and Resorts World Sentosa. Four years after joining Kajima in 2021, he rose to oversee The GEAR company, a new business unit within Kajima – the group's first and only overseas research and development (R&D) facility, as well as the firm's regional headquarters. Wu, who completed his law degree at the National University of Singapore, has always been drawn more to building ventures and ecosystems than to traditional legal practice. 'Early in my career, I worked across startups and innovation initiatives, where I saw how ideas could be turned into real-world impact. While moving into the built environment and a multinational corporation (MNC) like Kajima may seem unconventional, many of the skills I had developed proved highly transferable,' he says. What was particularly compelling was that the group gave him the chance to tackle complex, long-term challenges that shape the world we live in. He adds: 'Kajima, with its 180-year history, continues to evolve and was willing to back someone with an unconventional profile to lead a completely new function. That openness reflects how MNCs today are rethinking leadership and innovation.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Luxury items seized in $3b money laundering case handed over to Deloitte for liquidation Singapore MyRepublic customers air concerns over broadband speed after sale to StarHub Singapore Power switchboard failure led to disruption in NEL, Sengkang-Punggol LRT services: SBS Transit Singapore NEL and Sengkang-Punggol LRT resume service after hours-long power fault Business Ninja Van cuts 12% of Singapore workforce after 2 rounds of layoffs in 2024 Singapore Hyflux investigator 'took advantage' of Olivia Lum's inability to recall events: Davinder Singh Singapore Man who stabbed son-in-law to death in Boon Tat Street in 2017 dies of heart attack, says daughter Singapore Man who stalked woman blasted by judge on appeal for asking scandalous questions in court Wu says in the process of building and leading innovation-centric functions in large organisations, he found that trust is foundational, translation or the ability to align perspectives and priorities is essential in implementation, and that long-term thinking matters. 'Real innovation does not happen on a quarterly timeline. It requires patience, consistency, and a clear sense of purpose. I was fortunate to be involved in the launch of The GEAR building, and the decision to set it up as a new function to build capabilities for Kajima and the region from the early days. The shift from physical infrastructure to innovation platform allowed me to bring my past experiences into something future-facing, rooted here in Singapore,' he notes. Located in Changi Business Park, The GEAR is a smart building that houses the technology services business as well as the open innovation platform of the Kajima group. Despite the journey being rewarding, it is not without prejudices. One of the biggest hurdles for Wu was earning credibility, particularly as leadership is often associated with seniority. 'One key lesson is that credibility is earned through clarity, consistency, and contribution,' he says, adding that he also had to get comfortable with not having all the answers. What also helped Wu was that he stayed curious, learnt quickly, and focused on the work and the people around. He adds that it is vital to be able to work across cultural lines, balance global expectations with local execution, and build influence through trust rather than authority. Singaporeans, he says, are often better equipped than they think for global roles. This is because people here grow up in a diverse, fast-paced society that teaches them the ability to work across systems and cultures. 'I hope my experience shows that young Singaporeans don't need to wait for permission to lead or stick to predefined roles. If you are able to contribute meaningfully, there is room to thrive within global platforms. 'Your training might start in one area, but with curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge assumptions, new paths can open up in unexpected ways.' Grooming Singapore's new tech leaders starts with collaboration and mentorship at SAP 'My early international assignments... have profoundly influenced my approach to teamwork and collaboration,' says Manik Narayan Saha, managing director of SAP Labs in Singapore and Vietnam. Much like how artificial intelligence (AI) improves continuously, Manik Narayan Saha is constantly learning to keep his ideas fresh. Such is his belief in upskilling that he has pursued numerous training programmes, including a Masters in applied finance in 2008, an executive education from INSEAD in 2016, and an executive programme from Stanford in 2023. And this motto has served him well in his 29-year career. Now, Saha is on a mission – to help develop a vibrant AI community in Singapore. The managing director of SAP Labs in Singapore and Vietnam says it boils down to collaboration and mentorship. Nearly all of the German enterprise application and AI company's new hires at SAP Labs Singapore are from local universities – about 90 per cent are from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). 'When we proposed setting up SAP's AI research and development (R&D) teams in Singapore in 2021, we used data on university and research rankings, and conversations with professors to back our pitch,' says the NTU alumnus. Currently, Saha oversees a team of 600 in Singapore and Vietnam. SAP has been in Singapore since 1989 and the office here is the organisation's first Asian subsidiary. In Singapore, the Labs team has grown to 410, of which 250 are in the AI division and as a global AI centre of excellence, it is filing patents regularly, says Saha. He notes that SAP's collaboration with EDB and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) not only helped accelerate the team's growth, but also aligned the company with Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0 to foster a vibrant AI community. For instance, SAP, NUS and EDB announced in 2024 an industrial Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scheme to rope in about 10 PhD candidates in SAP research projects. The company also encourages cross-border partnerships to expand staff skill sets. 'We believe that these comprehensive approaches, including research collaborations and recruiting graduates into AI roles, will contribute to a more capable and skilled AI workforce n Singapore,' Saha says, adding that some of these employees could be the next generation of tech leaders here. Beyond that, Saha is a firm believer of international experience. This, as competition for global roles has intensified partly due to remote working, a broadened talent pool, and higher demand for better paying roles. Companies now favour candidates who can navigate complex global markets to drive innovation, so Singaporeans should be bold to embrace overseas opportunities, says Saha. 'My early international assignments to Dalian, China, and Seattle, United States, with port operator PSA Corporation, followed by my tenure as a trainee at US tech firm Sun Microsystems in 2005, and two years in Germany with SAP (2009-2010), have profoundly influenced my approach to teamwork and collaboration,' he notes. The overseas stints provided him with significant insights and appreciation for a myriad of cultures, which is crucial for any leadership role within a global company. Increasingly, having an international mentor or coach is valuable in handling the complexities of senior leadership roles, says Saha, who adds: 'This mindset, along with a commitment to continual learning, is instrumental in achieving success within global organisations.' Connecting science to save lives in a biopharma career at MSD 'I have always taken a liking to biological and life sciences since my teenage years,' says Luisiawati Khalil, director in global clinical trial operations for Singapore and Malaysia, MSD Research Laboratories. All it took was an optional course just before graduation to ignite Luisiawati Khalil's career in the biopharmaceutical field. The 'Good Clinical Practice' course in 1994 at the University of Surrey, where she earned her degree in nutrition and dietetics, was a game-changer. Further inspiration came in 2011 when she earned her Master of Public Health at the National University of Singapore. 'I attended it, and the entire contents just 'spoke to me',' she says, drawn by the fact that she can save lives through clinical work. And this is at the heart of what good clinical practice is about – to provide care for patients through excellent teamwork, flawless clinical operations, and collaboration with Singapore's top institutions. It typically involves diagnosing, treating, managing medical conditions, assessing patients and evaluating treatment outcomes. 'I have always taken a liking to biological and life sciences since my teenage years,' says Luisiawati, whose interest was piqued by the idea that she too, could play a role in drug development that gives hope to patients. That spark brought her to MSD, a global biopharmaceutical leader, where she has stayed for over 20 years and now serves as director in global clinical trial operations for Singapore and Malaysia within MSD Research Laboratories. Luisiawati, now in her 50s, started at MSD as a clinical research associate and climbed the ranks over the years to lead trials in oncology, vaccines, and general medicine. Her journey has been rewarding, but it has also been demanding. Monitoring clinical trials in hospitals is hard work, but the challenges invigorate Luisiawati. And there are plenty in this field – having to deliver under stress, to follow ethical and time-sensitive standards, to stay up-to-date with regulations, and policies in different jurisdictions that may not be as friendly for trials to be conducted. What adds to the shine of the sector for her is the fact that Singapore has many key opinion leaders in selected therapeutic areas. What this means is that the industry is vibrant and collaboration is plenty. It then ensures that Singapore is competitive and comparable to international standards, says Luisiawati. MSD, known as Merck & Co Inc in the United States and Canada, has been in Singapore for 30 years, employs over 1,800 people, and manufactures and supplies four of its top 10 global products from Singapore. Multiple functions including research, manufacturing, and commercial operations are located in Singapore, with its Asia-Pacific headquarters. The group has an extensive presence in Singapore and invested in expanding its operations, which include manufacturing facilities, an animal health site, a translational medicine research centre, and an information technology hub. In Singapore, MSD has made investments in excess of US$2 billion for manufacturing assets since 1997 and over US$240 million in research since 2009. So how can other Singaporeans excel in global MNCs like her? 'Go back to first principles,' says Luisiawati, who adds that people should remind themselves of what they are passionate about and good at. Another tip – be comfortable with the uncomfortable, she says. So what lesson has she learnt along the way that matters a great deal? Ask and Luisiawati will say it is best summed up by MSD's founder, George Merck: 'We try never to forget that medicine is for the people. It is not for the profits. The profits follow, and if we have remembered that, they have never failed to appear.' This, she says, 'is a tenet that gives me reason and purpose to wake up every day and do what I do'.
Straits Times
24 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Busways charts a greener, smarter future
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The firm wants to be known not just as a builder of Mechanical and Electrical services infrastructure but as a catalyst for sustainable transformation (From left) Martin Toh, CEO, Busways Pte Ltd; Sunny Chong, founder and Chairman, Busways Pte Ltd. IN 2006, Sunny Chong founded Busways with a vision that was as personal as it was professional. 'I started the company because of my passion for engineering and the exciting challenges it brings,' says Sunny, who is also the company's Chairman. 'I saw a significant need for a comprehensive, one-stop solution in the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) industry.' Nearly two decades later, Busways has evolved into a forward-thinking infrastructure solutions provider, playing an active role in Singapore's push towards smart, sustainable urban development. From its roots in M&E contracting, the company has expanded its capabilities to construction, digital innovation and clean energy infrastructure, carving out a role not just as a builder but as a catalyst for transformation. 'My goal is to offer a one-stop solution for the Mechanical and Electrical industries, solving problems, seizing opportunities and helping move the industry forward,' Sunny adds. Since inception, Busways has been guided by core values that have shaped its approach to growth and partnerships: commitment to excellence, integrity and trust, a customer-centric focus, and resilience and grit. 'Ultimately, we deliver what we promise,' says Sunny. That reliability has earned Busways a reputation as a trusted player in Singapore's infrastructure ecosystem. Since its founding, the company has delivered a diverse range of projects – from data centres and commercial buildings to mission-critical facilities for government agencies. Positioning as a future-ready builder Busways has kept pace with the evolution of Singapore's infrastructure. 'By establishing the Build and Construct Division in 2024, Busways is positioning itself as a fully integrated, future-ready player in the built environment sector – ready to drive resilient, sustainable growth while fulfilling society's evolving needs for quality infrastructure,' says Sunny. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Luxury items seized in $3b money laundering case handed over to Deloitte for liquidation Singapore MyRepublic customers air concerns over broadband speed after sale to StarHub Singapore Power switchboard failure led to disruption in NEL, Sengkang-Punggol LRT services: SBS Transit Singapore NEL and Sengkang-Punggol LRT resume service after hours-long power fault Business Ninja Van cuts 12% of Singapore workforce after 2 rounds of layoffs in 2024 Singapore Hyflux investigator 'took advantage' of Olivia Lum's inability to recall events: Davinder Singh Singapore Man who stabbed son-in-law to death in Boon Tat Street in 2017 dies of heart attack, says daughter Singapore Man who stalked woman blasted by judge on appeal for asking scandalous questions in court Key to this strategy is aligning with national housing and infrastructure priorities. 'Capitalising on opportunities from the Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme, Busways aims to be a quality builder that delivers resilient housing solutions to satisfy evolving buyer demand,' he adds. With continual development in both residential and commercial infrastructure across Singapore, Busways intends to actively expand in these sectors. Equally important is its commitment to sustainability and digitalisation. 'Busways prioritises digital transformation and eco-friendly construction methods,' says Sunny. 'This includes focused training and upskilling in sustainable construction management to meet regulatory standards and societal expectations.' Transforming to clean energy Busways' most ambitious transformation is into clean energy infrastructure. 'Busways is driving the future of clean energy infrastructure across the region with concrete, strategic initiatives,' says Sunny. The company's approach spans five fronts: Technology Enhancement: Upgrading M&E equipment in aging commercial buildings to meet Green Mark requirements, which improves energy efficiency, air quality and emissions monitoring. Pilot Projects: Testing integrated clean energy hubs in North Singapore, combining solar photovoltaics (PV), wind power and electric vehicle (EV) charging to create scalable green energy solutions. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with local energy firms, government agencies and global tech leaders to accelerate technology transfer and deployment. Workforce Upskilling: Through the Busways Global Academy (BGA), the company is preparing a skilled workforce ready to lead the regional green transition. Supply Chain Strengthening: Establishing logistics nodes and a warehouse to improve delivery speed, streamline deployment and ensure reliable after-sales support. Integrated EV Hub as a milestone With a focus on sustainability, one of the company's landmark projects is its Integrated EV Charging Hub at 27 Senoko Way, aimed at achieving self-sustaining clean energy operations. 'This is more than just a technology demonstration,' Sunny explains. 'It signifies a strategic shift in our evolution from a traditional M&E contractor to a forward-thinking player in clean energy infrastructure.' The hub integrates solar panels, wind turbines and a battery energy storage system. 'Energy harvested from the solar panel and wind turbines is stored, after which, the energy is used to power the integrated hub as well as to power the EVs via chargers,' says Sunny. At the core of this facility is Busways' Energy Management System (EMS). 'Our smart energy monitoring programme will instruct and give commands to how the electricity flows within the hub,' Sunny says. 'Thus we can smartly manage our hub electricity usage towards a minimum dependency from our SP PowerGrid source.' In addition to day-and-night harvesting capabilities due to wind power, Busways is exploring tidal energy applications. 'As our hub is beside the coast, we are looking into the feasibility of the flow of seawater to convert water energy to electrical energy,' Sunny adds. Investing in people and skills People development is a core focus for the company. 'At Busways, we believe in empowering people as the foundation for long-term, sustainable progress,' says Sunny. Busways aims to shape tomorrow's built environment by blending core trade skills with forward-looking competencies. Through its Busways Global Academy (BGA), located within the EV Charging Hub, the company offers technical and vocational training in both traditional and green competencies. 'We go beyond internal training to actively support industry talent development and broader community building,' Sunny explains. As a BCA-approved Alternative Entry Pathway (AEP) training provider for India and Myanmar, Busways trains migrant workers in key trades such as electrical wiring, busduct installation, and solar PV deployment. 'Empowering green growth with skills – the BGA Way,' says Sunny. 'We don't just train workers, we aim to shape tomorrow's built environment by blending core trade skills with forward-looking competencies.' Building digital resilience Busways' digital transformation efforts are also advancing rapidly. Its key systems include: HR Infotech System that automates tracking of working hours and leave, ensuring accurate data and reducing manual errors. ERP System that enables seamless information sharing and process automation, helping streamline procurement, budgeting and project scheduling. Automated Storage System that is planned for future integration to reduce handling time and increase logistics efficiency. Busways has also leveraged AI Thambi, a multilingual AI-powered assistant developed by BGA for site workers. 'At Busways, where a large segment of the workforce comprises native Tamil speakers, language barriers can sometimes hinder workplace integration and confidence,' says Sunny. 'AI Thambi bridges that divide by allowing workers to ask questions and receive personalised, curated responses in Tamil.' 'More than just a chatbot, AI Thambi is a symbol of inclusive innovation – always ready, always clear, and always in your corner,' he adds. Regional ambitions and long-term vision Looking ahead, Busways is preparing for regional expansion and a potential stockmarket listing. 'We are looking into new markets such as Malaysia, entering through local partnerships and technology transfer frameworks,' says Sunny. To support scale, the company is strengthening internal capabilities around governance, financial transparency and digital workflows. According to CEO Martin Toh, 'Our value proposition enables a green economy connected future, aiding in driving growth, efficiency and environmental stewardship.' By aligning its business model with sustainability goals, Busways aims to attract like-minded investors and partners. 'Investors who share similar sustainability and green values would be more willing to invest and assist with our green initiatives,' Sunny adds. Building for the nation and beyond Since inception, Busways has made a tangible difference to Singapore's infrastructure and sustainability landscape. In November 2023, the Busways Shell Consortium won a tender by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to deploy 480 high-powered charging dispensers at Sengkang West and East Coast bus depots. The project is aligned with Singapore's Green Plan 2030 and supports the increasing demand for electric buses. Busways has made a strategic shift in evolving from a traditional M&E contractor to a forward-thinking player in clean energy infrastructure. Public sector projects and strategic partnerships have helped define the company's journey. They include large-scale and smaller-scale M&E projects – from high-security government infrastructure to cutting-edge data centres and commercial developments. 'These collaborations have allowed us to deepen our technical capabilities, maintain high compliance standards and build a reputation for reliability and performance,' says Sunny. 'Our long-standing partnership with (Swedish-Swiss multinational electrical engineering firm) ABB further reinforces our commitment to quality and innovation.' A legacy in the making From its humble beginnings to becoming a trusted partner in infrastructure, Busways has supported Singapore's development by enabling connectivity, powering progress and delivering reliable engineering solutions that serve communities across the country. 'Being part of this journey means more than just delivering engineering solutions. It is about contributing to the foundation of the country's progress,' says Sunny. 'Our journey has mirrored Singapore's – built on resilience, innovation and a shared commitment to excellence.' With Singapore celebrating SG60 and continuing its development as a nation, Busways hopes to leave a lasting legacy. 'We hope Busways will be remembered not just as a builder of M&E services infrastructure, but as a catalyst for sustainable transformation in Singapore,' says Sunny. 'As Singapore advances towards its net-zero goals, we envision Busways as a forward-thinking partner that creates long-term impact.' Significant milestones 2006 Busways Engineering Services Pte Ltd was founded, specialising in busduct installation. 2016 Renamed to Busways Pte Ltd, diversified into full-fledged M&E Services. 2021 Upgraded and relocated from 131 Woodlands Industrial Park E5 to 20 Woodlands Industrial Park E1. 2022 Attained Grade L6 for BCA Registered Contractor – ME05 Electrical Engineering. - GB2 – General Builder Class 2 - B'EV (EV Charging Solution Division) was established - H.T Switchgear Specialist Division was established 2023 Attained Grade L3 for ME01 – Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration & Ventilation Works. 2024 Attained Grade L3 for ME06 – Fire Prevention & Protection System. - Awarded the Enterprise 50 Award - Build & Construct Division was established - BGA was established 2025 Busways Group Grand Opening at 27 Senoko Way. - Official launch of EV Charging Hub - Attaining L6 for ME15 – Integrated Building Services
