IIW2023 Circular 2

WELCOME MESSAGE After a short span of 14 years, Singapore Welding Society (SWS) again has the great honour and privilege to organise the 76th IIW Annual Assembly and International Conference on Welding and Joining in our beautiful city state Singapore. On behalf of IIW and SWS, I would like to extend our warmest welcome to invite you to Singapore for the most important IIW event at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre during 16-21 July 2023. Singapore is a dynamic city state rich in contrast and colour where you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. A bridge between the East and the West for centuries and located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore continues to embrace tradition and modernity today. Brimming with energy and bustling with exciting events, the city offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered. Welding and joining play an important role in various industries. Manufacturing has been the engine of Singapore’s economy since the country’s independence in 1965. Today, it accounts for around 20% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Over the years, Singapore has built a diverse base of industries, occupying leadership positions in the aerospace, semiconductor, chemicals, and biomedical sciences sectors. Singapore’s world class manufacturing ecosystem makes it one of the best places globally for manufacturers to design and execute their global manufacturing strategies. Some of the impressive achievements include: • 60% of the world’s micro arrays and one third of the world’s thermal cyclers and mass spectrometers • 20% world market share for ship repair • 10% of the global aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) output • World’s 5th largest producer of refined oil, and ranks among the top 10 globally in terms of chemicals exports by volume Singapore is truly a city like no other. Most of the event venues used during 76th IIW Annual Assembly were not even built when we organised the 62nd IIW Annual Assembly 14 years ago. Therefore, you will have a very new and fascinating experience for this event. With Singapore’s friendly and welcoming people, state of the art infrastructure and something new happening daily, your stay will be memorable. Once again, we are looking forward to welcoming you to Singapore in July 2023. • 70% world market share in jack up rigs

Dr Zheng SUN Chairman of Organising Committee