10 June 2008

NUS Professor is 1st Asian President for IMarEST

AT THE HELM: Prof Choo Yoo Sang (left) and Mr Choo Chiau Beng, first in Asia to be called to the fore at IMarEST.

FOUNDING Director of the Centre for Offshore Research & Engineering (CORE), Prof Choo Yoo Sang is the first elected President from Asia to helm the prestigious Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST). Prof Choo is also the Director of the Offshore Engineering Programme at the NUS Department of Civil Engineering.

At the same time, industry stalwart, Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chairman & CEO of Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M), was also conferred the Institute's first Honorary Fellow from Asia.

Together with their marine and offshore partners, the two of them will work closely with the Institute to initiate a marine leaders’ summit, an event which will draw major players in key maritime fields to discuss the latest challenges and opportunities faced by the industry.

Based in the UK, IMarEST is an international professional membership body and learned society consisting of marine professionals from 101 countries that promotes the development of marine engineering, science and technology.

Prof Choo is the second president outside the UK to serve the professional body which was founded in 1889. The august body counts scientist Lord Kelvin and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, as among its illustrious past presidents.

During his tenure as President, Prof Choo intends to achieve three main goals. They are to act as a bridge between the East and the West; to help draw young talents to meet the industry's future needs and to be actively engaged in the advancement of engineering science and technology, and international networking.

In keeping with the growing concern on climate change, Prof Choo plans to develop the Duke of Edinburgh's Environmental Award of the Institute towards an International Student Competition on Green Marine. This move will underscore IMarEST's encouragement to young engineers and scientists to explore solutions to the problems of global warming.