Arup appoints new MD for APAC to drive regional growth

Arup has announced the appointment of TC Chew as the new Managing Director for its Asia Pacific (APAC) operations, with a focus on driving growth in the region.

Mr Chew, previously Arup's Global Rail Business Leader, takes on the role at a time when the APAC region is seen as a burgeoning economic powerhouse. In his new position, Mr Chew is expected to oversee significant expansion plans and bolster the company's influence across the region.

"From the unprecedented demand for digital and data services, the strength manufacturing for green energy technologies, and acceleration of urbanisation and creation of new capital cities, APAC has the potential to shape global sustainability targets in coming decades," said Mr Chew. "Arup's strengths in supporting sustainable outcomes across a range of growing sectors positions us well to address the sizeable demand for resilient infrastructure, mobility, greener energy and vibrant, inclusive cities. Our focus in APAC will be supported by borderless collaboration across our offices, so our clients can better access the wide range of technical expertise we possess," he added.

The firm, which has a presence in the APAC region for over 60 years, aims to grow its workforce in the area from 6,400 to approximately 10,000 by the year 2030. Arup's historical footprint began with designing engineering solutions for the Sydney Opera House in the 1960s, and it has since expanded its portfolio to major projects such as the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, the Macau Bridge, and the Merdeka 118 building in Malaysia.

Mr Chew's move to the Managing Director role will see him relocate to Singapore, identified as a strategic hub for the firm's leadership in Asia. Singapore will also host an extended APAC Leadership Team, designed to help implement growth and transformation ambitions across priority sectors.

The leadership restructuring includes Kate West in the newly formed position of Chief Officer, Business & Markets, APAC. Her role will oversee the diversification of Arup's business in the region. Additionally, Michael McGowan, Yoong Heng Tan, and Anthony Chiu have been named Market Leaders for Transport, Energy, Water & Resources, and Property, Science & Industry, respectively. Paul Coughlan, currently Arup's Chief Operations Officer globally, will also move to Singapore to lead as Chief Officer, Performance & Operations, APAC.

Mr Chew expressed that "we will leverage the strong alignment of Arup's strategic priorities with the APAC region's accelerating global influence. Although it is one of the most diverse regions, it faces many shared challenges when it comes to confronting the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality, while also being the most vulnerable region to the impacts of climate change," he noted.

These changes and the overall leadership team adjustments will take effect on 1 April 2025.