SINGAPORE, November 1, 2021 – Project Management Institute (PMI) has announced the top influential projects of the past 12 months on its third annual list of Most Influential Projects. The list, which made its debut in 2019 in honor of PMI’s 50th anniversary, highlights compelling projects around the world and across industries that achieved significant milestones and impacted our society.
Singapore has made it to the list for the very first time with a strong showing of three projects in the Top 10 Projects in Asia Pacific | PMI MIP:
- Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm
Facing soaring energy demands, Singapore is out to quadruple solar power production by 2025. But with heavy cloud cover and just 726 square kilometers (280 square miles) of land, the tiny country has limited options. So the space-starved city-state is getting creative: introducing a 45-hectare (111-acre) floating solar farm that will power its water treatment system – making Singapore one of the few nations in the world with the capability.
A partnership between Sembcorp Floating Solar Singapore and the country’s Public Utilities Board, the 60-megawatt farm could help reduce Singapore’s carbon emissions by about 32 kilotonnes annually, comparable to taking 7,000 cars off the roads.
- Singapore Financial Data Exchange (SGFinDex)
The Monetary Authority of Singapore launched the Singapore Financial Data Exchange (SGFinDex) to help residents get a fuller picture of their financial wellness. Built on Singapore’s National Digital Identity (called SingPass) and developed in partnership with seven banks, SGFinDex is a digital portal that collects financial information from government agencies and private financial institutions, allowing people to view everything from credit card balances to bank deposits, loans and investments in one place.
The government also developed a digital financial planning service called MyMoneySense that uses SGFinDex to offer personalized financial planning advice.
- Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System
Nearly 300,000 people cross the Malaysia-Singapore border daily for work, making it one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. And it’s about to get a whole lot faster with a new 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) rapid transit system.
By 2026 – once the under-construction line is complete – the system is expected to move 10,000 passengers an hour in each direction, cutting border-crossing down to a mere five minutes. The megaproject is the brainchild of RTSO Link, a joint venture formed in 2020 by public transport companies from each country: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and SMRT Corp. Ltd. And company leaders are determined not to let the pandemic stand in the way of project progress – awarding RM1 billion in contracts for systems in May.
“An idea is only an idea until we make it real through a project. Singapore is known for its modern infrastructure and some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Am glad to see three projects from here make it to the top 10 of the Most Influential Projects from Asia Pacific list,” said Ben Breen, Managing Director, Asia Pacific and Global Head of Construction, Project Management Institute.
“From a 60-megawatt floating solar farm to the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System and the Singapore Financial Data Exchange, Singapore continues to bring to life ambitious mega-projects with a unique blend of creativity and pragmatism that will not only transform the city-state, but also help shape its future and continued relevance to the world.”
The 2021 Most Influential Projects list demonstrates how project professionals and changemakers have found resourceful ways to bring projects to life amid global disruptions, including the continuing pandemic.“ As a for-purpose organization, PMI is dedicated to supporting and uplifting those who are enabling change around the world,” said Michael DePrisco, Chief Operating Officer of Project Management Institute. “Our 2021 list of Most Influential Projects proves how creativity, collaboration, discipline, and determination can turn the boldest of ideas into a reality and change the world that we live in – even during the most challenging times.”
The main list of the 50 Most Influential Projects includes innovation in transportation, renewable energy, architecture, technology, and more. Some of the top-ranked projects include mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines, 2022 Winter Olympics, and the Crew-1 Mission. Additionally, PMI released 30 lists recognizing the Top 10 most influential projects in a variety of regions and industries. In total, the lists include more than 250 breakthrough efforts across a wide range of industries.