SINGAPORE - More engineers will be needed to come up with elderly-friendly infrastructure as Singapore faces an ageing population, said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

"There has been an increase in life expectancy... this has lead to an unprecedented rate of ageing," he added, noting that engineers who can cater to the demands of changing demographics will have more opportunities.

The Minister for Environment and Water Resources was speaking at the 48th annual dinner for the Institution of Engineers (IES) - held on Friday night at the convention centre of Resorts World Sentosa - where he was the guest of honour.

In his opening speech, Mr Chong Kee Sen, IES president, said it is "critical to resolve the issue of compensation to attract and retain talents in this industry".

It is important to do so because engineers are needed to address many challenges, such as climate change, depleting natural resources and land scarcity, he added.

During the dinner, Professor Lui Pao Chuen was presented with the association's Lifetime Engineering Achievement Award for his commitment to the profession. He was the first Chief Defence Scientist, a post he held for 22 years.