For Surbana Jurong (SJ Group), growth has never been just about size—it is about shaping impact at scale. The group’s story is one of profound evolution, transitioning from being the architects of a nation’s foundational infrastructure to one of the world’s most influential consultancies in the built environment. Today, as the group navigates a changing global landscape, it remains anchored by a simple, powerful conviction: Real impact, made together.
From Foundations to a Global Future
The journey began in the 1960s with two pivotal agencies that served as the primary builders of modern Singapore. Surbana International, born from the Housing and Development Board’s (HDB) construction division, was responsible for designing over a million flats that defined the concept of “home” for a nation. Parallel to this, Jurong International emerged from Jurong Town Corporation’s (JTC) technical services, acting as a pioneer in industrial estate development. Together, these divisions planned 60 industrial parks and 27 new towns, creating a blueprint for urban success that would eventually be exported worldwide.
This legacy of purposeful development runs through the group’s global operations today. As Group CEO Sean Chiao, FAIA, reflects on this heritage, “The journey began with a mission to build a nation. Today, that same spirit of service drives the group to solve global challenges. They aren’t just designing structures; they are designing the backdrop of human life.”
Under Chiao’s guidance, the group is focused on driving sustainable growth and ensuring that every project upholds the highest standards of integrity, focused on creating lasting value for both clients and communities.
A Decade of Strategic Expansion
Over the past decade, Surbana Jurong has transformed into one of the largest Asia-based global consultancies in urban, industrial, and infrastructure development. This expansion has been powered by a deliberate mix of organic growth and strategic acquisitions—each selected not just for technical capability, but for alignment with the group’s values and culture. Every new partnership brings fresh talent, extends reach, and sharpens a technical edge.
The milestones of this evolution are marked by significant moments of integration. In June 2015, Surbana Jurong was officially formed through the merger of Surbana and Jurong International, bolstered by the acquisition of KTP Consultants. By 2016, the group expanded its global reach by acquiring SMEC Holdings—whose roots lie in the iconic Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme—and AETOS Holdings, which brought sophisticated security and advisory capabilities to the portfolio.
On the philosophy of this growth, Sean Chiao notes, “Expansion is never an end in itself. Specialist teams are assembled and innovative approaches created because of the belief that when diverse talents are combined, the collective legacy becomes far greater than individual pasts.”
Diversifying Expertise and Global Reach
The momentum continued as the group sought to master every layer of the built environment. In 2017, the addition of the Robert Bird Group strengthened high-end urban development capabilities. This was followed in 2018 by the integration of three iconic brands: Toronto-headquartered B+H Architects, CHIL Interior Design, and the leading Singapore-based SAA Architects. These acquisitions allowed the group to weave character into skylines, blending bold, regenerative design with the pulse of the community.
As global priorities shifted toward resilience, the group acquired Prostruct Consulting and Atelier Ten. Established in London, Atelier Ten is a global thought leader in environmental design, ensuring that sustainability is embedded into the organization’s DNA. Today, these diverse expertise areas are linked through “Worldviews,” a framework used to solve pressing challenges, shape better outcomes, and create new possibilities for growth.
SJ Group Today: A Next-Generation Business
In 2024, 16,000 multi-disciplinary professionals united under a single banner: SJ Group. Operating from 111 offices across 46 countries, the firm delivers global expertise with local precision. The group’s impact is reflected in its standing as the #24 International Design Firm (ENR 2025) and #17 on the World Architecture 100 2025 list. With an annual group revenue of $2.2 billion, SJ Group possesses the scale and intelligence to tackle the greatest challenges of the future.
The group’s four business lines—Programme Management, Infrastructure + Energy, Buildings + Cities, and Integrated Solutions—work in tandem to build digital intelligence into everyday life. Whether leading the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong or designing the Google headquarters at King’s Cross in London, the group is committed to unlocking excellence. From 5G Integrated Command Centres to high-speed rail, the work ensures that infrastructure serves both people and the economy.
Creating a Future Legacy
As SJ Group looks toward the next 75 years, it remains dedicated to a “Future Legacy.” The vision is of a world where imagination is not limited, and where trade, travel, and technology depend on seamless global connectivity. By building the networks of tomorrow, the group connects people to opportunities and goods to markets, unlocking the potential of entire regions.
Sean Chiao sums up the vision for the future: “There is a world where greater liveability, equity, and progress can coexist for all. SJ Group is committed to making that reality—one project, one community, and one lasting impact at a time.”
From its roots in Singapore’s earliest townships to a growing global network, the firm continues to evolve with people and the planet at the center of its work. SJ Group is not just building infrastructure; it is designing a reality where the future is a legacy worth inheriting.