Inaugural World Engineers Summit (WES) Calls Out To Young Engineers & Avid Photographers Through Sustainability-Themed Competitions

Online, March 15, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) announces the introduction of the 'Trust Us, We are Engineers' (TUWAE) Young Engineers Competition, the WES Biennial Photography Competition 2013, and a lead-up event featuring renowned climate change experts, as part of WES 2013. Set to be one of the largest global engineering conferences in Singapore, WES 2013 will gather more than 2,000 engineers from multiple disciplines from around the world and internationally renowned thought leaders on climate change under one roof from 11 to 13 September 2013.

TUWAE for Young Engineers

Hosted by the IES-Young Engineers Committee (YEC), the TUWAE competition aims to encourage engineering students to develop ideas and solutions addressing problems arising from climate change with a special focus on energy, water and waste. Open to students from secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics, Institutes of Technical Education and universities from now till noon, 31 May 2013, the competition will judge submissions based on their novelty, technical feasibility, relevance, cost-effectiveness and quality. Shortlisted candidates will receive funds to build prototypes and face-off in the finals for cash prizes.

"The impact of climate change is far-reaching and long term, requiring multi-faceted, innovative and sustainable solutions. By staging the TUWAE competition at WES 2013, IES hopes to give bright young minds an early head start in developing possible solutions to combat climate change, and inspire them to embark on engineering as a career so as to make a difference to the lives of people around the world," said Er. Tan Seng Chuan, Chairman, WES 2013 Steering Committee, and Vice President, WFEO.

The TUWAE competition is sponsored by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) of Singapore and hosted at one-north, compliments of JTC Corporation.

WES Biennial Photography Competition 2013

Focusing on the WES 2013 theme of "Innovative and Sustainable Solutions to Climate Change", WES is also jointly organising the WES Biennial Photography Competition 2013 with The Photographic Society of Singapore (PSS), under the patronage of International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP). Aimed at raising awareness of environmental challenges and inspiring action to overcome them, the competition is looking for photo submissions with the ability to translate the theme of "Environmental Sustainability - The Challenges" into visuals. Photo enthusiasts around the world can submit their work online from now until the closing date on 30 June 2013.

WES 2013 Lead-Up Event: Dialogue on "Sustainability - It's Your Business" & "Water and Climate Change"

To channel attention to WES 2013 and the important issues that will be discussed at the event, WES 2013 presents the third edition of a series of lead-up events on 15 March 2013 at the BCA Academy from 6 pm to 9 pm. The focus of this lead-up event is on local businesses' role in sustainability and Singapore's adaptation strategies to water management and climate changes.

Adj Prof David Hood, Immediate Past National President, Engineers Australia (EA) will discuss the science and evidence behind climate change and the sustainability crisis facing society, and suggest that although engineers have a very significant role to play in providing solutions, they will also need the support of businesses.

"Engineers alone cannot sort the problem brought about by climate change - it will need solutions across many disciplines, and new skills. Some good things are happening, but the action is far too slow and is only tinkering at the edges," said Adj Prof Hood. "There are ways for businesses to change and assist with solutions and still make a profit."

Mr Chew Men Leong, Chief Executive and a Board Member of PUB, the national water agency of Singapore will share on Singapore's adaptation strategies to address the challenges of climate change effects on water resources and drainage management.

"Over the last few decades, Singapore has adopted a long-term, holistic and pragmatic approach to ensure water sustainability and address flooding issues," said Mr Chew. "Looking forward, as a low-lying, densely populated island located in the tropics, Singapore is susceptible to the effects of climate change. Extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, changing rainfall patterns and sea level rise - all intensified by climate change - can be expected to present continued challenges. Water management will be of even greater importance."

WES 2013 will be held in conjunction with the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) General Assembly 2013, the International Green Building Conference (IGBC) 2013 and BEX Asia 2013 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

For more information on WES, go to www.WES2013.org