Public Lectures:
“Development of Marine & Offshore Engineering
– Past, Present and Future”
&
Maritime Engineering Careers Exhibition
10 September 2014
9 am – 6 pm
LT58A, Lecture Theatre
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
• To showcase our success and achievement in past decades.
• To take stock of Singapore’s global role in the industry, knowhow and
technology at present.
• To present current research and developing engineering projects.
• To gain an insight into the vision provided by captains of the industry.
• Through these lectures, pioneers and professionals will help enthuse
young generation of engineers to adopt marine and offshore
engineering as a career.
Supported
by
Marine and offshore engineering has been a key pillar of Singapore’s
growth since its early years, playing a critical role in developing the
nation’s economy, raising our standard of living and providing jobs
and careers to many engineering professionals. As Singapore
approaches its 50th birthday, IES, as the national society of engineers
will organise a series of public lectures to celebrate and place on
record the noteworthy contribution of the marine and offshore
pioneers in nation building and the transformation of Singapore into a
vibrant first-world economy. IES received tremendous support from
members and colleagues to speak in this series of public lectures.
Life stories of prominent figures in the industry will help some relive
memories of yesteryears and arouse curiosity in others – namely the
young. Young engineers are expected to be inspired to follow the
enviable lead created by predecessors so that continuing success of
the marine and offshore engineering is ensured in Singapore.
:
Topics of Presentation:
 Life stories of some prominent figures
 Archived materials to show our achievement in the past decades
 Current as well as planned engineering projects
 Maritime Education and Training
 Maritime Research and Development
 Role of Professional Societies in development of engineering
careers
 Contribution of Singapore engineers in marine safety and
environment
Exhibition
The following organisations and companies will participate in the Maritime
Careers Exhibition.
1. Republic of Singapore Navy
2. The IMarEST
3. Singapore Maritime Foundation
4. SNAMES
5. ABB Pte Ltd
6. MacGregor Pte Ltd
7. Newcastle University International Singapore
8. Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd
9. Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd
10. Sembcorp Marine Ltd
11. Lloyd’s Register Global Technology Centre Pte Ltd
12. Mr Chung Chee Kit
For more information, please call: Colin Fong
Tel: (65) 6461 1241 or 6469 5000
email: colin.fong@iesnet.org.sg
Public Lectures
“Development
of Marine &
Offshore
Engineering –
Past, Present
and Future”
&
Maritime
Engineering
Career
Exhibition
10 Sept 2014
Ngee Ann
Polytechnic
Profiles of Speakers
Er Chong Kee Sen
President of The Institution of Engineers, Singapore
Er Chong Kee Sen is a Director of Engineers 9000 Pte Ltd., a Civil and structural consulting
engineering company. He has more than 20 years of experience as a consulting Engineer.
In his professional work, he has executed various infra-structural projects for the PetrolChemical, Pharmaceutical, Power, Marine and other industries. He is also involved in various
land reclamation and soil improvement projects. Er. Chong sits in various agencies’
committees He has been involved in the drafting of SPRING's Singapore Standards. He is
presently chairing the SPRING’s work group in the drafting of the Singapore Standards on
Pollution Control. Er. Chong joined IES as a member in 1992 and became the IES President
in June 2014. Er Chong stated, "My council and I will navigate the course ahead with our
eyes fixed upon IES' vision of being the heart and voice of engineers. As it is the nature of
engineers to dream big but plan realistically, I will focus on initiatives that will bring significant
impact to our members and the community, while pushing IES beyond traditional boundaries
to remain relevant to engineers from different fields."
Mr Choo Chiau Beng
Senior Advisor, Keppel Corporation Limited
Mr Choo Chiau Beng was Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Corporation Limited from 1
January 2009 to 31 December 2013. He was Executive Director of Keppel Corporation since
1983 and Senior Executive Director since 2005. Upon his retirement on 1 January 2014, Mr
Choo was appointed Senior Advisor to the Board of Keppel Corporation. Mr Choo was
awarded the Colombo Plan Scholarship to study Naval Architecture in the University of
Newcastle upon Tyne. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) in
1970 and a Masters of Science degree in Naval Architecture in 1971. He attended the
Programme for Management Development in Havard Business School in 1982 and is
Member of Wharton Society of Fellows, University of Pennsylvania. Mr Choo was conferred
Doctor of Civil Law by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 2009. He is a Singapore’s
Non-Resident Ambassador to Brazil.
Mr Chung Chee Kit
Shipping Veteran, Cultural Enthusiast, Lead Learner
Mr Chung Chee Kit has over 40 years of corporate experience at the senior management
level. During his professional career, he has been involved in a wide range of business
sectors, mainly in the shipping, logistics and maritime industries. He began his career with
the Keppel Group, and held senior positions in Keppel Shipyard, Kapal Ship Management,
Straits Steamship (later Keppel T&T). Since 1995, he has been with the IMC Group, where
he was involved in the strategic shift from being a traditional shipping company to being a
leader in supply chain solutions. Over the years, he has developed a deep love of all things
maritime. Chee Kit is a graduate in Naval Architecture from the University of Newcastle upon
Tyne, UK, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. He was also a past director of
the Centre of Maritime Studies, a research institute of the National University of Singapore.
Chee Kit is currently pursuing his interest as a maritime artist.
Mr Ron Pereira
Fellow of SNAMES, CEng
Ron Pereira is a Chartered Engineer of IMarEST and Fellow of the Society of Naval Architects
and Marine Engineers, Singapore. Since qualifying with a Class 1 CoC in June 1967, Ron
has been actively involved in the Singapore Maritime Industry as a non-exclusive Marine
Surveyor for major casualties and marine Consultant in Marine Dispute matters until
December 2010; when he decided to finally retire from the commercial scene and devote his
time to Family and doing social work.
Synopsis:
This lecture will trace the growth of the Singapore Maritime Industry from 1958 until the
present time; something which I witnessed personally and was very much involved with in
my capacity as an Apprentice (1958-1962) and Marine & Cargo Surveyor (1967-2010) and
Marine Consultant (1979-2010). It will dwell on the relatively slow growth from 1963, when
the modern era of the Singapore Maritime Industry began with Jurong Shipyard commencing
operations, until 1984, when the worldwide recession brought growth to a standstill and
exponential growth in Offshore Engineering from 1988 right up to the present. I will give my
own views on how the growth was achieved from 1988.
Mr Charles Foo
Director/Advisor, Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre
Mr Foo, who is well respected in the offshore and marine industry, is the Director/Advisor
of Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre. A Chartered Engineer (UK) and a
Registered Professional Engineer (Singapore), Mr Foo holds a Diploma in Mechanical
Engineering from the Singapore Polytechnic. He is also the first Singaporean to obtain an
Extra First Class Engineer Certificate of Competency (Steam and Motor) from the UK.
Synopsis:
The presentation is crafted with college students in mind. There will be a brief mention of
the traditional apprenticeship. It shows how the industry bounced back from sunset to
sunrise with the industry breaching the $4bn revenue in 2001 to $15bn in 2012, almost four
fold. In traditional marine practice the paper started with safety, both ship and shipyard
safety. It touches on the first diesel engine for ship propulsion a hundred years ago and
how it replaces the steam turbine and reciprocating engines. It mentions how the increase
in power of the modern diesel engines give rise to opportunities in innovation. The paper
deals with dual fuelled engines and emulsified fuel systems and the problem with carbon
emissions. That future ships have to comply with EEDI and SEEMP. It mentions the
relevancy of LNG ships and AHTS to Singapore marine industry. It will trace the design
criteria used in the design of offshore structures. Brief mention of the Arctic and nuclear
power plant is made. The paper ends with ship recycling. Overall, the paper gives examples
of what the challenges are and the opportunities for innovation and commercialization.
Professor Choo Yoo Sang
The Lloyd’s Register Foundation Chair Professor
Director(Research), Centre for Offshore Research & Engineering
Professor Yoo Sang CHOO is the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Chair Professor in National
University of Singapore. He served as the 106th President of The Institute of Marine
Engineering Science & Technology (IMarEST), and IMarEST's first President from Asia.
He is presently the President of Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
Singapore. Professor Choo was conferred the Honorary Fellowship of Singapore Structural
Steel Society (SSSS) in 2004 in recognition of his technical expertise, outstanding
contribution and development in Offshore and Structural Engineering. He has served as
technical consultant in major offshore projects, and initiated or participated in international
joint industry projects. He is Principal Investigator in a number of R&D projects, including
the Structural Integrity Management Programme on Offshore Structures, and Joint Industry
Project on Grouted Joints.
Mr Tan Kim Pong
Consultant, Keppel Offshore and Marine Technology Centre Pte Ltd
Mr Tan Kim Pong is a Consultant at the Shipyard Technology Division, Keppel Offshore &
Marine Technology Centre (KOMtech). Prior to KOMtech, he was the Director of the Centre
of Innovation and the Director Marine and Offshore Division, School of Engineering, Ngee
Ann Polytechnic from 1992 to 2004 and Director, School of Engineering from 2004 to 2005.
Prior to joining Ngee Ann Polytechnic in 1985 he had worked in a naval shipyard as a ship
constructor, as a naval architect and marine surveyor and a manager in a shipping firm.
Synopsis:
The marine industry was the backbone of Singapore’s economic development shortly after
Singapore became independent. The early Colombo Plan scholars awarded to top A-level
students were sent to study Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering in United Kingdom,
Japan, Canada and Germany. Apprenticeship scheme were available with part-time study
at ONC and HNC level during the colonial period. Sea going training for navigating officers
and marine engineering were available at the opening of Singapore Polytechnic. Today
undergraduate degrees in marine and offshore training are available in SIT, NUS and NTU.
This presentation will trace the evolution of higher education of the marine industry in
Singapore and the role the author played in some of the developments.
Mr Alastair Jones
Senior Business Development Manager, Lloyd’s Register (LR) Asia
Alastair Jones is responsible for all of LR's Business Development, Pre-Sales, Sales and
Marketing activities in the Asia Pacific Region for the offshore sector. He has 30 years'
experience in the Offshore and Marine Industries and over 20 years' experience in Asia.
From 1984 - 88 he worked for British Shipbuilders at Govan, Port Glasgow, Sunderland and
Newcastle Upon Tyne in a variety of roles in design and production. In 1987 he received a
BEng (Honours) in Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering from Glasgow University. He is
a Chartered Engineer with the RINA and a member of the Joint Branch.
Synopsis
I came to Singapore in 1993. I was actually offered a job the year before as a Project
Engineer with Keppel. I was arranged to be interviewed by the then MP for Kampong Glam
and Keppel HR Manager, Mr Low Meng See! He was curious to know why a young "Ang
Moh" wanted to come to Singapore. I didn't tell him it was because I had a Singaporean
girlfriend - now my wife of more than 20 years. It was a tempting offer, but I elected to stay
with Lloyd's Register who transferred me here in 93. Life in Singapore as a surveyor was
tough initially as I wasn't used to working 6/7 days a week in tropical climate but I adapted
quickly though and have never looked back.
Dr Ivan CK Tam
Deputy Chairman, MOETC@IES
Dr Ivan Tam is a senior lecturer at the Engineering Faculty of Newcastle University.
He possesses a wealth of teaching and R&D experience in Institutes of Higher
Learning and engineering companies. Upon his engineering training in thermal power
stations and shipyards, he established his research interest in lean combustion
process, exhaust emission control as well as energy management in internal
combustion engines and steam plants. His project management experience covers
new building of marine vessels, crane barge, floating docks and fossil fuelled power
stations. He has a good connection with engineering companies through the network
of learned societies. He carries out R&D work for industries as well as research funding
agencies. He is a Fellow member and Assessor of Registration for IMarEST as well as
a Fellow of Higher Education Academy in the UK.
Mr Mathai P Pambrakaran
VP & Director (Marine Systems), Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd
Mr. Mathai P Pambrakaran was appointed Vice President (Engineering Design Centre) and
Director (Marine Systems), Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine) in September
2012. He is also the General Manager for ST Marine (Wuhan) Engineering Design
Consultancy Co Ltd and joined the company as Director (Hull) in 2008. Mathai graduated
with a Bachelor Degree in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding from Cochin University of
Science and Technology in 1990. He is a member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects
(RINA, UK). He started his career with Sesa Goa Ltd and spent 5 years in National Ship
Design and Research Centre, working on variety of ship design and consultancy projects.
Subsequently, he joined Bureau Veritas as a surveyor and QMS lead auditor where he spent
7 years in Taiwan, South Korea and India.
Dr Ricky Chan
Product Manager, Propulsion Systems, ABB Pte Ltd
Dr Ricky Chan obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Electrical Engineering from
Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A. Since 2010 he has led and been
involved with several research and technology development projects in marine power and
control systems with Rolls-Royce Singapore. Ricky joined the Marine and Cranes division of
ABB Singapore in April 2014 where he was appointed as Product Manager Propulsion
Systems. He is now the local responsible for the propulsion system solutions, Onboard DC
Grid power system, and energy storage.
Synopsis
ABB's Onboard DC Grid represents a breakthrough for the maritime industry in optimized
propulsion by distributing power through a single DC circuit providing significant power
savings. By distributing electricity in DC, the system allows the operation of generators at
variable speed and consequently at the optimal specific fuel consumption. The DC Grid
configuration also means bulky AC switchboards and propulsion transformers are no longer
required. This, combined with greater system lay-out flexibility, increases the available space
and deadweight for cargo.
Dr Bernard How Voon Ee
Assistant Manager, Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre
Bernard How received the Ph.D. and B.Eng. degrees, both in electrical and computer
engineering (ECE) from NUS. He is Assistant Manager (Control) with Keppel Offshore and
Marine Technology Centre (KOMtech). He was Research Fellow and Research Engineer
with the Centre for Offshore Research and Engineering (CORE), Department of Civil
Engineering (CE). He was a recipient of the Training Attachment Program funding by the
Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore under the Oil & Gas and Offshore
Engineering Technologies program. He worked 5 months offshore on pipe laying barge DB
60, J. Ray McDermott in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina in 2004.
Synopsis:
In this talk, the speaker shares his experience venturing into the offshore sector during his
undergrad internship in Argentina as a pipeline welder for the development of the Carina
Aries field. The concept of field development and some different pieces of the offshore
project such as jacket structure, pipe-laying barge, Jack-up Rigs and offshore support
vessels are described. These are linked to future trends and challenges such as
development in the Artic, Liquefied Natural Gas and Renewable Energy Systems etc.
Mr SC Kan
Chartered Engineer, FIMarEST, FSNAMES, MIES.
After completing his apprenticeship at SHB/PSA Dockyard in Telok Blangah in January
1967, Seng Chut went to sea. He joined Bankline, a Scottish shipping line and sailed as
Junior Engineer on the m.v."Yewbank" for 15 months. He sailed on Neptune Orient Lines
vessels for a further 30 months and then went over to London in May 1973. He did his
preparatory course in Poplar Technical College and passed his Class 1 CoC in September
1973. He rejoined NOL as Superintendent till 1976. In 1992, he ventured out on his own to
set up "Odesta Pte Ltd" to do ship management.
Synopsis:
In my over 30 years in the Maritime Industry I did numerous transactions in buying n selling
used ships for further trading. I also did a few cases in selling ships for scrap. In all cases
one have to know the ins and outs of taking delivery or handling over a used
ship or sending an old ship to a scrapyard.
ME6 Toh Tee Yang
Naval Warfare System Engineer, Republic of Singapore Navy
Military Expert 6 (ME6) Toh Tee Yang was trained as a mechanical engineer and had since
obtained postgraduate qualifications in Systems Engineering, Maritime Studies as well as
Safety, Health and Environmental Technology. Prior to his postgraduate studies at Stevens
Institute of Technology, USA, ME6 Toh was the Principal Engineer in the project office to
oversee the design of the LMVs. Currently, ME6 Toh is a Branch Head in Naval Logistics
Department responsible for organisational planning and development. Apart from being an
alumni to National University of Singapore, University of Wollongong, Australia as well as
the Australian Command and Staff College, ME6 Toh is also a Chartered Engineer
with the UK Engineering Council and a member of IMarEST.
Synopsis:
The Littoral Mission Vessels, or LMVs in short, are the RSN's next generation of naval
platforms to replace the ageing Patrol Vessels. Designed to perform a wide spectrum of
maritime security operations to safeguard Singapore's vital sea lines of communication, the
LMVs need to be operationally flexible and capable of meeting the specific requirements of
different missions. On the other hand, the need for the RSN to be resource efficient also
places further demands for the LMVs to be operated by a smaller crew. Faced with the
conundrum to achieve more with less, our naval engineers were thus challenged to derive
innovative solutions in platform designs, while new operating and support concepts were
also formulated to enable lean crew operations and ensure robust through-life supportability
for the LMVs. In this presentation, the speaker will share his experience in designing the
LMVs to meet their operational requirements. He will also touch on how norms were broken
to make the LMV uniquely different from other naval platforms in the RSN.
Mr Chan Beng Guan
Deputy Engineering Manager, Keppel FELS Limited
Beng Guan received the Keppel FELS Polytechnic Scholarship and graduated with a
Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. His career began in Keppel
FELS Limited as a Trainee Foreman under the Management Traineeship Scheme. He was
attached to Commissioning Section and later Electrical Section within Production. In 2003,
Beng Guan furthered his studies at Nanyang Technological University and graduated with a
Bachelor Degree (3rd Class Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He was
subsequently appointed as Project Engineer, working on repairs and B Class JUs Newbuild
projects. He was then transferred to Project Management department in July 2008 and
oversaw the 2 DSS 38 Semisubmersible newbuild projects. In 2008, Beng Guan also
attained his Master of Science (Merit) in Marine Technology (International) from University
of Newcastle Upon Tyne under Keppel sponsorship. Beng Guan has been appointed as
Deputy Engineering Manager since January 2014.
Er Seow Tiang Keng
Chairman, MOETC, IES
Er. Seow Tiang Keng, a member of the College of Fellows of the Institution of Engineers,
Singapore is a Professional Engineer and licensed high voltage switching engineer. Upon
graduation from Faraday House Engineering College of London in 1966, he served a threeyear service contract as a Commissioned Officer with then the Ministry of Interior and
Defence. Er. Seow joined the then Keppel Shipyard Limited in 1969 and has been with
Keppel Corporation for 43 years managing various marine and offshore engineering projects
in local yards as well as overseas. He contributed largely towards the Singapore Standard
CP47:1989, Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical Installations for Shipbuilding and
Shiprepairing Yards. He is currently the Senior Manager of Electrical and Instrumentation at
Keppel FELS Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine. Er. Seow
oversees the installation, testing, commissioning, and operation of electrical systems on
offshore oil rigs and other marine structures.
Members of Marine and Offshore Engineering Technical Committee (MOETC@IES) 2014-15
Seow Tiang Keng (Keppel FELS Limited)
Ivan CK Tam (Newcastle University)
Ang Chee Keong (Ang Chee Keong & Associates)
Ang Hock Ann, Adrian (MacGregor Pte Ltd)
David Foo Tse Khiat (McDermott Asia Pacific Pte Ltd) George David Kinrade (IMarEST)
Leonard Teo Teck Seng (RINA)
Ng Eng Cheong, Oswald (ABB Pte Ltd Singapore)
Quek Tee Dhye (Asetanian Marine Pte Ltd)
Rasim Asgarov (RINA)
Shahan Parwaiz Shaikh (Marshal Systems Pte Ltd)
Tan Tiong He, Daveed (Tan Ban Yau Machinery Pte Ltd)
Ting Cheng Heong Thomas (MPA)
Zhang Changlin (NTU)
10 September 2014
Lecture Theatre LT58A Ngee Ann Polytechnic
0815
0845
0900
0910
(Dress Code: Office or School attire)
Registration
Delegates to be seated
Welcome Address by Er Chong Kee Sen, President, IES
Opening Address by Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Senior Advisor, Keppel Corp. Ltd.
“How to encourage students in taking up careers as engineers or scientists in Singapore?“
Session Chairman: Mr Chung Chee Kit, Shipping Veteran, Cultural Enthusiast, Lead Learner
0930
0955
”The growth of Singapore maritime industry from 1963…a marine surveyor’s memories”
Mr Ron Pereira, Fellow of Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers Singapore
“A Challenging Career”
Mr Charles Foo Chee Lee, Director/Advisor, Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre
1020 Coffee & Maritime Engineering Careers Exhibition
1050
1115
1140
1205




"Journey of a Boy Scout"
Professor Choo Yoo Sang, The Lloyd’s Register Foundation Chair Professor, NUS
“Evolution of Higher Education in the Marine & Offshore Industry”
Mr Tan Kim Pong, Consultant, Keppel Offshore and Marine Technology Centre Pte Ltd
“20 Years in Singapore – A Surveyor's Story"
Mr Alastair Jones, Senior Business Development Manager - Lloyd's Register (LR) Asia
Panel Discussion:
Mr Chung Chee Kit (Moderator), Er Chong Kee Sen, Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Mr Ron Pereira,
Mr Charles Foo Chee Lee, Professor Choo Yoo Sang, Mr Tan Kim Pong, Mr Alastair Jones
The challenges faced by pioneers and how they resolved the problems
How to benefit the maritime industry and key players by integration of support from stakeholders
namely the Government, education institutions and learned societies
Opportunities for young marine and offshore engineers in Singapore
Q & A from audience
1250 Lunch & Maritime Engineering Careers Exhibition
Session Chairman: Dr Ivan CK Tam, Deputy Chairman, MOETC@IES
1400
1425
1450
1515
1540
“Sustainability through Innovation – ST Marine’s way of Staying Ahead”
Mr Mathai P Pambrakaran, VP & Director (Marine Systems), Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd
“Enabling Technologies for Future Marine Vessels - Onboard DC Grid”
Dr Ricky Chan, Product Manager, Propulsion Systems, ABB Pte Ltd
“Development of an Offshore Field and Some Future Trends”
Dr Bernard How, Assistant Manager, Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre
“Taking Delivery and Handling Over 2nd Hand Ships for Further Trading”
Mr SC Kan, Chartered Engineer, Fellow Member of IMarEST & SNAMES
“Designing the RSN's Littoral Mission Vessels - Breaking the Norms”
ME6 Toh Tee Yang, Naval Warfare System Engineer, Republic of Singapore Navy
1605 Coffee & Maritime Engineering Careers Exhibition
1635



1720
Panel Discussion:
Dr Ivan CK Tam (Moderator), Mr Mathai P Pambrakaran, Dr Ricky Chan, Dr Bernard How,
Mr SC Kan, ME6 Toh Tee Yang, Mr Chan Beng Guan, Er Seow Tiang Keng
Evaluate the current successful models in the marine and offshore industry
Provide information of opportunities for marine and offshore engineers at home and abroad
Q & A from audience
Closing Address by Er Seow Tiang Keng, Chairman, MOETC@IES