Arup appoints APAC Managing Director to drive growth across Asia Pacific

Arup has set its sights on substantial growth in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region with the appointment of TC Chew as its new APAC Managing Director. Chew will lead the firm’s ambitious expansion plans in one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.

With APAC accounting for 39% of global GDP and projected to continue its growth trajectory over the next two decades, Chew anticipates the region will play a crucial role in shaping sustainable development trends worldwide.

“From the unprecedented demand for digital and data services to the robust manufacturing of green energy technologies and the rapid acceleration of urbanisation—APAC has the potential to influence global sustainability targets in the coming decades,” says Chew.

“Arup’s expertise in delivering sustainable outcomes across a range of expanding sectors positions us well to meet the significant demand for resilient infrastructure, improved mobility, greener energy, and vibrant, inclusive cities. Our approach in APAC will be strengthened by seamless collaboration across our offices, ensuring our clients can fully access our extensive technical expertise.”

Arup has a well-established presence in APAC, having operated in the region for over 60 years. With 28 offices and a workforce of more than 6,400, the firm aims to expand its headcount to approximately 10,000 by 2030.

The company established its first APAC office in Sydney, Australia, in the 1960s to provide engineering solutions for the iconic Sydney Opera House. Since then, it has grown into a collective of engineers, designers, and built environment specialists who have helped shape some of the region’s most dynamic cities. 

Among its major projects are the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, the Macau Bridge connecting the Macau Peninsula and Taipa, and the Merdeka 118 building in Malaysia.

Chew transitions into the role of Managing Director from his previous position as Arup’s Global Rail Business Leader, where he was responsible for the design and delivery of large-scale, multidisciplinary projects worldwide. 

Before joining Arup in 2018, he held senior executive positions across the APAC region. For his new role, he will relocate to Singapore, a key strategic hub for the company’s regional leadership and a focal point for driving growth and impact across APAC.

Image: The APAC Leadership team at Arup / supplied

The broader APAC Leadership Team will be regionally distributed, with Kate West assuming the newly created role of Chief Officer, Business & Markets, APAC. She will oversee the firm’s growth and business diversification within the region.

Additionally, new Market Leaders have been appointed to drive growth and transformation across key sectors: Michael McGowan for Transport, Yoong Heng Tan for Energy, Water & Resources, and Anthony Chiu for Property, Science & Industry.

Paul Coughlan, currently Arup’s Global Chief Operations Officer, will also relocate to Singapore to take on the role of Chief Officer, Performance & Operations, APAC. He will oversee operations in collaboration with Managing Principals Liam O’Donohue in Australia & New Zealand, Lau Ching Luan in Southeast Asia, and Theresa Yeung in East Asia.

“We will harness the strong alignment between Arup’s strategic priorities and APAC’s growing global influence. Despite its diversity, the region faces many common challenges, from tackling the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality to mitigating its vulnerability to climate change impacts,” says Chew.

The new leadership structure and regional strategy for Arup APAC will take effect from 1 April 2025.


Image: TC Chew as is Arup's new APAC Managing Director / supplied