Strategic location, clear regulations: Why this engineering group is building its Asia hub in Singapore

When the engines roar at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, most fans are focused on the racing cars flashing past under the lights at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Few realise that the three-day spectacle is the result of months of behind-the-scenes planning, coordination and engineering.

Overseeing the effort is AtkinsRéalis, formerly known as SNC-Lavalin, appointed by race organiser Singapore GP Pte Ltd to manage more than 50 separate contracts and 4,000 workers each year to ensure the annual event runs without disruption.

It is a race against time: build the circuit, then dismantle everything swiftly so roads can reopen and the Marina Bay district can return to its usual rhythm. Beyond the construction of grandstands, temporary pedestrian bridges and safety barriers, the project also encompasses regulatory compliance, sustainability tracking and digital systems. Singapore GP’s Technical Department oversees and maintains close collaboration with AtkinsRéalis to ensure the seamless delivery of the project event, with the support of various government agencies that keep the entire operation on schedule and running seamlessly.

The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is just one example of the work entrusted to the Montreal-based engineering group. Across Asia and beyond, AtkinsRéalis delivers projects spanning transport, energy, water, industrial manufacturing, nuclear, defence and urban infrastructure.

As countries across the region accelerate infrastructure investment and energy transition plans, Singapore serves as a key anchor for the company’s Asia strategy.

Mr Jeremy Truebridge, senior vice-president for Asia at AtkinsRéalis, says the region is entering a new phase of development that demands integrated engineering, digital capability and strong governance.

“Each country in Asia is unique in what it’s trying to achieve. Our strength lies in being able to bring the right global expertise to each market and assemble the right team for the job, so we can make a real impact where it matters most,” he says.

Singapore stands out for its clear regulatory frameworks, advanced digital infrastructure and emphasis on sustainability, strengths that make it an effective environment for piloting complex solutions before adapting them for other Asian markets, Mr Truebridge adds.

In Singapore, instead of large-scale expansion, the focus is shifting towards optimising limited land, extending the life of existing assets and strengthening resilience against climate and energy risks.

“The greatest opportunity lies in decarbonising and retrofitting existing infrastructure,” says Mr Sim Ker Song, country director, Singapore at AtkinsRéalis.

“This reinforces why we continue to invest in Singapore – both as a market where our capabilities align with national priorities and as a regional hub to support emerging opportunities across South-east Asia.”

Beyond Singapore, AtkinsRéalis has supported governments and industry partners on major infrastructure programmes across the region. Recent projects include design and engineering services for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, work on the third runway at Hong Kong International Airport, as well as ongoing work on the Wolsong nuclear reactors in South Korea.

The firm follows a unique, integrated model approach, which combines engineering, consulting and advisory services. This allows AtkinsRéalis to support clients from early feasibility and regulatory planning through detailed design, delivery and long-term operations, says Mr Truebridge.

Delivering energy across Asia

One of the most pressing issues facing Asian markets is how to keep pace with rising power demand as economies shift towards cleaner energy, Mr Truebridge notes.

“Meeting Asia’s growing energy needs will require sustained innovation and coordinated action across the industry. The region’s energy transition is a complex, long-term journey that demands continued leadership, investment and collaboration,” he says, pointing to a potential shortfall as countries transition towards renewables and cleaner energy systems.

Addressing this will require multiple solutions working in tandem. Nuclear energy, alongside renewables, is one area where AtkinsRéalis brings its long-established expertise. The company is one of only six globally with nuclear technology capabilities and 31 reactors have been built using CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) technology across four continents, including projects in Romania, South Korea, India and Canada.

The group’s work spans the full nuclear lifecycle, from planning and construction to operations support, life extension and eventual decommissioning. For over seven decades, the firm has navigated complex regulatory environments and technical challenges, with expertise that also covers feasibility studies, waste management and regulatory planning.

As Asian economies experience rapid growth in electricity consumption, driven in part by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and data centres, AtkinsRéalis is well positioned to support the design and management of energy systems needed to meet evolving demand and dynamics.

Drawing on its experience in Canada, particularly in Ontario, the company has supported energy transitions amid rising demand, helping shift from predominantly hydrocarbon-based generation to a system where almost 85 per cent of energy is now produced from renewables and nuclear.

Mr Truebridge notes that many Asian markets are now taking similarly deliberate steps to assess long-term energy options, with feasibility studies and regulatory frameworks progressing in parallel.

Reimagining smarter, greener infrastructure

Singapore is also an exemplary, innovative hub for Asia’s smarter, greener futures, with its development agenda shifting toward land optimisation, decarbonisation and long-term resilience. As rapid urbanisation and climate threats intensify, the demand for future-ready systems across sectors such as water and transportation is growing every day.

“Singapore’s transport priorities are moving beyond expansion toward system optimisation, multimodal integration, and digital enhancements. The MRT network exemplifies this trend – as connectivity grows, asset renewal and rejuvenation will become critical to maintain reliability and performance,” says Mr Sim.

With global water expertise, local insight and cross-industry experience, AtkinsRéalis is also driving innovative solutions across the water sector to build resilient and sustainable communities.

“Climate resilience remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s water strategy,” notes Mr Sim. “New drainage systems and land reclamation projects will continue for decades as the nation prepares for uncertain climate impacts.”

Building for the long term

As infrastructure and energy needs across Asia continue to expand, AtkinsRéalis is investing in local teams and technical capabilities to support clients over the long term. Rather than focusing solely on individual projects, the firm’s regional approach centres on building enduring partnerships and contributing to sustainable economic development.

“We focus on where our capabilities can make a real difference, rather than chasing markets for the sake of it,” Mr Truebridge says.

“We see tremendous opportunity in Singapore and across South-east Asia, where innovation and growth go hand in hand. By expanding our local teams and services, AtkinsRéalis is reinforcing its long-term commitment to our clients and the region’s future.”

Find out more about AtkinsRéalis on its website