CCH Entry: 7
Dr Shahzad Nasim graduated with a Master of Civil Engineering degree from the University of Singapore in 1976. He chose the University of Singapore over Cornell University to study engineering at, and thus started his story in Singapore.
In 1978, Dr Nasim joined Bylander Meinhardt (subsequently renamed Meinhardt Singapore Pte Ltd) and rose through the ranks to become the Managing Director of Meinhardt. This was certainly no small feat, especially for someone who was a foreigner at that time. Dr Nasim’s career as a Professional Structural Engineer spans more than three decades. In addition to business and financial management, he is responsible for the overall coordination of multi-disciplinary professional teams, leading conceptual designs and overseeing the detailed design and construction of major and complex projects undertaken by Meinhardt.
Dr Nasim has built a regional reputation for providing highly innovative, buildable and cost-effective solutions for tall buildings and complex infrastructure projects. Projects led by him include some of the landmark commercial offices, residential, retail and entertainment complexes, such as the Marina Bay Financial Centre, The Sail @ Marina Bay, One Raffles Quay and the 63-storey One Raffles Place in Singapore, as well as The Dubai Mall and the 82-storey Ocean Heights in Dubai.
In 2010, Dr Nasim undertook a buyout of the entire Meinhardt Group from its Australian owners, and moved the global headquarters from Melbourne to Singapore. Today, Dr Nasim provides leadership as Executive Chairman of the Meinhardt International Group, with responsibility for the Group’s strategic direction, global business expansion, key clients and major projects, including the Group’s programme for mergers and acquisitions with a view towards possible IPO listing. He spearheaded the strategic expansion of Meinhardt in China, South East Asia and the Middle East. Presently, the Meinhardt Group has 42 offices worldwide, employs 4,000 staff and is the largest global engineering company owned and headquartered in Singapore.
Serving the Community
The infrastructure, educational, healthcare and building projects undertaken by Dr Nasim has impacted the lives of many people. Through Meinhardt’s 42 global offices, Dr Nasim has contributed to flying Singapore flag internationally.
Dr Nasim is actively involved in and has given of his time and services to professional and statutory boards related to the construction industry. He was a member of the Professional Engineers Board, Singapore, from 2006 to 2008, a Board of Architects member from 2006 to 2008, Board member of the Building and Construction Authority from 2001 to 2005 and a member of the Economic Strategies Committee (Land Use Sub-Committee), Ministry of National Development, from 2009 to 2010.
Dr Nasim has also served on the advisory committee of educational institutions through his membership of the Management Board of the NUS Institute of South Asian Studies, the Advisory Committee for the NTU School of Civil & Environmental Engineering from 2000 to 2004 and NTU’s School of Civil & Structural Engineering’s Academic Audit Visiting Committee in 1999.