Two firms to develop infrastructure skills with EDB support

Faithful+Gould has been helping in the project management of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix since it started 10 years ago.
Faithful+Gould has been helping in the project management of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix since it started 10 years ago. PHOTO: SINGAPORE GP PTE LTD

Two units from global project management consultancy Atkins Group have tied up with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) to build up infrastructure skills in the region.

Faithful+Gould and Acuity plan to train consultants, managers and directors to expand skills in project management and infrastructure development.

Faithful+Gould will be investing up to $2 million over the next five years to develop 16 high-potential project managers in deepening their skills for leadership roles.

Acuity plans to invest $2.5 million over the next five years in recruiting and developing 18 high-potential consultants, managers and directors in Singapore.

They will help these professionals to develop skills in advanced infrastructure development, overcoming complex asset management challenges and delivering solutions across the whole asset life cycle for developing economies.

In recent years, Singapore has been recognised as a highly attractive market in the world for infrastructure investment, thanks to its comprehensive infrastructure ecosystem, strong business environment, healthy pipeline of development work and growing economy, the companies said in a statement yesterday.

A workforce with deeper infrastructure skills will help the city better capture growing opportunities and maximise its growth potential, they added.

Faithful+Gould chief executive Donald Lawson said: "Investment in skills is essential to drive innovation and enable sustainable economic growth in the region.

"Specifically, with the advent of digital, we see an unprecedented momentum of change in the construction industry."

Faithful+Gould, which is based in Singapore, has been involved with several major projects, including the annual Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and the building of Marina Bay Sands.

Ms Fong Pin Fen, director for cities, infrastructure and industrial solutions at EDB, noted that Atkins' new end-to-end advisory business, Acuity, has senior leaders based in Singapore.

"Atkins Group's investment will help bring value to Singapore's infrastructure ecosystem and strengthen our standing as Asia's leading infrastructure hub," she said.

"With talent as a key pillar of the sector, EDB looks forward to partnering Faithful+Gould and Acuity in not only growing its business, but also in the building up of skilled talent that will help fuel the industry's growth."

Yasmine Yahya

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 21, 2017, with the headline Two firms to develop infrastructure skills with EDB support. Subscribe