On 19 September 2025, the Construction Technology Innovation Laboratory (CTIL) hosted the 2025 CTIL Technical Seminar on Latest Innovations in Sustainable Steel and Concrete Construction, reaffirming SIT’s and CTIL’s commitment to shaping a resilient, low-carbon future for Singapore’s built environment through applied research, partnerships, and innovation. The event was supported by Woh Hup (Private) Limited, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES), and the Singapore region of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).

Held for the first time at SIT’s new Punggol Campus, the seminar drew more than 700 participants, including 285 Professional Engineers (PEs). The event brought together regulators, industry leaders, and researchers to explore how applied research is shaping a sustainable, high-performance built environment.

The 2025 CTIL Technical Seminar on Latest Innovations in Sustainable Steel and Concrete Construction at Ho Bee Auditorium, SIT Punggol Campus. (Photo: Woh Hup (Private) Limited)

Setting the Stage for Sustainable Construction 

The seminar commenced with a welcome and updates from Er Prof. Chiew Sing Ping, Head of CTIL, SIT, who shared the centre’s latest initiatives and its vision for advancing sustainable construction through applied research and industry collaboration. 

In his opening address, Er Thanabal Kaliannan, Commissioner of Building Control, Building and Construction Authority, highlighted the urgent need to decarbonise concrete and steel, two of the most carbon-intensive materials in construction. He highlighted ongoing efforts to leverage high-performance materials, advance the BC1 steel reuse framework, and adopt robust strengthening and maintenance strategies for underground and critical infrastructure. Both speakers emphasised collaboration between public agencies, industry, and research institutions to translate innovation into tangible impact for Singapore’s built environment.

Welcome address by Er Prof. Chiew Sing Ping, Head of CTIL, SIT. (Photo: Woh Hup (Private) Limited) 

Opening address by Er Thanabal Kaliannan, Commissioner of Building Control, Building and Construction Authority. (Photo: Woh Hup (Private) Limited)

Spotlight on Innovation: From Skybridges to Ultra-Low Carbon Concrete 

The day’s technical presentations showcased a wide spectrum of cutting-edge innovations. Mr Hua Feng (Masteel, China) shared the development of high-strength hot-rolled H-beams, breaking traditional strength limits and advancing towards S500-grade steel for high-rise and long-span applications. Er Kam Mun Wai (Meinhardt Singapore Pte Ltd) explored the design of skybridges, highlighting functional, aesthetic, and structural considerations. Er Lim Kok Kim (KKLim & Associates Pte Ltd) presented the construction of S690 Legend steel skybridges, demonstrating how ultra-high-strength steel enables sleek, efficient, and safe structural designs. Complementing this, Er Lim Keong Liam (Arup Singapore Pte Ltd) discussed welding qualifications for 100mm ultra-thick S690 steel kingposts, showing that advanced welding procedures can maintain superior mechanical properties for top-down construction.

Sustainability and circular construction were key themes in presentations by Er Willie Chai (BCA) and Er Ho Kai Ming (H-Tech Consultants Pte Ltd), who shared updates on BC1:2023 and practical case studies on steel reusability, highlighting how reclaimed steel can be safely and efficiently used in permanent structures to reduce embodied carbon. Advancements in structural efficiency and material performance were further demonstrated by Dr Ng Yiaw Heong (TTJ Design & Engineering Pte Ltd), who introduced high-performance pre-engineered composite beams that optimise the steel-concrete combination for resource efficiency and adaptability in construction. 

Innovations in concrete technology were showcased through Er Colin Yip (Woh Hup (Private) Limited)’s presentation on ultra-low carbon concrete (ULCC), integrating CO₂ sequestration to achieve up to 80% clinker replacement while maintaining structural performance. Prof. Mo Liwu (Nanjing Tech University, China) shared the development of super water grout for rapid tunnel strengthening and repair, addressing critical durability and performance challenges in underground structures. Applied research in reinforcement and concrete systems was further highlighted by Mr Kazutaka Yoshihara (Tokyo TekkoCo. Ltd., Japan) on plate-nut headed bars, Er A/P Kum Yuan Juan (CTIL) on steel fibre reinforced concrete for cut-and-cover tunnels, and A/P Zhao Ming Shan (CTIL) on steel slag permeable concrete for sustainable urban infrastructure. These innovations illustrated practical pathways for decarbonisation, resilience, and circular construction in real-world projects. 

Industry Showcase and Collaboration in Action 

The seminar also featured an industry exhibition with 14 exhibitors, including Mlion Corporation, CUMIC, Masteel, Chuan Leong, Sanhe, CSCEC, TTJ, NatSteel, Hirose Singapore, CARES Certification, BRC Asia, TTK, Nanjing Tech University, and Zhong Rui New Material. Exhibitors showcased innovative products, technologies, and mock-ups, providing attendees with hands-on insights into cutting-edge solutions in steel and concrete construction.

Alongside the seminar, an exhibition was held to showcase innovative technologies and solutions in the construction industry. (Photo: Woh Hup (Private) Limited) 

The event concluded with interactive panel discussions and networking sessions, fostering exchange between academia and industry and reinforcing CTIL’s mission to accelerate the translation of research into tangible industry impact. CTIL extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, exhibitors and participants for contributing to an engaging and insightful event that advances sustainable and resilient construction in Singapore.