President’s Report 2025

1.0        Introduction

Firstly, on behalf of the SWS, I extend a warm welcome to all members attending this 47th Annual General Meeting. On behalf of the council, I am delighted to present a report on the society’s progress and accomplishments over the past year. Below is a summary of the activities organised by various committees during the 2024/2025 term of office for your review and consideration.

 

2.0        SWS Council Members of Year 2024/2025

Name	Position
Prof Pang Hock Lye John	President Chairman, Standardization Committee Vice-Chairman, OTR Committee
Dr Sun Zheng	Immediate Past President Chairman, International Affairs Committee
Mr Hooi Yu Koh	Vice President Honorary Treasurer
Mr Lim Zhi Yang	Vice President
Mr Yusoof Aynuddin	Honorary Secretary Chairman, Technical Talks Committee
Mr Simon Wong Man Ming	Chairman, IT Committee
Mr Sze Thiam Siong	Past President Chairman, Education & Training Committee Chairman, OTR Committee
Mr Perianan Radhakrishnan	Past President Chairman, Certification & Common Welder Qualification Scheme (CWQS) Committee
Mr Ong Beng Tiong	Chairman, Publications Committee
Dr Zhou Wei	Chairman, Welding Technology Committee
Mr Suggu Ravi Chandra Reddy	Chairman, Membership Committee
Mr Khoo Kok Leong	Vice Chairman, Certification & Common Welder Qualification Scheme (CWQS) Committee
Mr William Chong Jun Hua	Vice Chairman, Education & Training Committee
Mr Subbiah Krishnan	Assistant Honorary Treasurer
Mr Boon Khong Lee	Vice Chairman, Membership Committee

SWS Secretariat: Ms Einette Law

 

3.0        Finance

Honorary Treasurer: Mr Hooi Yu Koh

Assistant Honorary Treasurer: Mr Subbiah Krishnan

 

The total revenue for FY2024 is S$515,593 as compared to S$2,051,268 for FY2023. The difference in revenue is mainly attributed to the event registration, sponsorship and government grant amounting to S$1,460,160 from the hosting of IIW2023. Apart from IIW2023, the revenue in FY2024 is mostly derived from subscription & services income, membership fee, interest income and rental income.

The total expenses for FY2024 is S$413,125 as compared to S$1,457,316. The difference in expenses is mainly attributed to the exhibition expenses of S$1,095,052 for the hosting of IIW2023. Apart from IIW2023, the expenses in FY2024 are mostly for employee benefits, event & meeting expenses, membership fee, interest income and rental income.

The surplus before income tax for FY2024 is S$102,468 as compared to S$593,952 for FY2023, the difference largely attributed to the hosting of IIW2023.

Our cash and cash equivalents for FY2024 is S$2,236,914 which is S$437,663 more as compared to S$1,799,251 in FY2023. The healthy cash position maintained over the past year was the result of our efforts to manage SWS finances effectively and in a sustainable manner.

 

4.0        Education & Training Committee

Chairman: Mr Sze Thiam Siong

Vice Chairman: Mr William Chong Jun Hua

 

Education and training for welding personnel are important for several reasons. Firstly, they ensure that welding personnel possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform high-quality work, which is essential for safety and structural integrity in various applications. Secondly, proper training helps welding personnel understand different processes, materials, and equipment, enabling them to adapt to various projects and advancements in    technology.    Additionally,     education in welding and related fields can lead to personnel certifications, which are often required by clients, employers and enhance job prospects. Overall, ongoing education and training contribute to the professionalism and competency of welding personnel, ultimately benefiting industries that rely on them.

Personnel  Certification  as  highlighted above is often required by many industries including aerospace, construction, utilities, pipelines, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, oil, gas, chemical, petrochemical, marine and offshore where quality can significantly impact the safety and integrity of structures and components. Personnel certification programs often adhere to standards set by recognized organisations such as international Organization for Standardization (ISO) and many others. To obtain such certification, personnel typically undergo a series of tests that may include practical tests and written examinations. Some of the benefits of certification include :

1. It ensures that welding personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge to check the quality of welds, components and structures. This is crucial for the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of welded or assembled products, as inadequate weld quality can lead to structural failures and safety hazards.

2. It can significantly enhance a welding personnel’s career prospects. Certified welding personnel often enjoy high earnings, stronger demand for their skills, and better job stability. This certification serves as a testament to their commitment to professional growth and can position them as industry experts and leaders.

3. Certified welding personnel have access to a broader range of job opportunities across multiple industries. Many employers  prefer or require certification, making it easier for certified personnel to find positions that match their skills.

4. It acts as proof that welding personnel possess the essential competencies required for their  roles.  It  demonstrates their understanding of welding processes, techniques, safety practices, and industry standards, making them more attractive candidates for employers.

5. It can lead to decreased recertification costs over time, as many companies invest in the training and development of certified welding personnel, thus enhancing overall operational efficiency.

In addition to the IIW qualification  for welding inspection personnel, it also offers the following courses and certification on a regular basis.

1. API 653  –  Aboveground  Storage  Tank Inspector
2. API 510 – Pressure Vessel Inspector
3. API 570 – Piping Inspector
4. API 571 – Corrosion and Materials
5. API 577 – Welding Inspection & Metallurgy
6. API 580 – Risk Based Inspection
7. Visual Inspection
8. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector
9. Safety in Welding & Cutting Processes
10. Structural Welding Design
11. Metal Joining & Cutting Processes
12. Apply Metallurgy Principles

Singapore Welding Society (SWS) has also collaborated with the American Welding Society (AWS) to offer a series of online welding and related courses to its members. The AWS courses incorporate animated graphics, audio narration, video footage, and interactive elements that make complex topics both engaging and easy to understand.

The following are some of the courses available from AWS :

1. Metallurgy 1 – Fundamental concepts
2. Metallurgy 2  –  Properties  that  affect weldability
3. Industrial metallurgy courses
4. Destructive testing
5. Nondestructive testing – The science of non-destructive testing
6. Nondestructive testing – NDT classroom courses
7. Welding fundamental   1   –   The   basic principles of welding
8. Welding fundamental 2 – A comprehensive overview of common welding techniques
9. Welding fundamental 3 – A comprehensive of brazing and soldering
10. Understanding welding symbols
11. Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)/ Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)

In addition, the Society is also able to organise in-house courses for corporate members or clients. The courses can be tailored to the needs of individual organisation.

As  at  31st  March  2025,  the  Society  has conducted a total of 872 certification examinations under the British Institute for Non-destructive Testing (BINDT) Personnel Certification for NDT (PCN) scheme in the multi-sector, weld and aerospace sectors for the various NDT methods.

Education, training and personnel certification is necessary for ensuring high-quality work, facilitating career growth, expanding job opportunities, validating skills, and improving cost efficiency in the welding industry. The Society will continue to explore new training and certification programs which will enrich its members in their career progression.

 

5.0        International Affairs Committee

Chairman:  Dr Sun Zheng

 

Since the lifting of travel restrictions, more in-person events have resumed, although virtual meetings remain an efficient and widely adopted mode of engagement. Over the past year, the International Affairs Committee has been actively involved in several regional and international events:

• 77th Annual Assembly & International Conference of the International Institute of Welding (IIW) Rhodes, Greece | July 7–12, 2024. Attended by Prof. John Pang, Mr. Perianan Radhakrishnan, Mr. Sze Thiam Siong, Dr. Zhou Wei and Dr. Sun Zheng.

• 27th Beijing-Essen Welding & Cutting Fair | Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai, China | August 13–16, 2024 | Attended by Dr. Sun Zheng.
• 2024 (12th) “ARC Cup” International Welding Competition | Gu’an County, Langfang City, Hebei Province, China | October 25–30, 2024 | Attended by Dr. Sun Zheng.

• ISO/TC 44 Annual Plenary Meeting | Paris, France | November 5–8, 2024 | Attended by Dr. Sun Zheng.
• 16th Asian Welding Technology & Applications Forum (ASIAN WeldTech16 2024) | UniKL Malaysia France Institute, Bangi | November 6, 2024 | Attended by Mr. Sze Thiam Siong and Mr. Perianan Radhakrishnan.

• 41st Asian Welding Federation (AWF) Meetings & AWF Auditor Workshop & Examination | Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia | November 7–9, 2024. | Attended by Mr. Sze Thiam Siong and Mr. Perianan Radhakrishnan.

• 2025 IIW Winter Meeting | Venice,   Italy   |   January   14–17,  2025 | Attended by Dr. Sun Zheng.

• IAB-International Authorisation Board Group A – Education, Training, and Qualification Meeting (Online) | January 14–16, 2025 | Attended by Mr. Perianan Radhakrishnan, Mr. Sze Thiam Siong, and Dr. Sun Zheng.

 

6.0        Publication Committee

Chairman: Mr Ong Beng Tiong

 

Weldpoint is our flagship SWS newsletter to all members. It is published quarterly and keep members updated on SWS activities, events and foster learning and sharing through our digital Weldpoint in March/June/September/ December issues.

We are pleased to update as part of our green initiative; the Society has transitioned to publishing only soft copies of our quarterly magazines. We thank all our contributors for their valuable participation, insightful technical articles, and the sharing of welding technology news.

We remain committed to bringing you the latest developments in welding technologies and industry news, and we encourage all members to continue engaging with us. We also urge every member to take an active role in our events and contribute to the growth of a stronger, more connected Singapore Welding Society.

Thank you once again for being an essential part of our welding community. We look forward to your continued support.

 

7.0        Welding Technology Committee

Chairman:  Prof Zhou Wei

 

The Welding Technology Committee focuses on  promoting  new   welding   technology. With strong support of many SWS Council members, a few interesting technical articles on various aspects of welding technology have been published in the recent issues of Weldpoint. In addition, the following keynote presentations on welding technology have been delivered by Dr Zhou Wei on behalf of SWS:

• Plenary keynote on “Computational Method for Process Optimization of Cold Spray”, CAWE-AM 2024 (4th International Symposium on Computer-Aided Welding Engineering and Additive Manufacturing), Jinan, China, 17-20 Oct 2024.
• Invited Talk  on   “Interfacial   Bonding in Multi-material Structures made by Additive Manufacturing”, JASM XXII Symposium, IMAT 2024, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, 1 Oct 2024.
• Plenary keynote  on  “Standardization for Intelligent Manufacturing in the Age of the Industrial Internet”, 2024 ZGC Forum – Industrial Internet and Intelligent Manufacturing, Beijing, 6 June 2024.

In the next few years, the Welding Technology Committee intends to  promote  applications of new welding technologies such as laser welding technology and hybrid laser arc welding.

 

8.0        Welding Standardization Committee

Chairman:  Prof John Pang

 

The Welding Standardization Committee continues to support of Enterprise Singapore and SMF, to develop international standards on welding and allied processes.

With the adoption of SS ISO 3834 and SS ISO 9606 standards, SWS Welding Standardization Committee is promoting the use of the following Standards for their business operations.

SS ISO 3834: Part 1 to 5

• SS ISO 3834-1:2022 (Quality requirements for fusion  welding  of  metallic  materials- Part 1: Criteria for the selection of the appropriate level of quality requirements)

• SS ISO 3834-2:2021 (Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials Part 2: Comprehensive quality requirements)
• SS ISO 3834-3:2021 (Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials Part 3: Standard quality requirements)
• SS ISO 3834-4:2021 (Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials Part 4: Elementary quality requirements)
• SS ISO 3834-5:2022 (Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials Part 5: Documents with which it is necessary to conform to claim conformity to the quality requirements of ISO 3834-2, ISO 3834-3 or ISO 3834-4).

SS ISO 9606: Part 1 to 5

• SS ISO 9606-1:2021 (Qualification testing of welders Fusion welding Part 1: Steels)
• SS ISO 9606-2:2021 (Qualification  test of welders – Fusion welding – Part 2: Aluminium and aluminium alloys)
• SS ISO 9606-3:2021 (Approval testing of welders – Fusion welding – Part 3: Copper and copper alloys)
• SS ISO 9606-4:2021 (Approval testing of welders – Fusion welding – Part 4: Nickel and nickel alloys)
• SS ISO 9606-5:2021 (Approval  testing of welders – Fusion welding – Part 5: Titanium and titanium alloys, zirconium and zirconium alloys)

 

9.0        Technical Talks Committee

Chairman: Mr Yusoof Aynuddin

Vice Chairman: Mr Subbiah Krishnan

 

1. Basic NDT Infrared Thermography with Some Applications. Held on 8 April 2024

Prof. Xavier Maldague from Université Laval, Canada, introduced Infrared Thermography (IRT) as a  non-invasive  NDT  technique used across aerospace, construction, and manufacturing. He discussed the use of passive and active IRT methods to detect thermal anomalies, enabling efficient defect detection without contact. Prof. Maldague, an internationally recognized expert, also shared insights from his extensive research and publications in the field.

 

2. Cutting Edge: Innovations in Metal Fabrication. Held on 18 April 2024

This session focused on modern metal cutting and gouging technologies  essential for welding preparation. Highlighting plasma arc gouging, the talk covered safety and productivity improvements, and included live demonstrations at the Hypertherm Cutting Technology Centre. Attendees explored advanced air plasma gouging, 3D bevel cutting, and had a chance to try the Powermax SYNC system.

 

3. Optimised Detection and Sizing of Pipe Corrosion at Supports Using Guided Wave Technology. Held on 20 May 2024

Dr. Chua presented a novel approach using broadband-guided wave screening for detecting corrosion under pipe supports (CUPS). Drawing from his experience at Guided Ultrasonics Ltd (UK), Dr. Chua showcased inspection results from a petrochemical facility, emphasizing how this technique allows early, accurate detection of wall loss, enabling proactive pipeline maintenance.

 

4. Selecting Passivation Technique(s) for Corrosion-Resistant Alloys to Complete Fabrication. Held on 26 July 2024

Dr. Graham Sussex led a webinar on best practices  for  restoring   passive   surfaces in corrosion- resistant alloys (CRAs). He discussed treatment methods including chemical pickling and electrochemical passivation, and introduced laser ablation as a newer option. Case studies and Q&A enriched this session aimed at improving fabrication quality in welded components.

 

5. Advances in Inspection Technologies and PipeWIZARD™ iX. Held on 2 August 2024

Jointly organised with NDTSS, this seminar introduced the new PipeWIZARD™ iX automated ultrasonic testing system for pipeline girth welds. Dennis Chai and Prasanth Geddam of Evident Scientific explained its improved hardware and software features, including support for advanced UT techniques. The session emphasised enhanced field efficiency and adaptability.

 

6. Digital Radiography Systems – Innovative Technologies in Industrial Radiography. Held on 23 August 2024

Mikhail Berdnikov from DR SYSTEMS presented on advancements in portable digital radiography for industrial NDT. He discussed applications in sectors like oil & gas, aerospace, and manufacturing, showcasing solutions such as the SCANRAY and XPRESS-SCAN units. The presentation highlighted the advantages of digital over traditional radiography in terms of speed, clarity, and versatility.

 

7. Stainless Steel: Selecting the Right Grade. Held on 22 November 2024

Dr. Graham Sussex returned to discuss how to correctly choose stainless steel grades based on corrosion resistance, physical properties, and service environments. The session addressed real- world considerations  such as chloride exposure, crevice effects, and material standards, offering practical selection frameworks including the PRE and IMOA atmospheric models.

 

10.0  Membership Committee

Chairman: Mr. Suggu Ravi Chandra Reddy

Vice Chairman: Mr. Bong Khong Lee

 

As of 30 April 2025, we have a total of 322 total members: consisting of 173 Corporate, 138 Full, 10 Fellows, 1 Associate member.

The membership committee focus on service to our SWS members and to address the challenges in membership growth and retention. To improve on communicating with members  through  various  channels  such as email, online portals, and social media platforms to reach out to potential members. The implementation of our new computer system and website is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of our administrative processes.

On the evening of April 25th, 2025, the Singapore Welding Society (SWS) hosted its annual Members’ Night at Chevron function room at Boon Lay Way. The highlight of the event was the Augmented Reality Welding Competition.

President of SWS, presented the Distinguished Corporate Member Award to ASIA PROJECTS ENGRG PTE LTD, CONTINENTAL STEEL PTE LTD, and ELEMENT TESTING SERVICES (S) PTE LTD. This award is bestowed upon eligible corporate members who have been affiliated with SWS for 25 years or more. The society acknowledges and appreciates the steadfast support and significant contributions  made by these corporate members throughout the years and looks forward to their continued support in the future.

For members who have not updated their profiles, we encourage you to reach out to the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the membership committee. Additionally, we welcome your feedback via our website, and we assure you that we will respond promptly.

We want to express  our  heartfelt  gratitude for your continued support and active involvement over the years. Your contributions and participation have been invaluable to the Singapore Welding Society.

Thank you once again for being an integral part of our society. We are truly fortunate to have  members  like  you,  and  we  genuinely appreciate your dedication and active participation.

 

11.0     Certification and Common Welder Qualification Scheme (CWQS) Committee

Chairman: Mr P Radhakrishnan

Vice Chairman: Mr Khoo Kok Leong

 

(a)         SWS Common Welder Qualification Scheme (CWQS) is in place. The following ten (10) WQTCs are currently in the scheme:

1. ACE Quality Testing & Inspection Services Pte Ltd
2. A-Star Testing & Inspection (S) Pte Ltd
3. Cast Laboratories Pte Ltd
4. Cutech Process Services Pte Ltd
5. Goodwill Engineering & Inspection Services Pte Ltd
6. Leads Specialist Services Pte Ltd
7. Masterscan Engineering Pte Ltd
8. Setsco Services Pte Ltd
9. SGS Testing & Control Services Singapore Pte Ltd
10. Worldscan Engineering Pte Ltd

 

(b)         Interviewing and assessment of additional CWQS Welding Inspectors was carried out during the past year when requested by the WQTCs. Surveillance assessment of the above WQTCs is currently in progress for 2025-26.

 

12.0 Operations and Technology Roadmap (OTR) Committee

Chairman: Mr Sze Thiam Siong

Vice Chairman: Prof John Pang

 

Our on-going OTR direction are as follows: SWS   Membership   Initiative   –   Review   of membership branding, and outreach initiatives to recruit both corporate members as well as young professionals into SWS.

SWS Academy – Propose to setup of a “SWS Academy” to cater to welding courses, certification, career development of welding professionals and personnels.

Welding Technologies –  Promote  advances in welding technologies and applications including WAAM / Wire ARC, AR/VR training simulations, Machine Visioning, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability related awareness via seminar and webinar talks and participation in related events.

Industry Partnership – Promote partnership and collaborations with Industry, Corporate Members and partners to broaden SWS involvement in the industrial ecosystem.

 

13.0 Information Technology (IT) Committee

Chairman: Mr Simon Wong

 

The upgrading project of SWS system and website from ASP.NET to WORDPRESS PHP commenced in 2023.  Different  modules were then enhanced or improved stage by stage.  After   completion   of   improvement of Membership Management System and implementation  of   email   blast   function, we continued the enhancement of Event Management System and it was fully tested and implemented in mid-2024. We hope that members can experience more seamless event registration process now.

Since the beginning of 2024, SWS has been elected as Honorary Secretary General of Asian Welding Federation (AWF). Hence there are significantly increased administrative workload incurred to SWS. Because of this, we plan to develop a new module in our current SWS system which can help us to manage issues among AWF members more effectively. We expect this AWF module will be implemented within the term 2025/2026. There is no perfect system and our SWS  system definitely still has room for improvement. Should you have any suggestion or feedback, you are always welcome to let us know accordingly.

 

14.0     Conclusion

The SWS council will continue to serve all SWS Members in the coming year ahead after the 47th AGM in the following areas:

• Engaging in  regional  and  international activities to benefit SWS and Singapore.
• Providing a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing and member interaction.
• Organizing forums, welding-related events, and global conferences.
• Expanding membership and fostering young talents to serve the Society.
• Facilitating industry education and training programs.
• Contributing to the development  of national and international standards.
• Pursuing society growth, productivity, and innovation.

As part of our Operation and Technology Roadmap (OTR) plans we will continue to serve our SWS membership  and  represent  SWS in our National, Regional and International engagement platforms.

Thank you to all SWS members for your support and participation in our past and recent activities. Please extend our thanks and appreciation to the SWS council members who have served in the various Office Bearers and Committee positions.

To all members present here today  at  the 47th SWS AGM, thank you for your active participation at this important event and I wish you an enjoyable evening.

 

Thank you,

Prof John Pang, President

Singapore Welding Society