At Keppel, sustainable development is placed at the core of its strategy. Its new business model, Sustainable Urban Renewal (SUR), is driving a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable built environment, contributing to Vietnam’s net zero goal by 2050.
Mr Wong Wai Foo, Head, Sustainable Urban Renewal, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., highlighted SUR at the BCI Equinox event on “Zero Energy & Recycling” on July 26 in Ho Chi Minh City.
As one of the panellists, Mr Wong Wai Foo shared how SUR brings people, AI-driven technology and processes together to bolster the efficiency, sustainability performance and valuation of both new and aged commercial buildings. Through this approach, Keppel is shifting its focus to rejuvenating existing buildings through asset retrofit and incorporating new technologies and smart solutions that will make them more relevant and efficient. Its pivot from a traditional developer model to sustainable urban renewal will contribute to circularity and reducing embodied carbon from business activities.
Mr Wong Wai Foo (first from left), Head, Sustainable Urban Renewal, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., at the panel discussion.
One notable example is Keppel Bay Tower in Singapore, where Keppel implemented five advanced technologies: smart building control systems, smart LED lighting solutions, efficient air conditioning systems, cooling tower water management systems, and integrated sensors for optimizing fresh air circulation. These efforts turned this 20-year-old building into the first commercial building in Singapore powered entirely by renewable energy, earning it the Green Mark Platinum Award from the Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Keppel plans to apply these technologies to its projects in Vietnam, such as Saigon Centre and Estella Place, aiming to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and support Vietnam's net zero emissions target.
Overall view at the event.
BCI Equinox, organised by BCI Central, a construction information provider, brings together developers, architects, interior designers, contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers of building materials.
Look back at some of the highlights from the BCI Equinox event.
Mr Wong Wai Foo (first from left), Head, Sustainable Urban Renewal, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., at the panel discussion.
Overall view of the panel discussion.
Ms Trang Le (middle), Vice President, Marcom & Customer Experience, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., receiving the certificate of appreciation on behalf of Keppel.
The guests networking at the event.
Overall view of the booths at the event.
The guests networking at the event.
The guests networking at the event.