{"data":{"news":{"items":[{"title":"Woh Hup to lead construction of Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands expansion","date":"2026-03-21 06:41:20","id":6225,"author":"","blurb":"","blurb_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2026/03/1774022342500_The envisioned waterfront with Las Vegas Sands new ultra-luxury development featuring a 55-storey hotel tower and podium with 15000-seat arena situated adjacent to the existing Marina Bay Sands_credit to Safdie Architects.jpg","blurb_expanded_image_uid":null,"article":"\n\t\n\n\n

Woh Hup (Private) Limited has been awarded a major contract to lead the construction of Las Vegas Sands’ new ultra-luxury development at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

\n\n

Slated for completion in 2030, the project will feature a luxury hotel tower with signature rooftop and dining experiences, luxury retail boutiques, gaming facilities, spa and wellness amenities, and approximately 200,000 sq ft of premium meeting space. In addition, a purpose-built 15,000-seat arena aims to enhance the live entertainment scene in Asia.

\n\n

Las Vegas Sands said Woh Hup was selected for its strong technical capabilities, proven track record in complex projects, and depth in engineering and design management.

\n\n

Founded in 1927, Woh Hup is one of Singapore’s largest privately owned construction and civil engineering companies. Across nearly a century, the contractor has been instrumental in building many of Singapore’s most notable developments, including Gardens by the Bay and Jewel Changi Airport.

\n\n

“Woh Hup has played a defining role in shaping Singapore’s development, and we are pleased to work with a local company that has contributed to many of the nation’s iconic landmarks,” said Patrick Dumont, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands. “This appointment further reinforces our commitment to ensuring Singaporean companies continue to benefit from our long-term presence and future growth, creating opportunities that extend across local industries and the broader economy.”

\n\n

“We are privileged to be appointed as the main contractor for Las Vegas Sands’ new ultra-luxury development, a project that will stand as a new symbol of Singapore’s ambition and global stature,” said Kim Yong, chairman of Woh Hup. “As a Singaporean company with deep roots in the nation’s built environment, Woh Hup is proud to bring our experience, innovation and passion for quality to this iconic development.”

\n\n

Construction of Las Vegas Sands’ new development – designed by Safdie Architects – is currently underway, with up to 5,000 workers operating 24/7 on site. The project broke ground on 15 July 2025.

\n\n

A key economic driver in Singapore

\n\n

The appointment of Woh Hup to drive the pioneering development in the integrated resort (IR) operator’s next phase of growth comes on the heels of a record-breaking year of performance for Marina Bay Sands, as it marked its strongest results at levels unseen in the hospitality industry.

\n\n

To support its operations, the IR generated S$2.64 billion in annual business spending in 2025, with 90.8% of procurement directed to Singapore-based enterprises, underscoring Marina Bay Sands’ deep and sustained contribution to the broader economy. Over the past decade, the IR has consistently directed more than 90% of its procurement spend to local companies, revealed Las Vegas Sands.

\n\n

Amid a robust calendar of major business events and world-class entertainment offerings, Marina Bay Sands welcomed over 36 million visitors, hosted more than 2,000 MICE events, and received nearly 1.4 million delegates at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre over the course of the year.

\n\n

It is estimated that Marina Bay Sands contributed 1.2% to Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, based on a recently commissioned Economic Impact Assessment conducted by Enright, Scott & Associates Limited.

\n\n

According to Las Vegas Sands, this figure takes into account direct and indirect economic value added to Singapore’s GDP from capital investments associated with the IR, spending of local and non-local visitors in the IR, and the spending outside of the IR by non-local visitors who visited Singapore because of Marina Bay Sands.

\n\n

“Our economic contribution reflects the trust Singapore has placed in Marina Bay Sands and the many local partners, businesses and workers who help power our operations every day. It also underscores the scale of Marina Bay Sands’ economic footprint and the breadth of industries that benefit from our presence – from tourism and hospitality to retail, entertainment and the wider supply chain,” said Mr Dumont. “We remain strongly committed to contributing positively to Singapore’s economy in a way that is sustainable and in step with the country’s long-term ambitions.”

\n\n

All images: Safdie Architects

\n\n\n","article_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2026/03/1774022348384_The envisioned waterfront with Las Vegas Sands new ultra-luxury development featuring a 55-storey hotel tower and podium with 15000-seat arena situated adjacent to the existing Marina Bay Sands_credit to Safdie Architects.jpg","article_expanded_image_uid":null,"article_image_caption":"Las Vegas Sand’s upcoming ultra-luxury development is expected to be completed in 2030.","publications":"7","tags":"Singapore,commercial,Woh Hup,hotel,Marina Bay Sands","category":"Projects"},{"title":"Researchers at NUS Singapore advance sustainable 3D concrete printing in construction","date":"2026-02-10 09:54:09","id":6185,"author":"","blurb":"","blurb_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2026/02/1770695672369_3dcp-3-V2.jpg","blurb_expanded_image_uid":null,"article":"\n\t\n\n\n

Researchers from the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have successfully demonstrated that 3D concrete printing (3DCP) can be used to fabricate structural building components that are greener, use less material and require fewer workers, while still meeting structural performance requirements.

\n\n

For the construction sector, this means faster project delivery, lower labour dependence and greater flexibility in how modular buildings are designed and built. The research team is led by senior lecturer Dr Du Hongjian and Associate Professor Pang Sze Dai from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in NUS CDE.

\n\n

With a focus on making 3DCP viable for real-world construction environments, the work was carried out in collaboration with construction firm Woh Hup and supported by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), and the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC), a national platform hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

\n\n

3DCP for structural components

\n\n

3DCP enables the fabrication of complex shapes without formwork and with minimal manual labour. However, due to its limitations, currently most real-world applications remain confined to non-structural elements or low-rise buildings – formats that are not well suited to land-scarce, high-density cities like Singapore.

\n\n

The NUS team focused on a more practical challenge: how to harness 3DCP for structural components. Its approach integrates formwork-free 3D printing with conventional construction, allowing structural elements to be fabricated with greater design freedom and material efficiency.

\n\n

The team addressed two foundational facets of deployment: material formulation and construction workflow. It developed printable concrete mixes optimised for extrusion and buildability, structural reinforcement and compatibility with current structural components production. In parallel, the researchers defined a fabrication workflow aligned with existing prefabrication and on-site construction processes, ensuring that the printed components were not just structurally viable but also practical to produce and deploy at scale.

\n\n

Through a series of laboratory and large-scale tests, the researchers assessed the structural behaviour of reinforced 3DCP elements designed for structural components. The results showed that these elements could achieve the required load-bearing performance while using significantly less material compared with conventional designs. Importantly, automation reduced reliance on manual labour, delivering more than 40% manpower savings and efficiency gains of over 60% for complex components, based on industry evaluations. This translates into faster construction, lower labour demand and more predictable project delivery.

\n\n

According to NUS, by removing the need for traditional moulds, the approach also tackles one of concrete structure’s major cost drivers. Each conventional concrete structural component typically requires its own mould, which is expensive to fabricate and can only be used for a limited number of times. Formwork-free printing sidesteps this issue entirely, opening the door to more flexible designs and faster production cycles. It is also estimated that 3DCP uses 30% less material compared to conventional construction technologies.

\n\n

From research to construction sites

\n\n

Woh Hup worked closely with the NUS researchers to assess how 3D-printed structural components could be fabricated and deployed under real construction conditions. This included evaluating buildability and on-site implementation, as well as how 3DCP could be integrated into existing prefabrication and site workflows. “Testing the novel technology beyond the lab enables all parties to pinpoint practical constraints and opportunities for improving productivity and reducing manual labour in construction” said Yong Derong, executive director at Woh Hup.

\n\n

In August 2025, the collaboration led to Singapore’s first on-site 3DCP of structural elements, which was verified by BCA. The project achieved a 50% reduction in manhours, shared NUS, providing a real-world testbed for the technology. A second on-site printing exercise started on 29 January 2026, further validating the approach under operational conditions.

\n\n

“Construction innovation only matters if it can be applied on site,” said Assoc Prof Pang. “Working directly with industry partners enables us to test these technologies against real constraints and build confidence for wider adoption. We hope to continue in this partnership with BCA and the built environment (BE) industry to further improve these technologies, to bring about even greater gains in productivity.”

\n\n

“This project was groundbreaking as it was the first in Singapore to be carried out on site for structural elements,” said Er Lim Kheng Guan, deputy director at BCA’s Building Engineering Group. “As the BE sector’s champion for innovation and collaboration, BCA supported the project team and facilitated the implementation of the technology. The experience demonstrates how strategic collaboration allows academia, firms and government agencies to complement one another, uplift our capabilities, and bring about tangible productivity improvement. The success of this project also positions Singapore as a regional leader in construction innovation and opens numerous possibilities for future development.”

\n\n

In addition, support from NAMIC has helped bridge the gap between research and application, enabling large-scale testing, performance evaluation and engagement with industry and regulatory stakeholders. “Together, these efforts position 3DCP as a practical tool for improving productivity, reducing manpower requirements and supporting safer construction practices in Singapore,” added Dr Du.

\n\n

“We are working with the NUS team to identify and develop further applications of 3DCP for other projects and potential use cases. By testing the technology in real project settings, we can better understand its practical requirements, cost implications and scalability, which are critical for responsible adoption in the industry,” said Er Cong Zhengxia, senior technical director at Woh Hup.

\n\n

The BCA has offered early and outcome-based regulatory support, giving industry stakeholders the confidence to trial this novel construction technology within a compliant and safe framework. This strong endorsement and facilitation increased the confidence of key stakeholders, including the Qualified Person, to proceed with structural 3DCP.

\n\n

The team’s work aligns closely with Singapore’s national push to transform the BE sector through advanced construction technologies. By reducing manpower needs, improving productivity and enabling more efficient use of materials, 3DCP supports the RIE2025 Urban Solutions and Sustainability domain and the Resilient Future pillar of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, particularly in construction automation and resource efficiency.

\n\n

At the same time, the team is developing lower-carbon 3D printing materials using locally available waste resources, further strengthening the sustainability case for scaling up 3DCP in Singapore’s construction industry.

\n\n

Reducing 3DCP carbon footprint

\n\n

Alongside advances in 3DCP for prefabricated construction, the NUS team is also addressing one of the technology’s key environmental challenges: the high cement content typically required in printable concrete.

\n\n

In a study published in the scientific journal Construction and Building Materials on 30 January 2026, the researchers developed a 3D-printable concrete mix that replaces 60% of ordinary Portland cement with recycled waste glass powder, while retaining the printability and structural performance needed for construction applications. Laboratory tests showed that the material could be successfully 3D-printed into full-scale elements without collapse or deformation, and still achieved compressive strengths exceeding 50 MPa, suitable for structural components.

\n\n

Compared with conventional printable concrete, the high-volume glass powder mix reduced embodied energy by 44% and carbon dioxide emissions by 52%. It also demonstrated significantly improved resistance to chloride penetration, indicating a longer service life and lower maintenance demands over time. The team’s study reveals how 3DCP can be paired with low-carbon material design, supporting Singapore’s broader sustainability goals while making digital construction more viable for real-world deployment.

\n\n

All images: NUS

\n\n\n","article_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2026/02/1770688569213_3dcp-1.jpg","article_expanded_image_uid":null,"article_image_caption":"The NUS team, led by senior lecturer Dr Du Hongjian (left) and Assoc Prof Pang Sze Dai (right), has brought novel 3D concrete printing technologies to real-world construction, in collaboration with industry partners.","publications":"7","tags":"Singapore,3D printing,BCA,construction technology,Woh Hup,digital construction,NUS","category":"Products & Technologies"},{"title":"Singapore’s built environment sector gets additional S$20 mil funding for research and innovation projects","date":"2022-07-18 09:00:58","id":3910,"author":"","blurb":"","blurb_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2022/07/1657919742348_Picture6.jpg","blurb_expanded_image_uid":null,"article":"\n\t\n\n\n

Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and National Development, Tan Kiat How, has announced that the Built Environment Technology Alliance (BETA) programme will be extended into Phase 2 with an additional S$20 million of BETA Catalyst Funding to support industry-led Research & Innovation (R&I) efforts from progressive and committed BE alliances.

\n\n

Introduced in 2020, Phase 1 of the BETA programme was led by progressive, needle-moving built environment (BE) sector firms that were ready to commit resources and pursue promising technological advancements in key construction domains.

\n\n

An example is a project undertaken by the Construction Technology Innovation Laboratory (CTIL) that was launched by Woh Hup (Private Limited) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) in January 2021. The project ‘Innovative Construction Technologies for Deep Foundation and Excavation’ which comprises three sub-projects, seeks to develop an ensemble of underground construction technologies.

\n\n

This project is carried out by Woh Hup in collaboration with its three value-chain partners – NatSteel Holdings Pte Ltd, TTJ Design & Engineering Pte Ltd and SEN SG Pte Ltd.

\n\n

“CTIL addresses a critical, yet relatively under-researched segment of the construction industry. This is a segment that will be increasingly important as Singapore intensifies its land use, and as we try to maximise the potential of underground space, already heavily utilised for underground roads and MRT networks,” said Mr Tan.

\n\n

“We are constantly exploring innovative solutions that can translate into improvements in the construction process. We have partnered SIT in several research projects prior to setting up CTIL but there are limitations to what we can achieve on our own,” said Woh Hup’s executive director, Yong De-Rhong.

\n\n

“We believe that the CTIL provides a common platform to better engage industry experts and like-minded partners to work collaboratively to develop capabilities and bring forth positive transformation of the BE sector.”

\n\n

“This project exemplifies a long-term collaborative model for R&I, that will show the way forward for the rest of the industry,” said BCA CEO, Kelvin Wong.

\n\n

“Woh Hup recognises that transformation requires the success of all players, as each construction project is dependent on the collective expertise of a long and complex value-chain of partners and today’s research project agreement (RPA) signing ceremony formalises their mutual partnerships on this project.

\n\n

“The Building & Construction Authority (BCA) hopes to encourage more forward-looking firms to adopt the same mindset and model when embarking on R&I.”

\n\n

BCA explained that progressive firms that make significant investments in R&I can build long-term capabilities and a competitive advantage. “For example, this project is expected to deliver savings in a critical and relatively under-researched segment of underground civil engineering works as well as improve productivity and on-site safety. The construction cost associated with basement works can range between 4.5% - 20% of a project’s total development cost.”

\n\n

In public infrastructure projects, the cost of underground works can easily exceed 50% of the total cost, added BCA. “The research being carried out could have a deep impact on the BE sector by transforming the way we build.”

\n\n

‘Innovative Construction Technologies for Deep Foundation and Excavation’

\n\n

CTIL focuses on applied research for emerging and innovative technologies for building structure and sub-structures. Woh Hup has committed S$2 million to set up the facility and support its overall operations and projects over five years.

\n\n

The ‘Innovative Construction Technologies for Deep Foundation and Excavation’ project combines research in inter-related areas to bring about a systems-level productivity improvement across three sub-projects that features one industry collaborator working on each.

\n\n

One of the sub-projects is ‘Innovative Earth Retaining and Stabilising Structures (ERSS): Post-tensioned Waler System’, with SEN SG Pte Ltd as industry collaborator.

\n\n

The sub-project’s ERSS makes use of an innovative configuration to reduce the need for intermediate supporting structures, thus increasing working space and resulting in improved site productivity. This initiative is expected to result in 25-30% cost savings in civil and structure works.

\n\n

Building on proprietary technology developed in South Korea, the project will also customise the ERSS to suit local conditions, with enhanced safety and built-in redundancy.

\n\n

Another sub-project is ‘High Performance Plunge-in King Post for Top-Down Building Construction’, with TTJ Design & Engineering Pte Ltd as industry collaborator.

\n\n

This sub-project will develop high performance steel (HPS) king posts that are up to 57% lighter than conventional king posts, and proposes solutions to automate the manufacture of HPS king posts. The reduction in weight and time-savings during the manufacturing process is expected to result in 10-12% cost-savings from fabrication to installation.

\n\n

A cost-effective and simple to use smart positioning system will also be developed to guide the installation of king posts. This is anticipated to reduce installation time by approximately 20 days and save up to 1,000 man hours for a mid-sized project using 100 king posts.

\n\n

The third sub-project is ‘Economic Corrosion-Resistant Concrete for Deep Foundation Elements with B600 Rebar’, with NatSteel Holdings Pte Ltd as industry collaborator.

\n\n

Through investigating various additive proportions, this sub-project aims to develop an optimal and cost-effective novel concrete that is crack and corrosion resistant, enabling the use of Grade 600 reinforced concrete. Such an initiative will also simulate the design performance of the concrete under different underground conditions, for use in deep foundation works.

\n\n

If Grade 600 reinforced concrete is successful, this could result in up to 20% reduction in steel tonnage, leading to a 15-20% improvement in construction productivity.

\n\n

All images: BCA

\n\n\n","article_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2022/07/1657919749791_Picture6.jpg","article_expanded_image_uid":null,"article_image_caption":"Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and National Development, Tan Kiat How, announces an additional S$20 million of BETA Catalyst Funding.","publications":"7","tags":"Singapore,BCA,deep foundation,Woh Hup","category":"Others"}],"pageInfo":{"hasNextPage":false,"hasPreviousPage":false,"totalCount":3,"totalPages":0,"currentIndex":0}}}}