Singapore’s most outstanding architecture professionals under 40

This year’s list includes architects who helped improve healthcare spaces.

As the world continues to be battered by environmental and health challenges, Singapore’s architecture professionals also moved to create spaces which can withstand these obstacles.

This year, Singapore Business Review recognises 20 young and award-winning architecture professionals under 40 who contributed to keeping Singapore as one of the world’s best-developed cities.

This year’s list is composed of architects behind the Changi Airport Terminal 2 expansion, Resorts World Sentosa 2.0, and the National Centre for Infectious Disease & Centre for Healthcare Innovation.

​Connect@Changi (R)

Lina Heng, 31
Surbana Jurong

Lina has a keen interest in the effective design of public spaces and the way it is used and experienced by the communities it serves. In Singapore’s nation-building efforts to deal with the pandemic, Lina was involved in various quick-built accommodation facilities like the Community Care Facility for elderly patients and families and Connect@Changi, the world’s first purpose-built short-stay facility for business travellers.

As Executive Architect in Surbana Jurong, Lina was also involved in the JTC Poultry processing Hub, Singapore’s first one-stop poultry processing facility. She also worked on Temasek Shophouse, a heritage building built in the 1920s that was awarded the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Architectural Heritage Award in 2019 and Singapore Institute of Architects' Architectural Design Merit Award in 2022. 

​SJ Campus (R) (Photo from Safdie Surbana Jurong)

David Oktavianus, 31
Surbana Jurong

David is an Executive Architect in Surbana Jurong, and has worked on Temasek Shophouse, a heritage building built in the 1920s that was awarded the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Architectural Heritage Award in 2019 and the Singapore Institute of Architects’ Architectural Design Merit Award in 2022.

He is currently working on the extension of Temasek Shophouse, that will amalgamate the adjacent commercial conserved buildings. David is also involved in SJ Campus, a Super Low Energy Building that will be the corporate headquarters of Surbana Jurong.

​Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore (R)

Joanne Gay, 32
DP Architects Pte Ltd

Joanne Gay is a senior associate at DP Architects. She believes that the derivation of good design is similar to solving simultaneous equations. She takes a long-term perspective to guide interim steps of design in order to achieve the final solution, which allows her to thrive in navigating complex projects.

She contributes to the Healthcare architectural research and overall knowledge development of the Healthcare team for DP Architects’ offices. The architect is also passionate about providing mentorship to younger architects by establishing an open and creative training environment.

​NUS School of Design and Environment 4 (R) (Photo from NUS) 

Eleanor Xu, 32
Surbana Jurong

Eleanor has worked on the design and project management of several projects, such as Sembcorp Marine Corporate Headquarters and other specialised buildings in shipyards. As Executive Architect in Surbana Jurong, she was also involved in several first-of-its-kind projects, such as the NUS School of Design & Environment 4, Singapore’s first new-build net-zero energy building, and a vertical aquaculture farm, the first vertical fish farm design in Singapore.

In Singapore’s nation-building efforts to fight the pandemic, Eleanor was also involved in the Sengkang West Dormitory, a quick-built dormitory that aims to redefine the design of accommodation spaces for foreign construction workers.

​HomeTeamNS Khatib, Singapore (R)

Johann Lim, 33
DP Architects Pte Ltd

Johann Lim is an associate at DP Architects. Passionate about innovative design and construction methods, he was part of the design team for the award-winning HomeTeamNS Clubhouse at Khatib, a recreational clubhouse for Singapore’s National Servicemen.
 
In 2016, the young architect was also involved in the RGB Pavilion that won Archifest's pavilion competition. After the pavilion was dismantled, all of the materials were reused on other construction sites.

​Dairy Farm Residences, Singapore (R)

Melvin Tan, 34
DP Architects Pte Ltd

Melvin Tan embarked on his architectural journey with DP Architects in 2014. He has been involved in designing and executing projects of various scales, including master planning, mixed-use development, and showflat construction since joining the design practice.

His core interest is in residential projects, actively participating in residential feasibility studies, and conducting research on residential design trends, particularly in areas that focus on design, code, and technical aspects.

Tan currently leads the team for Dairy Farm Residences—one of 13 Urban Redevelopment Authority prefabricated, prefinished volumetric construction residential land sales.

​1 Science Park Drive (Photo from CapitaLand)

Ein Chang, 35
Surbana Jurong

Ein Chang is a Senior Executive Architect at Surbana Jurong and is the signing Qualified Person for several A&A and tenancy works.
 
Ein advocates biophilic and sustainable design in his work and serves on the Singapore Institute of Architects Sustainability Committee.
 
Some of the high profile projects he has been involved in include Changi Airport Terminal 5, a 180,000 sq m biomedical business park development at Science Park Drive, and a 117,000 sq m multi-use ramp-up industrial factory at Ang Mo Kio. He is leading and has secured AEI projects within ION Orchard.
 
Ein holds a BCA Specialist Diploma in Computational Design and is also a Design for Safety Professional.

​Bulim Infrastructure Phase 2
Artist’s impression; subject to change (Photo from JTC)

Jean Cheong, 36
SAA Architects

Jean Cheong is a senior associate at SAA Architects and is a highly motivated professional who actively pursues new skills and knowledge. She is currently leading the Bulim Infrastructure Phase 2 project and has led several multi-stakeholder teams to develop and manage some of the more complex projects along Singapore’s skyline.

Her background in architecture and real estate enables her to communicate effectively and understand many of her clients’ business perspectives, whilst her experience in contract administration and dispute resolution helps her deliver a range of projects.

​RTS Link Station, JB (R)

Yew Hung Seng, 36 
Swan & Maclaren Architects Singapore

Registered architect Yew Hung Seng serves as a Studio Leader and Senior Architect for the Swan & Maclaren Architects' Malaysia, Cambodia, China, and Africa geographic segments.

With more than 12 years of experience, Hung Seng is jointly responsible for award-winning projects like the Station Façade Design for MRT Corp which won first prize at the RTS Link Station Façade Design Competition in 2020.

Hung Seng advocates a holistic design approach that considers the many facades and opportunities that shape a robust development experience. A Singapore-registered Architect, Hung Seng is a graduate and holds a Master of Architecture from the National University of Singapore.

​City Gate Shoppes & Residences (R)

Charles Arnal, 37
SAA Architects

Charles Arnal is a Senior Associate Director at SAA Architects and is one of the design leads in SAA’s design team. He has led numerous feasibility studies, competitions and building designs both in Singapore and overseas; he has also worked on various typologies.

He previously designed several projects across Europe and Africa before relocating to China, and finally Singapore. This broadened his exposure to different architectural and working styles.

Arnal was instrumental to many of SAA’s successful bids, including Woodlands Health Campus and the design of 10 underground MRT stations in Kuala Lumpur.

​Shanghai Raffles Hospital (R)

Kwan Yeong Kang, 37 
Swan & Maclaren Architects Singapore

Kwan Yeong Kang is a multi-disciplinary architectural strategist and a studio leader for Swan & Maclaren Architects' Singapore and Philippines geographic segments. 

His expertise spans various industries, typologies, and sizes — from new high-rise residential towers, hotels, and hospitals to familiar and intimate workspaces. He is jointly responsible for award-winning projects like Shanghai Raffles Hospital (China) for Raffles Medical Group, which won a Merit Award in 2021.

​Changi Airport Terminal 2 (R)

Stephen Lim, 37
RSP Singapore

Stephen Lim is a senior associate at RSP Singapore and a registered architect with over 13 years of experience under his belt. At RSP, he is a key member spearheading the rejuvenation of Changi Airport Terminal 2 and Loyang Station.

He was also the lead architect for Canberra Station and one of the main architects for the Changi Airport Terminal 1 Expansion project. He obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master's Degrees in architecture at the National University of Singapore.

​Raffles Girls Secondary School (R)

Joanne Ng, 37
DP Architects Pte Ltd
 
A strong believer of form follows function, Joanne’s design is guided by the desire to connect intricate spaces with people whilst being mindful of the economic and ecological impact of the built environment. This has enabled her to tailor architecture across typologies and scale that best fits the client’s vision and end-users' need. 

The senior associate at DP Architects leverages the power of technology to execute her design explorations. Upon graduation, she remained in her university to complete two research projects, focused on carbon footprint calculation in Singapore.

​Dareway Software Campus (R)

Teik Rong Khoo, 38
RSP Singapore

Having spent his formative years in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Melbourne, RSP Singapore senior associate Teik Rong Khoo believes that great design lies at the intersection of craft, value-proposition, and collaboration.

He joined RSP in 2009, where he was a part of the design team that participated in many competitions and projects. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania.

He currently oversees RSP’s projects in Cambodia and has been involved in other local jobs.

​One Pearl Bank (R)

Junlin Ong, 38
RSP Singapore
 
Junlin Ong is a senior associate at RSP Singapore and a registered architect. With over 13 years of experience over various typologies, she is key to the architectural execution for the One Pearl Bank, the tallest residential development in the Outram-Chinatown district.

She obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at the National University of Singapore.

Ong has also participated in multiple competitions. She shared that she sees the bigger impact of architecture today and how it can bring cities alive.

​Nam Song Ma Eco-Township, Vietnam (R)

Usman Tan, 38
Swan & Maclaren Architects Singapore

Usman is a studio leader for Swan & Maclaren Architects' Vietnam geographic segment. As a pragmatic Architectural lead, he integrates and orchestrates the Swan & Maclaren satellite offices in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi to ensure deliverables are of quality and in their desired trajectory — on time, and within budget.
 
In less than seven years, Usman and his team delivered award-winning design solutions such as the Riverbay Vinh Yen for Song Hong Thu Do Group, which clinched a Gold Award at the Vietnam National Urban Planning Award in 2021.
Having worked in Indonesia and Singapore, Usman understands how geography and culture influence design. Usman earned his Bachelor's in Architecture from Duta Wacana Christian University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

​Hainan Bo’ao 5-Star Hotel (R)

Atthaphon Bunya, 39
Swan & Maclaren Thailand Ltd, Singapore

Atthaphon Bunya is a Thai Architect registered with ACT (Architect Council of Thailand) and ASA (The Association of Siamese Architects). His over 14 years of experience helped to deliver various residential, institutional, recreational, hospitality, religious, hotel, commercial, mixed-use and master projects.

The associate director and senior architectural executive of Swan & Maclaren (Thailand) has worked with commercial, entertainment, retail, and hospitality clients, including China LESSO, Samanea, and Hong Lai Huat Group.

​NUH Masterplan (R)

Doreen Koh, 39
CPG Consultants Pte Ltd

Doreen Koh is currently a Vice President at CPG Consultants. Joining the company as an architect, Koh has been actively involved in several healthcare projects. Her current role as a project architect for several research projects requires leading in design development and management.

She was a key design team member of Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and has continued to apply the acquired healthcare knowledge by participating in ongoing design competitions, research and development projects. 

​West Coast Link Nursing Home (R)

Angel Neo Kae Yan, 39
CPG Consultants Pte Ltd

Angel Neo Kae Yan is currently the Vice President for CPG Consultants, Healthcare Division. She has 15 years of experience, focusing on feasibility studies, masterplanning, design and project management of various healthcare facilities as well as health-oriented developments.

She was involved in medium-sized aged care facilities and medical centres to large-scale health-oriented development projects around China, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Southeast Asia and Singapore.

Angel also leads CPG’s multi-disciplinary teams implementing BIM, Virtual Design & Construction and Integrated Digital Delivery technologies in projects as part of CPG’s Digital Transformation Roadmap.

​River Safari, Singapore (Photo from Rory Daniel) (R)

Tan Kok Ming, 39
DP Architects Pte Ltd

Tan Kok Ming is an Associate Director at DP Architects and a registered architect. He was involved in River Wonders (formerly River Safari), Asia’s first river-themed animal attraction. He also saw the completion of the first phase of a well-loved recreation and leisure development.

Currently, Tan is the Superintending Officer’s Representative for the new five-storey SAFRA Clubhouse at Choa Chu Kang Drive, Singapore, which is targeted for completion in Q1 2023. He was also the Design for Safety Professional for the award-winning HomeTeamNS Clubhouse at Khatib, which opened to the public in 2020.