The infrastructure industry across the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing remarkable growth, marked by advanced development and robust project execution. This dynamic landscape encompasses established markets like China, which has made significant strides in modernising its infrastructure, alongside emerging economies such as Cambodia and Laos, striving to enhance their developmental pace.
Kaushik Chakraborty, senior vice president for Asia-Pacific and Japan at Bentley Systems, succinctlly captures this optimism: "The state of the infrastructure industry in the Asia-Pacific region is brilliant. It's delicious. The developments are all across the region, and the projects are complex, with impressive technology integration."
This positive momentum is not merely a statistic; it reflects a concerted effort to improve citizens' quality of life while positioning these nations as leaders in global infrastructure development.
The power of engineering talent
A significant advantage for Asia lies in its abundance of engineering talent. Countries like China, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines collectively produce over 65% of the world's engineers. This vast pool of qualified professionals equips the region with the necessary human capital to drive technological innovation and project execution.
Chakraborty highlights this demographic advantage: "Our region has a very high number of engineers as a profession. Engineering is still a very valued and esteemed profession here." The youthfulness of the workforce further enhances this potential; younger engineers are not only familiar with modern technologies but are also more adaptable to new tools and methodologies.
"The younger the population working on projects, the better the use of technology," he notes, emphasising how this demographic is pivotal in driving efficiency and innovation in infrastructure projects.
How technology is revolutionising projects
Technology is fundamentally transforming the engineering landscape, with digital tools and methodologies reshaping project management. The integration of digital twins—virtual representations of physical projects—alongside advanced data management systems is revolutionising project execution.
"The use of data rather than files to manage projects is encouraging," Chakraborty explains, underscoring the shift from traditional, siloed processes to collaborative, real-time information sharing. This evolution enhances efficiency, reduces errors, and fosters a culture of innovation.
Chakraborty elaborates on this transformation: "Digital twins are helping us be more effective and efficient because they force everybody in the project to work on the same level of information." This collaborative approach streamlines workflows and encourages creative problem-solving, leading to better project outcomes. As firms embrace these technologies, the complexity and scale of projects are rapidly increasing, enabling Asia to modernise its infrastructure at an unprecedented pace.
Challenges ahead
Despite the promising growth trajectory, the region faces challenges, particularly regarding the pace of technological change. Concerns about job displacement due to AI and automation are prevalent, leading to hesitations in some parts of the industry.
"The hesitations come from some new technologies, especially AI. There's fear that it will replace jobs." Kaushik Chakraborty
However, he advocates for a more nuanced understanding of technological advancements, asserting that "new is almost always better." The key lies in managing change effectively and fostering an environment where adaptation and learning thrive.
Chakraborty emphasises the importance of communication and training in overcoming resistance to change: "We must be mindful of the pace of change and ensure that all stakeholders are on board."
He points out the disparities in technological adoption across the region, noting that countries like Japan have been mechanised and automated for over two decades, while others, such as the Philippines or Cambodia, are still catching up. "We can't say, 'It's working in A, why can't it work in B?' We need to help B get to A, which takes patience and commitment," he states.
How can firms drive innovation and sustainability?
To remain competitive, firms must focus on efficiency and sustainability metrics. Chakraborty advocates for integrating sustainability considerations into the core of engineering practices. He highlights the importance of embedding carbon analysis tools into project designs from the outset: "We should build KPIs that adapt to the advantages of new technology." This proactive approach enhances project outcomes and aligns with global sustainability goals.
The emphasis on sustainability echoes the call for firms to track their infrastructure's resilience and carbon footprint.
"How do I lower my embedded carbon rather than just quantifying it?" Chakraborty asks, urging industry leaders to think ahead. By incorporating these considerations from the very beginning of the design process, firms can generate significant value for their projects and the communities they serve.
Preparing the next generation of engineers
The future of the engineering sector hinges on attracting and nurturing new talent. Educational institutions must adapt curricula to incorporate modern technological practices, making engineering appealing to younger generations.
Chakraborty believes "we must evolve our tools and teaching methods to inspire excitement about engineering." This evolution involves teaching students the fundamentals of engineering and how to leverage cutting-edge technologies in their work.
He stresses the importance of making technological skills inherent in education, stating, "We have to make this inherent in the education system, not just at university but even in schools." By fostering a culture of innovation and curiosity early on, the industry can cultivate a new generation of engineers who are skilled and passionate about their profession.
The road ahead
As Asia's engineering and industrial sectors move towards 2025, the potential for digital transformation is enormous. By leveraging their engineering talent, embracing technology, and fostering a culture of innovation, firms can navigate challenges and drive sustainable growth. The journey towards a digitally empowered infrastructure landscape is not just about technology; it's about reshaping the future of engineering in Asia.
Chakraborty's insights serve as a roadmap for the industry, highlighting that the convergence of talent, technology, and a commitment to sustainability will define the next chapter of Asia's infrastructure development.
The call to action is clear: as the region continues to modernise and innovate, its leaders must remain agile, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Embracing these changes will enhance project outcomes and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the communities they serve.
