Singapore Concrete Institute (SCI) Young Innovators Awards 2025 – Kevin Lee

Image: Professor Tan Kang Hai (left) and CEE PhD Student, Kevin Lee (right)

The School is pleased to share that our PhD student, Kevin Lee, has received the Singapore Concrete Institute (SCI) Young Innovators Awards 2025 (Gold Award).

Titled "Innovative Design of Spalling-Resistant Ultra-High Performance Concrete Using Regional Waste-Derived Materials", Kevin's research demonstrates how regional waste-derived materials, such as recycled plastics, sludge-derived slag, and natural fibres, can be engineered into functional components of ultra-high performance concrete.

By connecting macroscopic behaviour to microstructural mechanisms, the study shows that sustainability and high performance need not be competing objectives. Instead, they can co-exist through thoughtful material design grounded in circular-economy principles.

Kevin expressed his appreciation for the guidance he received throughout the research journey. He shared, “I’m truly grateful to receive the SCI Young Innovator Award 2025 (Gold Award). This recognition is a reminder of the journey behind the work – hours of testing, failing, learning and creating alongside people who believe in the vision of a more sustainable built environment.”

He also acknowledged his supervisor, Professor Tan Kang Hai, adding, “I’m especially thankful to Prof Tan, whose trust and guidance gave me the space to explore boldly, stumble safely and keep striving for excellence. This award inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries, and I look forward to contributing further to materials that make our world safer, greener and a little more hopeful.”

About SCI Young Innovators Awards
The SCI Young Innovators Awards 2025 recognise the next generation of talent driving innovation and productivity in the built environment.