Engineering Excellence and Teamwork
Utracon Structural Systems Pte Ltd, is one of the esteemed sponsors of the NTU International Bridge Design Competition 2024. In our recent interview, Mr. Gary Soon shared priceless insights into the ethos, culture, and great achievements of Utracon Corporation Pte Ltd (‘Utracon’ hereafter).
Utracon was established in 1998 by a group of local engineers, which main objective was to provide specialist engineering services to the local construction industry. Specializing in post-tensioning, bridge construction systems, and structural strengthening, Utracon aimed to redefine how buildings and infrastructure are to be constructed. Their strong technical knowhow, coupled with their positive work ethics, had since propelled Utracon to be recognised as one of the most reliable specialist contractors in Singapore, and were viewed by many of their clients as their most valued project partners.
At the heart of Utracon's operations lies a set of core values that is deeply ingrained in their organizational tradition: Teamwork and Innovation. Mr. Soon emphasised Utracon’s commitment to remain at the forefront of the innovation and technological advancements. He highlighted Utracon's significant investment in research and development, ensuring they stay competitive and continue to push the boundaries of innovation.
Mr. Soon also shed light on Utracon's dedication to nurturing expertise and cultivating a supportive environment for all its staff. Having a workforce of 1,000 employees both locally and globally, Utracon takes pride in cultivating a unique Utracon culture that had amalgated its diverse and dynamic groups of employees into a formidable team of professionals. The company’s inclusive culture promotes open conversation and collaboration throughout all rank and file, empowering employees in every echelon to attain their fullest potential.
One of the cornerstones of Utracon's organizational philosophy is its emphasis on non-stop learning and expertise development. Mr. Soon defined how the company offers ample opportunities for its staff to enhance their technical capabilities and amplify their understanding base. From specialised external courses to mentorship projects, Utracon prioritises the development of its staff, recognizing that investing in talent is pivotal to maintaining long-term success.
As Mr. Soon expounded on Utracon's 25-year journey since its incorporation, it has become obvious that their success is deeply rooted in a teamwork approach. From securing projects via meticulous tender techniques to executing complicated construction works on site, every step is a testimony of the collective effort of the Utracon team. Beyond its impressive portfolio and technical know-how, Utracon is also committed to ensuring that their construction methodologies would have minimum negative impact on society and the surroundings. Mr. Soon shared how sustainability is integrated into every issue of the organisation's operations, from adopting green construction methods to minimising waste.
Bridging Innovation: Sustainable Solutions in Construction
Mr. Soon also highlighted the inherent challenges of achieving sustainability in construction, emphasising that it often comes at a price. However, he noted that in bridge construction, innovation and sustainability can sometimes go hand in hand. He explained that since bridge construction involves the handling of extremely heavy objects, such as precast segments weighing up to 50 to 300 tons, the focus is to ensure that the bridge equipment, including lifting steel gantries, is light, easy to handle, and requires minimal supporting equipment. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing resource consumption. Moreover, Mr. Soon emphasised the importance of minimising disruptions to the public during construction and ensuring that the infrastructure remains sustainable even after completion. This involves designing bridge gantries in modular forms so that they can be easily disassembled, reused, and adapted for future projects. By implementing such practices, Utracon aims to mitigate the environmental impact due to construction activities and promote long-term sustainability in infrastructure development.
Pioneering the Future of Bridge Engineering Excellence
Looking ahead, Mr. Soon shared some of the exciting projects that Utracon has in the pipeline, which include the construction of road viaducts and bridges all over Singapore. With a steady stream of projects secured and a commitment to excellence, Utracon is poised to make significant contributions to Singapore's infrastructure landscape in the coming years. In terms of collaboration, Mr. Soon emphasised Utracon's approach to establishing trust-based relationships with clients, authorities, and other stakeholders. As a local organisation headquartered in Singapore, , Utracon can fast-tracked many decision making process which are paramount to ensuring the smooth progress and completion of major local projects.
Finally, when asked for guidance for aspiring young engineers, Mr. Soon stressed the importance of embracing the correct working attitude, cultivating problem solving competencies, and maintaining hunger in the pursuit of knowledge. By actively participating in projects and embracing the responsibility of shaping Singapore's infrastructure, aspiring engineers could make significant contributions to the industry and forge an enduring legacy for future generations to admire.
In conclusion, Utracon's commitment to innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and skills improvement underscores its position as a pacesetter in bridge construction engineering. With a diverse portfolio of engineering expertise and a willpower to excellence, Utracon continues to contribute to the shaping of Singapore's infrastructure landscape and at the same time play a part in inspiring the next generation of engineers to pursue careers in this dynamic and fulfilling sector.
To learn more about Utracon, please visit their website at