Strengthening Ties in AI and Sustainability: The Second Singapore–China Academy of Engineering Joint Symposium

Following the resounding success of the inaugural China–Singapore Joint Symposium in 2024, the Academy of Engineering, Singapore (SAEng), and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) jointly hosted the second edition of the symposium in Singapore from 28 to 30 September 2025.

This year’s theme, “AI & Sustainability,” reflected the deepening collaboration between the two academies and the growing global imperative to harness artificial intelligence for sustainable development. The symposium brought together a distinguished lineup of thought leaders, industry professionals, and young scientists to explore these transformative topics at the intersection of technology and society.

The Second Singapore-China Joint Symposium on AI & Sustainability, featuring Fellows and Members of the Academy of Engineering, Singapore and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, respectively. 

Distinguished Opening and Plenary Sessions

The symposium was graciously hosted by the Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute (NEWRI) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), with support from the NTU Centre in Computational Technologies for Finance (CCTF) and the Membrane Society in Singapore (MEMSIS).

On the opening day, Professor Liu Bin, Deputy President (Research and Technology) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Executive Committee Member of SAEng, delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of SAEng. Leading the CAE delegation, Professor Chen Jianfeng, Secretary-General of CAE, extended the welcome remarks on behalf of CAE, emphasizing the shared commitment of both academies to advancing AI innovation and sustainability.

A group photo featuring Ms Yu Haiying, Prof Miao Chunyan, Prof Liu Bin, Prof Chen Jianfeng, His Excellency Cao Zhongming, Prof Wang Rong, Prof Wen Yonggang and Ms Liu Chang (from left to right).

The event was officially opened by His Excellency Cao Zhongming, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Singapore, marking the significance of bilateral collaboration. A symbolic gift exchange between Professor Wang Rong and Professor Chen Jianfeng, on behalf of SAEng and CAE, respectively, further underscored the spirit of partnership.

A memorable group photo of Fellows of SAEng and Members of CAE at the symposium, joined by His Excellency Cao Zhongming (sixth from the left, front row).

Gift exchange between the two academies by Prof Chen Jianfeng (left) and Prof Wang Rong (right).

The day featured 11 plenary lectures and two panel discussions, where over 20 Fellows and Members from both academies engaged in wide-ranging conversations on cutting-edge AI applications and sustainability challenges. More than 500 participants attended in person from seven countries, with an additional 100 joining online, making the symposium a truly global forum for knowledge exchange.

The symposium attracted over 500 on-site participants, creating a vibrant forum for researchers, professional engineers, and industry professionals to exchange ideas.

Panel discussion in the morning session moderated by Prof Guo Yongxin with panellists Prof Ma Jun, Prof Gao Wen, Dr Sun Sumei, Prof Tony Quek, Prof Qiu Cheng-Wei and Prof Ong Yew-Soon (from right to left).

Panel discussion in the afternoon session moderated by Prof Er Meng Hwa with panellists Prof Jason Xu, Prof Wu Hanming, Prof Chen Jianfeng, Prof Sam Ge, and Prof Chen Xiaodong (from right to left).

Young Scientists Forum – Nurturing the Next Generation

Day 2 was dedicated to the Young Scientists Forum, which provided a dynamic platform for emerging researchers (including over 25 keynote speakers) to present their work across six parallel sessions.

Topics included:

·        Resource recovery

·        Membrane technology

·        Data science and AI applications

·        Biotechnology and bioprocesses

·        Environmental modelling and AI

·        Environmental chemistry and materials

 

The forum concluded with an award ceremony recognizing 20 outstanding oral and poster presentations, celebrating the contributions of young talents who will carry forward the spirit of innovation and collaboration.

Group photo of participants from the Young Scientists Forum, Day 2, Session A on Resource Recovery.

Some of our overseas and local Keynote Speakers, alongside Invited Speakers, from Day 2’s Young Scientists Forum.

Building Momentum for the Future

The success of the symposium was made possible through the tireless efforts of the organizing committee and volunteers from NEWRI, whose dedication ensured a smooth and impactful event.

NEWRI volunteers commemorating the successful conclusion of the Second Singapore–China Joint Symposium at the conference banquet.

As the closing banquet commemorated the milestone, both academies reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation. Looking ahead, the third edition of the China–Singapore Joint Symposium will be held in China in 2026, where new opportunities for advancing engineering solutions will be explored.

Closing Note

The Singapore–China Joint Symposium series exemplifies the shared mission of both Academies to foster global partnerships, advance engineering knowledge, and nurture the next generation of innovators. Through collaborative platforms like this, SAEng and CAE reaffirm their commitment to driving engineering solutions that tackle pressing global challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.