| 75th Anniversary
groups are encouraged to collaborate and leverage their unique insights to achieve successful outcomes. Initiatives include women in leadership programs across regional business units. SMEC in ANZ is accredited by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency and supports the Consult Australia Champions of Change Coalition. And in South Africa, SMEC participates in a Supplier Development Programme, empowering African- descended business owners to establish sustainable enterprises.
As SMEC celebrates its 75th anniversary, what do you see as the key challenges and opportunities facing the engineering industry? The engineering industry is facing a rapidly changing landscape characterised by technological advancements, demographic shifts and environmental challenges. Key challenges include meeting the growing demand for infrastructure in a sustainable manner, addressing the impacts of climate change on infrastructure resilience and navigating the digital transformation of the industry. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation, collaboration and the adoption of new business models to drive positive change and create a more sustainable future. Alongside these considerations, the role of hydropower and pumped storage in the energy transition is paramount, echoing the sentiment that water, wind, and sun together will get the job done in achieving a resilient and low-carbon energy future.
Can you discuss SMEC’s approach to corporate social responsibility and community engagement? Corporate social responsibility and community engagement are integral components of SMEC’s business philosophy. The company is committed to making a positive impact on the communities where it operates by supporting local development initiatives, promoting education and skills training and fostering environmental conservation efforts. The SMEC Foundation is an Australian registered charity, and between the Foundation and business led-initiatives, SMEC has engaged in over 230 CSR projects worldwide and has donated more than AUD1.6 million to charitable foundations in more than 30
countries, further demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community development. SMEC also encourages its employees to volunteer their time and expertise to support community projects and initiatives, further strengthening its ties with local communities.
How does SMEC envision its role in shaping the future of infrastructure and engineering globally?
By leveraging its expertise, innovation and collaborative approach, SMEC aims to deliver sustainable solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change adaptation to urbanisation and digital transformation. Through partnerships with governments, private sector stakeholders and local communities, SMEC seeks to create a legacy of enduring infrastructure that improves lives and promotes inclusive growth. Through partnerships such as our membership of IHA, as well as advisory services to clients, we are engaging with and shaping conversations about the future of the industry.
Lastly, what message would you like to convey to readers of our magazine as SMEC marks this significant milestone? As SMEC celebrates its 75th anniversary, we invite you to join us in recognising a journey characterised by innovation, collaboration and sustainable progress. Just like SJ Group’s DNA pillars of excellence, imagination, scalability and legacy, we at SMEC embody these principles in our work. We bring together specialised teams and foster innovative approaches to achieve excellence in every project. Our commitment to endless imagination pushes us to continually challenge what’s possible, pushing the boundaries of engineering and innovation. Additionally, delivering solutions at scale is central to our mission, as we aim to make a meaningful impact not only in communities but also across cities and the world. As we look back on our past achievements and the partnerships that have driven us forward, we remain dedicated to creating a lasting legacy that goes beyond individual successes. With a focus on sustainability and resilience, we embrace new technologies and collaborate closely with our clients and partners to help build a brighter future for generations to come.
Left: Throughout its history, SMEC has been involved in numerous landmark projects, including the 372MW Ulu Jelai
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