Opening Address by Ms Grace Fu
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment
Ms Grace Fu began her career in 1985 with the Overseas Union Bank. In 1995, she joined the PSA Corporation where she was Chief Executive Officer, PSA South East Asia and Japan. Before her appointment as Minister for Sustainability and the Environment in 2020, Ms Fu was Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. She enjoys an active lifestyle, which includes running, yoga and hiking. She is married with three sons.
Prof Chong Tow Chong
President, SUTD
Professor Chong Tow Chong has been SUTD’s President since 2018 and was SUTD’s founding provost. Prior to joining SUTD, he was the Executive Director of A*STAR’s SERC and DSI. A devoted educator and a renowned researcher in the field of electrical engineering, especially in semiconductor materials and devices for memories and high-speed optoelectronics applications, he received numerous awards such as the President’s Science and Technology Medal, IES-IEEE Joint Medal of Excellence Award and Public Administration Medal – Gold (2021) and Silver (2004).
Mr Patrik Schumacher
Principal, Zaha Hadid Architects
Patrik Schumacher is principal of Zaha Hadid Architects. He studied philosophy, mathematics and architecture in Bonn, Stuttgart and London and received his PhD at the Institute for Cultural Science in Klagenfurt. In 1996 he founded the Design Research Laboratory at the AA in London where he continues to teach. Since 2007 he is promoting Parametricism as epochal style for the 21st Century. In 2010/12, he published “The Autopoiesis of Architecture” in two Volumes and recently guest-edited AD - Parametricism 2.0, emphasising the societal relevance of Parametricism. His current research and design interest is focused on the metaverse and the integration of real and virtual communication spaces.
Mr Topher White
Founder and CEO, Rainforest Connection (RFCx)
Topher White is a Conservation Technologist and the Founder/CEO of Rainforest Connection (RFCx). As an inventor, field engineer and social entrepreneur, his accolades include such titles as WEF Young Global Leader, ROLEX Associate Laureate, NATGEO Explorer and an IEEE Engineering Hero.
Topher's background is primarily in Physics, software development and Communication. He received a degree in Physics at Kenyon College and worked at SLAC Natl Accelerator Lab and the ITER Organization in France. He also served as CTO for two start-ups in San Francisco, where he gained industry-level experience in software development – the foundation of the RFCx platform.
(Moderator)
Prof Tai Lee Siang
Head of Pillar (Architecture and Sustainable Design) and Centre Director (DesignZ), SUTD
Lee Siang started as an urban designer with the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 1990. He joined DP Architects in 1992 and became a partner in 2000. Between 2011 to 2016, Lee Siang joined Ong&Ong Group, a multi-discipline design firm as Group Managing Director. In 2018, Lee Siang assumed the position of Executive Director, BuildSG in Building & Construction Authority to spearhead industry engagement. His role was expanded to include Communication and Engagement in 2020. In 2021, he joined SUTD as Head of Pillar of ASD and Centre Director of DesignZ.
Lee Siang is most passionate about voluntary works on the NGOs fronts. Between 2007 and 2018, he was elected president for 3 trade associations and chairman for 1 global NGO. The organisations are :
- Singapore Institute of Architects, President 2007 – 2009
- Singapore Green Building Council, President 2011 – 2013
- Design Business Chamber Singapore, President 2012 – 2016
- World Green Building Council, Chairman 2016-2018
A key initiative started during Lee Siang’s term as WorldGBC Chair is the Advancing Net Zero movement that results in the increasing adoption of Net Zero Buildings worldwide.