Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean emphasizes the importance of inspiration, innovation, and implementation in addressing global challenges at the World Engineers Summit
Singapore, 8 November 2023 – Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the sixth World Engineers Summit (WES) held in Singapore. The event brought together engineers, industry leaders, and experts from around the world to discuss sustainable development and climate change solutions.
SM Teo highlighted three core characteristics of engineering in his speech: inspiration, innovation, and implementation. He emphasized the urgency of collective action to combat climate change, citing the rise in global temperatures and its impact on extreme weather events. Despite Singapore’s relatively small contribution to global emissions, SM Teo stressed the country’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change due to its low-lying geography.
Singapore has made significant strides in positioning itself for a green future through initiatives like the Singapore Green Plan 2030, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The introduction of a carbon tax and ambitious targets for solar deployment are key components of Singapore’s strategy to transition towards sustainable energy sources.
In terms of innovation, SM Teo highlighted the transformative power of engineering in Singapore’s achievements, such as land reclamation and advanced wastewater treatment. He also discussed the challenges and potential of using hydrogen as a low-carbon energy source, emphasizing the need for engineering solutions in handling and transporting this molecule.
Collaboration was identified as a critical enabler of innovation, with SM Teo highlighting the importance of working with partners to overcome constraints in renewable energy generation. Singapore is actively engaging with ASEAN neighbors to create a regional market for renewable energy trading.
SM Teo stressed the importance of effective implementation in translating sustainability goals into tangible outcomes. He acknowledged the crucial role of engineers in driving the transformation of industrial and energy systems towards decarbonization. Initiatives like the IES Green Plan 2030 and the Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute demonstrate Singapore’s commitment to building local engineering capabilities.
In conclusion, SM Teo emphasized that engineering remains pivotal in shaping a sustainable future. Through a combination of inspiration, innovation, and robust implementation, the global community can address the challenges posed by climate change. He urged attendees to engage in discussions on collaborative efforts to engineer a more sustainable future for all.
