Most business leaders strive for profit maximization. I am no different. But what perhaps makes our field a little different is that profitability can be correlated with the well-being of the natural environment. As such, we are motivated to do better every day, says Johnson Tang Fook Cheong, Managing Director of UES Holdings Pte Ltd. His statement captures the essence of the company’s mission—balancing business success with sustainability.
UES Holdings Pte Ltd is a leading environmental engineering solutions provider specializing in water-related infrastructure, waste-to-energy projects, and medical waste management. As the environmental engineering arm of United Engineers Limited, a company with roots dating back to 1912, UES Holdings has delivered projects across both the public and private sectors. With around 350 employees—100 based in Singapore and the rest spread across Southeast Asia and China—the company is a key player in the region’s sustainability landscape.
Innovating for a Cleaner Future
UES Holdings’ expertise spans a wide range of environmental engineering solutions. In water-related projects, they specialize in potable water treatment, industrial water supply, wastewater recycling, desalination, sludge treatment, and odor control. Their medical waste management services include on-site waste assessment and training, collection services, centralized disposal facilities, and waste tracking systems. The company is also a leader in building biomass co-generation systems and biogas plants.
Environmental engineering has been a part of United Engineers Limited’s history since the 1930s when it worked on major infrastructure projects across Eastern governments and municipalities. However, the industry has become increasingly competitive, especially after Singapore identified the water sector as a strategic growth industry in 2006. The number of Singaporean water companies doubled between 2006 and 2012, making innovation and efficiency crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
Competitive Strengths and Key Clients
What sets UES Holdings apart? According to Tang, the company’s proven track record in constructing large-scale waterworks and infrastructure is a major advantage. UES Holdings has played a crucial role in Singapore’s transformation from a water-scarce nation to a global leader in water management. Their ability to undertake projects using EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), DBO (Design, Build, and Operate), and BOT (Build, Operate, and Transfer) models makes them a one-stop environmental solutions provider.
UES Holdings’ major clients include Singapore’s Public Utilities Board, with projects such as Changi Water Reclamation Plant, Chestnut Avenue Waterworks, and Jurong Water Reclamation Plant. Other key clients include Changi Airport Group, the National Environment Agency, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore, the Singapore Armed Forces, and the governments of China and Brunei. The company has also completed high-profile projects such as Gardens by the Bay and Marine Life Park at Resorts World Sentosa.
The Man Behind the Vision
Leading this dynamic organization is Managing Director Johnson Tang, whose typical workday begins with reading global news to stay updated on industry trends. He then moves on to emails, meetings, business networking over lunches or dinners, and site visits to ensure projects are on track.
Tang holds an MBA from the University of Hull, which he credits for sharpening his business acumen. However, he believes that passion is the real driving force behind UES Holdings’ success. “What is perhaps more integral to our business success is the irrepressible passion to make things come together to create a better physical environment for us to live in.”
An avid reader, Tang finds inspiration in books that challenge conventional thinking. One such book is Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer, which questions carnivorism in a thought-provoking and philosophical way. While the subject matter itself wasn’t the most striking aspect for Tang, the idea of questioning fundamental life choices resonated deeply with him, reinforcing his commitment to sustainability.
Defining Success and Entrepreneurship
For Tang, success is a fluid concept, changing with time and personal roles. “Success is like a piece of art. It means different things to different people, and perhaps even at different points in time. In my opinion, a person’s success must be measured based on the roles he/she plays. I endeavor to be a visionary business leader, a caring manager, a responsible father, and a loyal husband—although not necessarily in that order.”
As an entrepreneur, he believes that success requires both foresight and attention to detail. “The ability to see further and pre-empt what may be coming along in the future is just as important as possessing an eye for detail in almost everything that passes under your nose.”
Blurring the Lines Between Work and Passion
For Tang, work and personal interests are deeply intertwined. His passion for sustainability extends beyond the office, influencing his reading choices and even his leisure activities. He enjoys playing golf with business associates and stays active through badminton, tennis, and rugby to maintain his mental and physical agility in a fast-paced industry.
Looking ahead, Tang envisions himself in a role where he can share his experiences and knowledge with future generations. “It is this ability to learn from the past to become better that makes us human and what puts us at the apex of the food chain.”
