As part of RIBA’s ongoing commitment to deepen regional engagement and deliver greater value to members, Wendy Leung, Membership Experience Manager, Asia, and Po Fung, Director of Strategic Market Development, Asia, recently visited Singapore for a series of impactful events and meetings.
The visit began with a vibrant networking drinks event hosted by RIBA Singapore at Boat Quay, bringing together over 20 RIBA Singapore members for an evening of connection and conversation. The gathering provided a relaxed platform for sharing ideas, strengthening professional ties, and exploring opportunities for collaboration across the built environment sector.
Wendy and Po also attended the annual SIA Archifest and participated in the SIA x RIBA Roundtable where discussions centred on enhancing member value and advancing architectural education. The roundtable brought together thought leaders from both institutions to explore joint initiatives that support professional development and knowledge exchange. SIA expressed interest in collaborating with RAFA through thought leadership roles, co-hosted activities and informal events, and jointly hosted CPD programmes, with a focus on regional and China-related topics.
A highlight of the visit was attending the SIA Gala Dinner, which welcomed over 1,000 industry practitioners. The event celebrated the vibrancy of Singapore’s architectural community and provided a platform for us to connect with peers, partners, and future collaborators. We hope to offer our members valuable opportunities to engage with Singapore’s dynamic architectural community, fostering international connections, and access to innovative programming that supports professional growth.
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen RIBA’s presence in the region, the team actively engaged with key stakeholders to establish meaningful relationships and explore potential partnerships. These interactions provided valuable market intelligence and ensured that the voice of our members continues to shape product development. In addition to attending events, the team held fruitful meetings with suppliers and manufacturers—including Allegion, Craft Axis, Nippon Paint, Raven, SKK Singapore, Systmz, and Vanguard—exploring strategic partnerships and commercial opportunities that support RIBA’s mission and long-term goals in Asia.
The visit also included visits with RIBA Chartered Practices and Corporate Members.
Meeting with Studiomakal, the discussions focused on the challenges faced by smaller practices and how we can better support growth and visibility.
At Benoy, Foster and Partners, and Scott Brownrigg the team explored opportunities for collaboration and learned more about their contributions to Singapore’s architectural landscape. Benoy contributed to the city’s retail landscape with the iconic ION Orchard, blending luxury and urban vibrancy. Foster and Partners brought climate-responsive design to life with the South Beach Development, integrating heritage and sustainability. Meanwhile, Scott Brownrigg demonstrated technical excellence with the Tai Seng Data Centre, transforming industrial space into a high-performance facility. Together, these firms reflect the dynamic evolution of Singapore’s architectural identity.
AECOM shared their understanding of their regional priorities and exploring potential synergies in sustainability and innovation.
Other meetings were had with key stakeholders including the British Consulate, Kerry Hill Architects, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), as well as local practice, WOHA gaining valuable insights into Singapore’s urban planning strategies and architectural priorities.
Throughout the trip, Wendy and Po deepened their understanding of the Singapore architecture landscape, identifying opportunities for joint programming, training, and knowledge exchange. These engagements reaffirm our commitment to supporting members and practices across Asia and contributing meaningfully to the architectural discourse in the region.
A special thanks to our Singapore Chapter for their warm welcome, continued engagement, and dedication to fostering a strong local community. Learn more about the Singapore chapter.
If you’re interested in joining the Singapore chapter, please contact riba.singapore@riba.org.
