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Samwoh
Leading Sustainable Construction in Singapore
Sam Pang Kok Pin, Executive Director & Dy COOSince 1975, Samwoh had led the construction industry by example, practicing the principles of sustainability and innovation even before environmental concerns became mainstream. Samwoh has established itself as the nation’s leading vertically integrated construction company that provides a full suite of engineering services and solutions. These offerings include the supply of building materials, industrial waste recycling, innovative construction methodologies, research and development as well as pavement-consulting services.
“We always look for new ways to reinvent ourselves. With the current emphasis on sustainability, our principles and commitments strongly resonate with our clients’ values and beliefs,” says Sam Pang Kok Pin, executive director of Samwoh.
The innovations that enable the firm to support sustainability are developed in its pioneering accredited research lab. One current innovation is the production of new asphalt made of industrial waste by-products like steel slag and sedimentary rock from Jurong Rock Caverns. These new material mixes are tested in the research institution, and are proven highly enduring and effective for asphalt and concrete pavements, bridges, airport runways and taxiways.
Samwoh also successfully incorporated recycled plastic waste with asphalt for paving sections of prominent roadways, such as the West Coast Highway, the Pan-Island Expressway and Jalan Buroh in Boon Lay. An on-going trial under a tripartite comprising of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), a renowned university, and Samwoh, the new material mix is expected to reduce road noise and improve urban cooling.
Samwoh’s sustainability mission is not limited to Singapore’s borders. Referring to itself as ‘road doctors’, the firm also verifies the quality of roads, airport runways and infrastructure for the European, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian authorities.
The firm’s cutting-edge digital testing and survey equipment provides a comprehensive report on road conditions and prioritize those critical issues that require immediate attention.
This empowers the relevant authorities to address infrastructure maintenance requirements and ensuring public safety, while maximizing their maintenance budget. The construction company also suggests and provides suitable affordable solutions facilitated by its 40 years of pavement and road construction experience.
The vertically integrated company’s focus on being sustainable and innovative, as well as its usage of digital tools is reflected in the construction and maintenance of its new headquarters in Kranji—the Samwoh Smart Hub. 100 percent recycled concrete and sedimentary rocks from the Jurong Rock Caverns were used for its construction, while solar panels and smart building sensors manage energy consumption. Samwoh’s headquarters also houses its innovation centre where R&D of new construction materials is carried out. It is the first industrial building in Singapore to be certified as a Positive Energy Building by the Building and Construction Authority.
Samwoh recognises the importance of nurturing a highly qualified workforce. Providing internship opportunities and scholarships with institutes of higher learning (IHL) allows the company to nurture a pool of talented engineers for innovative solutions.
The construction company also embraces digitalization leveraging big data, AI and video analytics to create a sustainable and safe workplace. Wearable technologies monitor workers’ health, safety and location to provide immediate response and backup whenever necessary. In addition, Samwoh uses solar-powered video cameras, incorporated with video analytics AI, to ensure the safety and security of employees within well-defined boundaries and to supervise large construction sites.
We always look for new ways to reinvent ourselves. With the current emphasis on sustainability, our principles and commitments strongly resonate with our clients’ values and beliefs
Growing in tandem with Singapore, Samwoh has walked the talk in its transformation journey, instilling sustainability and innovation in everyday practices. Beyond contributing to Singapore’s economic growth, Samwoh also believes in giving back to the community and that no one is left behind. Its good work covers the spectrum in the society. Its employees are involved in volunteering with senior citizens and Singapore greening efforts. At the same time, building for the future, Samwoh has also set up a perpetual endowment with the Singapore Institute of Technology donating some $700,000 into a bursary fund to help students, who may someday help grow the construction industry.
