48th Annual General Meeting (AGM 2026)
Building Momentum for the Future of Welding in Singapore
The Singapore Welding Society (SWS) held its 48th Annual General Meeting on 29 May 2026 at Hilltop Garden Restaurant, Civil Service Club, Bukit Batok. The meeting brought together members of the welding community to review the Society’s progress, approve the annual reports and financial statements, elect Council members for the new term, and discuss the future direction of SWS.
The meeting was chaired by SWS President Prof John Pang Hock Lye, with Honorary Secretary Mr Yusoof Aynuddin guiding the proceedings. In his President’s Report, Prof Pang highlighted the Society’s continued commitment to education and training, certification, standardisation, technical knowledge-sharing, publications, membership engagement, international affairs, and technology development.
Education and training remained a key pillar of SWS. As an Authorised Nominated Body of the International Institute of Welding, SWS continues to support IIW Welding Inspection Personnel qualifications in Singapore. The Society also conducts regular courses and certification programmes covering API inspector qualifications, AWS Certified Welding Inspector, Visual Inspection, Safety in Welding and Cutting Processes, Structural Welding Design and related technical subjects. As at 31 March 2026, SWS had conducted 882 certification examinations under the BINDT PCN scheme across multi-sector, weld and aerospace sectors.
A major highlight of the year was SWS’s successful bid to host the 2028 IIW International Congress in Singapore from 4 to 7 April 2028. With the theme “Advancing Intelligent Welding and Additive Manufacturing for a Sustainable Future”, the Congress will be an important milestone for the Society and an opportunity to showcase Singapore’s welding capability to the international community.
The AGM also reaffirmed the importance of SWS Weldpoint, the Society’s quarterly publication, as a platform for technical insights, industry updates and community voices. Members, corporate members, engineers, inspectors, students and young professionals were encouraged to contribute articles and share practical knowledge to strengthen the publication and the wider welding community.
Technology and innovation were also featured during the year, including discussions on laser technology in the shipbuilding industry and emerging areas such as wire arc additive manufacturing, augmented and virtual reality training, machine vision, artificial intelligence and sustainability-related applications. SWS also organised well-received talks and webinars on laser welding, duplex stainless steel welding, EN 1090, digital radiography and national welding capability development.
Membership engagement continued to be a priority. As of 26 April 2026, SWS had 324 members, comprising 172 corporate members, 140 full members, 10 fellows, 1 associate member and 1 student member. The Society’s Members’ Night held on 17 April 2026 also recognised long- serving corporate members with Distinguished Corporate Member Awards for 25 years or more of continuous affiliation with SWS.
Honorary Treasurer Mr Subbiah Krishnan reported that SWS remained financially healthy. Members raised constructive feedback on the level of financial details presented, and the Council confirmed that more detailed financial information would be considered for future AGMs.
For the 2026–2028 Council term, nine eligible nominations were received for ten available seats, and no ballot was required. The elected Council members were Prof John Pang Hock Lye, Mr Khoo Kok Leong, Mr Lim Zhi Yang, Mr Perianan Radhakrishnan, Mr Suggu Ravi Chandra Reddy, Dr Sun Zheng, Mr Bong Khong Lee, Mr Goh Chong Min and Mr Ong Beng Tiong. Appreciation was also recorded to outgoing Council member Mr William Chong Jun Hua for his service and contributions.
The 48th AGM concluded with thanks to members for their participation, feedback and continued support. As SWS looks ahead to the 2028 IIW International Congress and the continued advancement of welding education, technology and standards, members are encouraged to stay actively involved and contribute to the next chapter of Singapore’s welding journey.