As a teenager, Yin Shan Ho read a book called ‘Why Buildings Stand Up’ by Mario Salvadori. “It tells the story of famous projects like the Brooklyn Bridge and Eiffel Tower,“ he recalls, “and explains how they were designed and built with clear illustrations and simple language.”

That book inspired him to make a positive difference in the world. “It helped me realise I could channel my interest in physics and mathematics into something meaningful, lasting and contribute to society.”

Today, Yin Shan is a civil and structural engineer and project manager at global built environment consultancy Arup. In recent years, he has been active in the maritime sector. “It’s a fascinating blend of mathematical complexity and physical durability, especially when building in one of the harshest and most corrosive environments on Earth.

“As sea level rise becomes an existential threat for Singapore, the way we engineer maritime infrastructure must evolve. We need to move beyond designing for once-in-a-lifetime events, and instead look at statistical probabilities and challenge scenarios and assumptions.”

Yin Shan was accorded ACES Young Consulting Engineer of the Year 2025 (Civil & Structural) in recognition of his contributions to the consulting engineering field in Singapore. The award was presented by the Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore (ACES).

‘Cost over quality’ remains major issue

Speaking of challenges faced by the industry, Yin Shan says one of the biggest issues remains the way construction contracts are awarded – cost often takes precedence over quality. “For instance, construction tenders are still weighted heavily on price. This fosters a ‘race to the bottom’ that undermines collaboration and strains the professionals doing the work. It trickles down to long working hours and lack of appreciation for staff on the ground.”

He believes there are promising signs of change. “Agencies like BCA [Building and Construction Authority] have launched campaigns to raise awareness of the sector’s contributions, and the government is piloting more collaborative approaches, like NEC4 contracts, which promote risk-sharing and teamwork. These changes are already making a difference.

“I recently led a tender where the client asked how our multi-disciplinary team would work together, prioritising relationship-building and communication over individual credentials. This shift towards valuing collaboration and quality gives me hope for a healthier and more effective industry.”

“What I love most about working in Singapore is the scale and ambition of the projects,” he adds. “It’s a small country, but the work we do has visible, meaningful impact. I’ve had the privilege of working on infrastructure that improves daily lives for people across the island – and sometimes even for those living just down the street. You don’t have to look far to see how your work is shaping the nation.”

He further notes that “Singapore is a leader in the digital transformation of the built environment sector. While some countries are still using pencil and paper to mark up drawings in person at regulatory offices, Singapore is rolling out Corenet X, a digital platform that’s set to dramatically improve compliance, coordination and cost-efficiency.”

Having been involved in many different projects, Yin Shan doesn’t have favourites. To him, each one is a stepping stone. “Every project carries forward something meaningful: technical expertise, client relationships, or nation-building. My first maritime project is the Offshore Marine Centre 2 in Tuas. From this project, I applied lessons learnt from heavy retaining structures and rock armour to future projects.”

That being said, the Jurong Region Line will always have a special place in his heart. Yin Shan managed this project for four years while he was working at the Land Transport Authority (LTA) – from abstract designs on paper to real-world construction. “Walking the site, seeing the viaduct take shape, and meeting future users at the community centre brought it all full circle. That’s when I truly felt the human side of engineering – the lives we touch with the work we do.”

‘Human touch can’t be replaced’

“Young professionals today face enormous pressures, from the pace of technological change to the looming challenge of climate change. But in Singapore, there is still a strong demand for something that technology cannot replace: the human touch,” explains Yin Shan, on his advice to aspiring engineers.

“Clients want advisors who can walk the site with them, who can see what’s really happening when the rebar is congested or a foundation hits an unseen obstacle. They need people who understand context – technical, environmental, cultural – and can come up with holistic solutions.”

He highlights the limitations of technology: ”ChatGPT can’t stand beside you in an excavation pit. Gemini can’t grasp the cultural nuances of Singapore’s heritage sites. These tools are powerful, but they are just that – tools. They enhance human expertise; they don’t replace it. My hope is that the next generation will embrace these technologies to amplify their own impact and take the industry to the next level.”

As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, “I find myself reflecting on our National Pledge, particularly the call for justice and equality for all. In the built environment, we’ve made meaningful strides in universal design and accessibility. But there’s more to be done.”

Yin Shan calls on the industry to “look beyond the user experience and focus on the people behind the projects – the engineers, construction professionals, and even the migrant workers who form the backbone of our industry. Let’s work to improve work-life balance, ensure fair compensation and safety, and uphold dignity for everyone involved in shaping our city.”

Moving forward, Yin Shan hopes that Singapore stays committed to its net-zero ambitions. “Over the past 60 years, Singapore has transformed into a modern, globally respected nation. Now, we must use that influence and leadership to accelerate climate action, both within our borders and across the region. The decisions we make in the next decade will define the future not just for our nation, but for the generations to come.”

All images courtesy of Yin Shan Ho/Arup