The Meinhardt Group Global Management Conference made a triumphant return on 6 October 2023 at Shangri-La Singapore, following a prolonged pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
It culminated in a closing dinner which was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency, Jamal Mohamed Al-Suwaidi, Ambassador of UAE to Singapore, and attended by various industry partners, Singapore government agencies and officials from several Embassies.
This flagship event marked a significant milestone for our organisation. Bringing together more than 100 key executive leaders and emerging leaders from our nearly 60 offices worldwide, the conference focused on pivotal trends such as sustainability, decarbonisation, climate change, DFMA, and digital transformation. No longer just buzzwords, these are now the propellants of our industry's future.
The various workshops which took place at Meinhardt Group’s headquarters on the previous day covered essential areas such as infrastructure, EPCM, decarbonisation, smart city solutions, and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, which represent the shifts in operational paradigms within our industry.
“The various presentations and workshops held over the two days provided a platform for purposeful dialogues, insightful presentations, the exchange of transformative ideas, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Our discussions also centred on the group's performance, strategic direction, new developments, and future growth areas. Throughout the event, whether it was delving into the world of smart, sustainable, and integrated infrastructure or unveiling the potential of Meinhardt’s new Smart Technology Platform, what resonated with me is our shared drive and passion,” said Mr Omar Shahzad, Group CEO, Meinhardt Group.
“This pivotal event not only illuminated the diverse challenges and opportunities we face, serving as an incubator for innovation and collaboration across our group, but also presented a strategic roadmap for Meinhardt in the years to come,” he added.
One of the key highlights of the conference was the robust panel discussion, “Way Forward for the Built Environment Industry”, which provided valuable perspectives on industry challenges and opportunities, and emerging trends.
Moderated by our Group CEO, Mr Omar Shahzad, it featured renowned industry stalwarts including Mr Go Yang San, Managing Director, Meinhardt Singapore; Er Lee Chuan Seng, Chairman, National Environment Agency (NEA); Mr Tai Fatt Cheng, Deputy Managing Director, BCA Academy and Built Environment Research and Innovation Institute (BERII), Building and Construction Authority (BCA), and Ar. Tan Szue Hann, MBA, MArch, Head of Sustainability and Deputy General Manager, Keppel (Real Estate Division) and Chair of Sustainability, Singapore Institute of Architects.
Dr. Shahzad Nasim, our Executive Chairman, aptly captured the essence of the conference in his closing remarks, emphasising our unity, resilience, and shared commitment to a sustainable future. His words underscored the importance of innovation, collaboration, and adapting to industry trends. They were an inspiring reminder of our mission to transform cities, shape the future, and embrace sustainability and digitalisation.
“Thank you all, for making the effort to come together, to chart Meinhardt Group’s collective future. Three years ago, when the world plunged into turmoil due to Covid 19, we learned how to re-configure our operational model and demonstrate resilience. Today, we are gearing up for our golden jubilee in Singapore and Hong Kong next year, a landmark celebration. We are here, united in our commitment to a sustainable future, pioneering new horizons, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible,” said Dr Nasim.
“Our Group CEO’s opening address was an eloquent reminder of our mission and vision. Our goal of transforming cities and shaping the future – has never been more urgent or relevant. The presentations and workshops held over these two days have reinforced my belief that the future of the built environment industry has unlimited potential, and is ours to shape. Looking ahead, our roadmap is clear. Now, more than ever, the world requires innovative, sustainable, and forward-thinking smart solutions, that harness and ride on digital technology,” he added.
Speaking at the opening of the post-conference dinner, Dr Nasim announced the appointment of six new members to the Meinhardt Group Management Board, heralding a new era of growth for the company.
“Seated among you today, these senior management colleagues, through their leadership skills, vast experience, and strong expertise, will help guide Meinhardt Group to greater heights of success. They are Mr Go Yang San, Dr Eugene Seah, Miss Tan Geok Hwee, Mr John McGuire, Mr Vinesh Natali, and Mr Chen Yao Hui. Congratulations on your appointment,” he said.
He also announced the launch of new lines of business which cement Meinhardt's pioneering position in the industry, and underscore our commitment to innovative solutions, cost efficiency, and sustainability. These include Meinhardt Digital Technology Solutions which helps clients to solve complex built environment problems with the powerful METAV Integrated Platform, and METAV Cost and Contracts Management which aims to be a trusted partner for all cost and contract needs in the construction industry.
In his words, this conference was about learning from our past, navigating the present, and charting a visionary course for the future.
“We recognise the world is full of consulting engineers, planners and managers. We must therefore have visible differentiating factors that set us apart. These include design of smart and innovative solutions that cost less and can be built quickly and are indeed sustainable. Meinhardt has an enviable enviable track record in the built environment sector that is second to none: but we cannot sit on our past laurels. We must continue to excel in our service to our clients and maintain our goal of offering powerful engineering solutions that others will find hard to match,” said Dr Nasim.
He added: “This conference and this evening holds special significance for us as it is about looking at our past and learning what we could have done better, navigating the present and more importantly charting a visionary course for the future. Our company leaders must continue to inspire and motivate our staff, place clients as priority number one and we must jointly work for the vision we have set – we do not want to be the biggest, but we do want to be the best.”
The Meinhardt Group Global Management Conference laid a significant foundation for Meinhardt’s upcoming 50th anniversary in Singapore and Hong Kong in 2024. With its successful conclusion, the firm once again solidifies its position as a thought leader and trailblazer in the built environment industry. With the industry on the cusp of a new era, the insights gained from this conference will be integral in shaping the future of the built environment industry.
