Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Minister of State for National Development and Trade & Industry, delivering the opening address at the 3rd Asia-Singapore Infrastructure Roundtable.
The first plenary session, moderated by Lim Wee Seng (R), MD of Project Finance at DBS, discussing the development of power and utilities projects in Asia.
By Choo Zu Kai
To expand the ranks of specialists in infrastructure, one of Asia’s fastest-growing sectors, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding with the National University of Singapore on Wednesday at Singapore International Energy Week 2014 that will support new degree courses, scholarships and career opportunities.
“Many countries in SEA and Asia have substantial infrastructure investment requirements, and how they will go about financing their investments is of great interest,” Senior Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan said in his opening address at the third Asia-Singapore Infrastructure Roundtable.
“As such, Singapore is doing its part to build up the expertise needed for project scoping and financing”
The memorandum will see IE Singapore support National University of Singapore on a Master of Science (MSc) in Project Management, featuring a new specialisation in project finance. IE Singapore will also support scholarships with Singapore companies in the infrastructure sectors.
In another step, IE Singapore will extend its Young Talent Programme Scholarship to offer students career opportunities in infrastructure. The scholarship is co-funded by IE Singapore and participating Singapore companies to groom the next generation of business leaders for global careers.
“Demand for talent is rising. Companies are looking for people with the necessary skills to drive growth in a global infrastructure market that is estimated to be worth US$57 trillion between 2013 and 2030,” said Chua Taik Him, deputy chief executive officer of IE Singapore.
The Asia-Singapore Infrastructure Roundtable series is one of the key initiatives by IE Singapore to anchor the city-state as a regional infrastructure hub. The event brings together governments and regional businesses along the entire infrastructure chain to discuss projects with potential partners and stakeholders.
Up to US$1 billion worth of projects in various Asian markets were discussed at this year’s event, which was attended by 200 delegates from across the region.
About Singapore International Energy Week (www.siew.gov.sg)
The 7th annual SIEW 2014 is the foremost platform for top policymakers, energy practitioners and commentators to discuss energy issues, strategies and solutions. SIEW brings together a robust line-up of world's leading conferences, exhibitions, roundtables and networking events to provide insights and perspectives on the emerging trends and innovations across the energy spectrum of oil & gas, clean and renewable energy, and energy infrastructure financing – in one week, one location. Please visit www.siew.gov.sg for further information.