AI is rapidly reshaping the way buildings are designed, constructed, and operated, creating new opportunities to improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience across the built environment sector. Against this backdrop, the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2026 will bring together global industry leaders, policymakers, developers, and technology innovators to explore how emerging technologies can drive the next phase of transformation across the built environment.

Anchored on the theme "Empowering People, Accelerating Intelligence", the event is spearheaded by BCA International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), in partnership with RX Singapore. IBEW Conference 2026 will focus on three priorities that businesses and governments worldwide are focused on: accelerating the adoption of AI and digital technologies, advancing environmental sustainability across the built environment lifecycle, and tackling the industry’s talent challenges.

"As our sector navigates rapid technological change and growing sustainability demands, IBEW 2026 is an essential platform for industry leaders to exchange insights and shape what comes next. By combining AI and digital tools with deep human expertise, we can drive the next bound of transformation towards a more collaborative, sustainable, and future-ready built environment," said Mr Heng Teck Thai, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at BCA, and Chair of the IBEW Steering Committee.

AI takes centre stage at IBEW Conference 2026 
A key focus of this year’s conference is how AI is being deployed across the built environment value chain—from design and engineering to construction, operations, and asset management. 

Through real-world case studies and perspectives from industry leaders, delegates will hear about how organisations are leveraging AI alongside broader digital, workforce, and sustainability strategies to transform workflows, enhance decision-making, improve resource efficiency, and prepare for the future of the built environment. During keynote presentations, executive dialogues, panel discussions, and thought leadership sessions, industry leaders will explore various topics, including: 

• How leading organisations are deploying generative AI across design, planning, and project delivery
• The growing role of AI-powered project management, predictive analytics, and risk mitigation
• The future of robotics and autonomous technologies for safer and more productive worksites
• Advancing digital twins and intelligent building operations
• Preparing the workforce for an increasingly AI-enabled built environment

IBEW Conference 2026 aims to move the conversation beyond experimentation and towards implementation, showcasing how AI can create measurable value for businesses and communities alike.

Prof. Phillip Bernstein, Deputy Dean and Professor in the Practice at Yale School of Architecture, said, "AI is fundamentally changing the way we conceive, design and deliver buildings. The greatest opportunity lies not simply in adopting new technologies, but in empowering people to use them effectively to create better outcomes for our industry and society."

IBEW Conference 2026 will also explore the broader priorities shaping the built environment, including modern methods of construction, resilient project delivery, green building and sustainable data centres, and the policies, partnerships, and workforce capabilities needed to accelerate industry transformation.

Global thought leaders to share perspectives on industry transformation 
This year’s conference will feature an international line-up of renowned industry leaders and experts at the forefront of shaping the future of the built environment, including: 

• Prof. Phillip Bernstein, Deputy Dean and Professor in the Practice, Yale School of Architecture 
• Er. Emily Tan, President, Association of Women in Construction Singapore
• Monica Kong, Managing Director, KONE Singapore 
• Chris Williamson, President, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) 

As the sector faces increasingly complex economic, environmental, and societal challenges, collaboration across disciplines and markets will be critical to delivering meaningful and lasting change.

Chris Williamson, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), said, "As part of International Built Environment Week, I’ll be discussing how AI can move beyond visualisation and generative design to reshape technical delivery and construction. This is where the real opportunity for our profession lies: in using AI not simply to work faster, but to work in ways that benefit the industry as a whole."

IBEW 2026 programme highlights
In addition to the IBEW Conference, delegates can participate in a range of co-located exhibitions, forums, and networking platforms designed to accelerate innovation, capability building, and international collaboration across the built environment sector. 

Curated learning journeys 

• Exclusive visits to landmark developments and innovation precincts across Singapore, showcasing sustainable design, advanced construction techniques, smart facilities management, and next-generation urban solutions. 
• Direct engagement with project teams, offering practical insights into the real-world implementation of built environment innovations. 

BEX Asia 2026 

• More than 200 local and international exhibiting brands showcasing the latest technologies, materials, and solutions for the built environment sector. 
• Special features include the new Build with AI and Co-botics showcases, demonstrating how AI and robotics are being applied across the built environment. 

BUILDSG Pavilion at BEX Asia 

• Showcasing initiatives across the building lifecycle driving Singapore’s built environment transformation, featuring real-world case studies and smart technologies that boost productivity. 

ConTech Exchange Pavilion (CTx) at BEX Asia 

• Live demonstrations of construction technologies (i.e. ConTech), such as generative AI-powered workflows, autonomous robotics, real-time safety technologies, and climate-positive, low-carbon materials. 
• Start-up pitch sessions and investor networking and matchmaking opportunities connecting innovators with developers, contractors, and investment partners. 

IBEW Industry & Awards Dinner 

• An anchor celebration recognising sector-wide excellence, honouring outstanding achievements in transformation and innovation, universal design, engineering safety, and quality performance. 

CORENET X Industry Seminar 

• Exploring emerging stakeholder needs and the latest developments in Singapore’s regulatory transformation. 
• Delegates will hear directly from early adopters who have completed their end-to-end CORENET X journey, and learn how leadership support in embracing innovative solutions has helped accelerate productivity in the digital ecosystem.

ConTech Summit (by invitation only) 

• A leading regional platform for thought leadership, knowledge exchange, and partnership-building in ConTech. 
• Featuring the inaugural Asia Pacific Pitch Day of the Construction Startup Competition (CSC), bringing together promising start-ups, investors, and industry leaders. 

BCAI International Business Forum (by invitation only)

• Organised exclusively for BCAI’s overseas partners, this forum showcases targeted Singapore construction methodologies and advanced technologies to foster strategic international partnerships and cross-border collaborations with the Singapore ecosystem. 

Event information 
IBEW 2026 will take place from 2–4 September 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. 

Conference tickets are now available. For more information on the conference programme, speaker line-up, and event activities, please visit the official IBEW website.