Arup appoints new Southeast Asia Rail Leader

Specialising in leading large multidisciplinary infrastructure projects, Charles has led consultant and contractor teams across different phases of infrastructure projects from feasibility studies, preliminary and detailed designs to construction phase. 

He has over 25 years of experience throughout Asia Pacific and the Middle East with an impressive portfolio of rail works including Singapore’s Downtown Line 3a, Downtown Line 2 extension, Circle Line 6, multiple Design & Build contracts under the Jurong Region Line, Thomson Line and Cross Island Line; Malaysia’s Klang Valley MRT Lines 2 & 3, and Rapid Transit Link in Johor; Jakarta’s MRT Phase 2, and establishment of Railway Protection Guideline; Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 2 and Hong Kong’s East Tsim Sha Tsui Station & Tunnels. 

He also delivered a range of complex projects and pursuits including Singapore’s Changi Airport Inter-Terminal Tunnel and Underground Space Benchmarking Study; the Al Raha Beach Development and Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi; the Nam Wan Tunnel & West Tsing Yi Viaduct and Funicular Tunnel of Ocean Park Master Redevelopment in Hong Kong. 

Charles rejoined Arup earlier this year after his role as Vice President, Transportation Business Leader, for AECOM in Singapore supporting the growth of the multidisciplinary services offering in their Rail & Transit Sector across Southeast Asia. He has a strong background in construction engineering particularly in deep foundation and substructure works, having worked for Gammon Construction in Hong Kong for five years. 

“With the urgent need for the world to address decarbonisation and climate change challenges, there are significant opportunities for embedding sustainability in the transport industry. With Charles also leading the Energy, Water and Resources team in Singapore, he will be able to easily draw on Arup’s network of sustainability experts to address our client’s ambitions and improve the long-term value of their rail assets,” said TC Chew, Global Rail Leader. 

“My focus will be helping our clients to develop synergies across all disciplines to provide comprehensive solutions that addresses today's transport challenges in both developed and developing countries. I see increasing opportunities for infrastructure modernisation and sustainability in the rail and transport sector, and how Arup is well placed to help our clients make a change,” said Charles Im, Southeast Asia Rail Business Leader.