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NewsAurecon expands environmental expertise in Asia with acquisition of Singapore consultancy

15 November 2023 | 5 min

Asia Pacific design, engineering and advisory company Aurecon has acquired Singapore Environmental Consultancy and Solutions Pte Ltd (SECS), which will officially become a member of the Aurecon Group effective 15 November 2023.

This strategic acquisition is a significant step for Aurecon as it reinforces the company's commitment to expanding its environmental and sustainability capabilities in the Asian region. SECS brings a wealth of expertise and experience in the field of environmental consultancy, further amplifying Aurecon’s already robust portfolio and presence in this domain, which it has been diligently strengthening over the past three years in Asia.

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Aurecon’s acquisition of SECS elevates and expands Aurecon's environmental and sustainability capabilities in the region.
L-R: Chow Kha Chun, SECS Human Resources Manager; Koh Lay Kuan, SECS Operations Director; Jean-Marc Girard, Chief Operations Officer, Asia, Aurecon; Elizabeth Lee Sweet Choong, SECS Director; Donald William Folkoff, SECS Director.
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Aurecon’s acquisition of SECS elevates and expands Aurecon's environmental and sustainability capabilities in the region.
Aurecon’s acquisition of SECS elevates and expands Aurecon's environmental and sustainability capabilities in the region.
Aurecon’s acquisition of SECS elevates and expands Aurecon's environmental and sustainability capabilities in the region.

The acquisition of SECS follows Aurecon's previous strategic investments in the environmental and sustainability sector. In August 2021, Aurecon acquired Aurecon Lestari (formerly known as ERE Consulting Group), a renowned multi-disciplinary environmental consultancy based in Malaysia.

Subsequently, on 1 June 2022, it expanded its reach with the acquisition of Acuity & Acumen, a leading environmental consultancy based in Hong Kong. Most recently, in December 2022, Aurecon added AEC Limited, one of Hong Kong's largest independent ecological consultancies, to its portfolio.

"This initiative stands as a testament to our Blueprint to 2025, particularly the pillar dedicated to Growth in Asia’s environmental and sustainability sector."

William Cox, Chief Executive Officer, Aurecon

Aurecon's Chief Executive Officer William Cox said:

"That the strategic acquisition represented a notable milestone as the company advanced its commitment to enhancing environmental and sustainability offerings in the Asian market. SECS's wealth of expertise and extensive experience positions us to provide our clients with even more comprehensive and cutting-edge solutions, effectively addressing the escalating environmental challenges prevalent in the region," Cox said.

"This initiative stands as a testament to our Blueprint to 2025, particularly the pillar dedicated to Growth in Asia’s environmental and sustainability sector, where we have a target to achieve a growth rate exceeding 25 per cent by 2025."

Aurecon in the Asian environmental market

Recognising Asia's pivotal role in its portfolio, Aurecon’s commitment to environmental initiatives aligns with the region’s favourable long-term projections of nearly $26 trillion in investment by 2030. Singapore, known as the 'Garden City', is an ideal setting for Aurecon's environmental dedication, as seen through initiatives like the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

Climate change concerns are pressing in the Asia-Pacific region, with a report from the Asian Development Bank warning of potential GDP losses of up to 24 per cent in developing Asia and 30 per cent in Southeast Asia by 2100 under high emissions scenarios.

On a positive note, the Asia-Pacific is leading the way in sustainability, with 60-69 per cent of CEOs committing to net-zero or carbon-neutral targets, outperforming their global counterparts by 9-13 per cent, as per PwC's report. Notably, the region has excelled in reducing carbon intensity in 2021, driven by countries such as Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. This commitment to sustainability and innovation promises $324 billion in economic output and 1.5 million jobs in the region over the next two decades.

Launched in February 2021, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 is a comprehensive national initiative that aims to mobilise all sectors of society toward advancing sustainable development in Singapore. Spearheaded by five key ministries and supported by the entire Government, the Green Plan outlines ambitious and concrete objectives for the remainder of this decade. It encompasses five fundamental pillars, each with its unique focus: City in Nature, Energy Reset, Sustainable Living, Green Economy, and Resilient Future.

Aurecon’s Chief Executive, Asia, Stephane Asselin said the acquisition seamlessly aligned with Singapore's sustainable vision, strengthening Aurecon's regional presence while contributing to Singapore's greener,  sustainable future.

“The acquisition not only strengthens our position in the environmental services industry but also significantly broadens our reach across Asia,” Asselin said.

“With a growing team of experienced environmental professionals and a wider array of services, Aurecon is well-equipped to cater to the needs of government and private global multinational clients.

"These global clients often seek service providers capable of delivering their expertise in multiple countries, a prerequisite for securing coveted long-term service agreements. This strategic move opens up an exciting new avenue of opportunities for Aurecon, expanding our portfolio and enabling us to offer a multi-country local presence that aligns seamlessly with the demands of our prestigious clientele."

SECS Operations Director Koh Lay Kuan, said he was excited about SECS becoming a part of the Aurecon family.

“This integration offers a tremendous opportunity to further elevate our environmental and sustainability services in collaboration with a globally recognised leader in engineering, design, and advisory solutions,” he said.

“The alignment of our values, expertise, and aspirations means we can continue delivering innovative and impactful environmental solutions to our clients. Together, we are poised to make a lasting difference for our clients, communities, and the environment."

About Singapore Environmental Consultancy and Solutions Pte Ltd (SECS)

Established in 2014 by a dedicated team of multidisciplinary experts, Singapore Environmental Consultancy and Solutions Pte Ltd (SECS) is a forward-thinking environmental services company. SECS provides a comprehensive suite of environmental solutions, including Environmental Baseline Surveys (Surveys), Environmental Management Plan and Monitoring (EMP), Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIA), and Environmental Sampling with a dedicated Singapore-based sampling office and operations.

With a team of consultants and partners collectively possessing decades of invaluable experience in executing a wide range of environmental projects, SECS's extensive experience spans various industries, including petroleum, petrochemical, marine, manufacturing, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors.

SECS is one of only nine firms listed on the National Environment Agency (NEA) for site assessment and site remediation in Singapore.

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Corey Monk, Aurecon
Corey Monk

Group Director, Brand, Marketing & Communications