Podcast
How are architecture, engineering and managed services shaping our world? We talk to experts who are creating real impact globally.
We are a diverse collective of problem solvers for the built environment, continually reimagining ways to create a smart and sustainable future. This podcast isn’t just for experts – it’s for anyone interested to learn more about our cities and the communities who live, work and play in them.
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Driving Engineering Excellence for transformative innovation and sustainability
From advancing sustainable goals and delving into renewable power sources like tidal energy, to mastering the art of upcycling and upgrading existing infrastructure, John Ward, Chair of SJ’s Council of Engineering Excellence, shares how engineering excellence goes beyond theory to serve as a catalyst for transformative innovation and sustainability.
Creating spaces that are adaptable, sustainable, responsive
What does it take to transform urban spaces and shape the architecture of tomorrow? Patrick Fejér, Chair of SJ’s Council of Architecture and Design and Senior Executive Director of Architecture and Design, Buildings + Cities at SJ, shares his perspectives including how architects and designers must collaboratively contribute to create spaces that are adaptable, sustainable and responsive.
Advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in the Built Environment
Across their roles in designing, engineering and maintaining towering skyscrapers and intricate infrastructure, women have long been key contributors to the built environment. Dr Michele Kruger, Chair of SJ’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Council, examines the intricate web of challenges that women face in the industry and explores strategies to dismantle them.
Engineering tomorrow with AI, machine learning and more
Explore how AI and machine learning are revolutionising engineering, from optimising designs using genetic algorithms to leveraging BIM and common data environments. Tune in as Paul Mullett, Chair of SJ Group’s Digital and Technology Council of Excellence, shares insights on how these technologies are driving sustainability and efficiency in projects like the 55 Bishopsgate.
Designing for Circularity: Turning Ambition into Action
Sustainable thought has been at the forefront of the world, and the concept of circular economies has emerged as a potential solution. Kate Drews, Chair of SJ Group’s Global Sustainability Council, also Regional Head of ANZ, gives her insights on the considerations and steps we need to take to graft circular economies atop and onto the spaces we create.
Integrating security and FM for smarter buildings
Chan Hsien Hung, Vice President of Integrated Enterprise Services and Sustainability at SJ’s member company AETOS, speaks about unlocking the value of integrated facilities management to help clients and asset owners enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and meet sustainability targets through data-driven insights. Tune in to discover how digitalisation and AI are reshaping the built environment industry.
Unlocking the value of integrating architecture and engineering
An environment engineer ahead of his time, Patrick Bellew, SJ’s Chief Sustainability Officer, has always been determined to work with architects in a different way to do more with less, and to experiment new ways to engineer buildings.
Hear from Patrick as he traces his unexpected journey into environmental engineering and his thoughts on pursuing low carbon and nature-based solutions as he envisions a future where architecture seamlessly integrates with engineering.
Navigating Urban Connectivity through Transit-oriented Planning
Singapore was ranked the fifth most liveable city in the world in 2023, a powerful testimony to the hard work urban planners, designers, engineers and facility management professionals put in day after day to maintain the Republic as a global business hub. Connectivity, sustainability, inclusivity and space efficiency are top design objectives in this dense city. Deputy CEO at SAA Architects, Michael Leong, guides us through the transformative impact of transit-oriented developments including the award-winning Northpoint City.
Lessons from Nature for a Sustainable Planet
How do we learn from the world’s best designer – nature? The short answer: Biomimicry. Jamie Miller, Director of Biomimicry, B+H Architects, shares his growing passion to apply nature’s basic principles to create a more sustainable built environment.
Immersive Design: Creating Spaces Through Empathy
Empathy is an important consideration if designers want to create spaces that truly resonate with the end users. How does immersive design principles influence healthcare facilities? Charles Arnal, Senior Associate Director at SAA Architects, shares insights on how he and his team leaned on user experience and needs to design Singapore’s multiple award-winning nursing facility, St Joseph’s Home.
Protecting Coastlines and Biodiversity
Coastal protection is a core part of James Lam’s work as Surbana Jurong’s Managing Director for Coastal Engineering. Listen to his podcast as he shares about the importance of biomimicry and adaptability in planning coastal protection measures, while balancing national development needs.
Towards a Net Zero Future
Transitioning to renewable energy is often a delicate balance between reliability, sustainability and affordability. Tan Wooi Leong, Managing Director for Energy & Industrial at Surbana Jurong explains this trilemma countries confront as they power towards a net zero future.
Shaping Lives Together: Building a Better World
How do we shape cities for people, while enabling all of us to shape our cities? Architects and designers have a crucial role to play in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. Yeo Siew Haip, CEO, SJ Global Architecture (ASEAN and North Asia) and CEO, SAA Architects, shares how architects are designing people-oriented architecture that create meaningful connections between people, buildings and the cityscape.
Bottom-Up or Top-Down: Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Design
How do we balance the charm of an old city with the need for development and modern amenities? Urban Planning involves balancing diverse and often conflicting needs of many stakeholders in a community. Tan Eng Kiat, Deputy Director for Urban Planning and Design at Surbana Jurong, shares the finer points of designing cities for a sustainable future while meeting the needs of the present.
A Dam Good Energy Source – Sustainable Hydropower Development
What is the longest lasting source of renewable energy? While other forms of renewables need to be replaced regularly, dams have the potential to last centuries, while helping to mitigate floods and provide fresh water.
Karen Atkinson, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for SMEC Southeast Asia and board member of the International Hydropower Association, tells us more about sustainable hydropower development and “water batteries.”
Building Cities that Last: Designing for Maintainability
How do we lower the lifecycle emissions of our cities? We know that lowering operational carbon is one way, and designing buildings to last longer is another. What most people don’t know, though, is that buildings that are operated and maintained easily in fact lowers lifecycle emissions and keeps operational costs manageable.
Find out more about designing for maintainability with Praveen Chandrashekar, Head of SJ’s Sustainability and Resilience Office.
Maintainable Design Appraisal System (MiDAS) – https://www1.bca.gov.sg/buildsg/facilities-management-fm/design-for-maintainability/maintainable-design-appraisal-system-midas
