Against the backdrop of Singapore’s rapid development in engineering and technology, policymakers recognized the need for an independent institution capable of providing expert engineering and scientific advice to support long-term national planning in industrial upgrading and technological strategy. In response to this growing demand, the Academy of Engineering Sciences, Singapore (AESS) was envisioned as an authoritative platform to deliver technical analysis and policy guidance for the government and society.

The establishment of AESS was led by Nobel Laureate Sir Konstantin Novoselov, Director of the Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials at the National University of Singapore. Together with experts from materials science, artificial intelligence, advanced engineering, energy systems, and related fields, he developed the Academy’s initial charter, governance structure, and operational framework, defining AESS as a “decision-oriented engineering science academy.”

AESS was registered as a non-profit organization to ensure impartiality and professional independence, while maintaining close collaboration with major universities, research institutes, and the broader engineering community in Singapore. Its advisory work spans technology assessment, engineering policy recommendations, and strategic studies, offering essential support for national engineering decision-making.