The upcoming International Built Environment Week (IBEW) and BEX Asia, taking place from 2 to 4 September 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, are set to be a major gathering for the industry.

IBEW 2026

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 (BE) sector. Against this backdrop, IBEW 2026 will bring together global industry leaders, policymakers, developers and technology innovators to explore how emerging technologies can drive the next phase of industry transformation.

Themed ‘Empowering People, Accelerating Intelligence’, the event is spearheaded by BCA International (BCAI), 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: accelerating the adoption of AI and digital technologies, advancing environmental sustainability across the BE 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 Heng Teck Thai, deputy CEO at BCA and chair of the IBEW steering committee.

AI takes centre stage

A key focus of this year’s conference is how AI is being deployed throughout the BE value chain – from design and engineering to construction, operations and asset management.

With real-world case studies and perspectives from industry leaders, delegates will hear 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 BE sector. Through keynote presentations, executive dialogues, panel discussions and thought leadership sessions, industry leaders will address 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 towards implementation, showcasing how AI can create measurable value for businesses and communities alike.

While AI provides a key lens for the conference, it will also look at the broader priorities shaping the industry, such as modern methods of construction, resilient project delivery, green building and sustainable data centres, as well as the policies, partnerships and workforce capabilities needed to accelerate transformation.

In addition, the conference will feature an international line-up of industry leaders and experts, 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; and Chris Williamson, president, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

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

Programme highlights

Alongside 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.

A). 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 BE innovations.

B). BEX Asia

More than 200 local and international exhibiting brands will display the latest technologies, materials and solutions for the BE sector. The BuildSG Pavilion will showcase initiatives spanning the building lifecycle that are driving Singapore’s BE transformation, featuring real-world case studies and smart technologies that boost productivity.

The ConTech Exchange (CTx) Pavilion will have live demonstrations of construction technologies, such as generative AI-powered workflows, autonomous robotics, real-time safety technologies and climate-positive, low-carbon materials. It will also host start-up pitch sessions, as well as investor networking and matchmaking opportunities that connect innovators with developers, contractors and investment partners.

C). IBEW Industry and Awards Dinner

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

D). Corenet X 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 for embracing innovative solutions has helped accelerate productivity in digital ecosystem.

E). 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), which brings together promising start-ups, investors and industry leaders.

F). BCAI International Business Forum (by invitation only)

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

BEX Asia 2026

As the anchor exhibition of IBEW 2026, this year’s BEX Asia draws more than 200 exhibiting brands, with approximately 60% showcasing AI-related products and solutions, while about 25% will be introducing new products.

New for 2026, the Build with AI Pavilion and Build with Robotics Demo Zone will highlight how the industry is translating emerging technologies into practical applications. Visitors can experience:

• Immersive 3D virtual environments for planning, inspections and facilities management.

• AI-powered video analytics that enhance site safety by detecting unsafe behaviours and sending real-time alerts.

• Connected construction platforms that track workers, equipment and project progress.

• Digital tools that help businesses measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions.

Live robotics demonstrations will further illustrate how automation is improving productivity, safety and efficiency in construction and building operations.

International exhibitors come from Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the US, creating new opportunities for business collaboration and knowledge exchange. The exhibition will also feature dedicated pavilions comprising Ontario, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Solutions from China.

Building knowledge and connections

Beyond the exhibition floor, BEX Asia 2026 offers a comprehensive learning programme designed to help BE professionals turn ideas into practical solutions.

Visitors can attend more than 18 masterclasses and seminars, exploring topics ranging from AI and digitalisation to sustainability and emerging construction technologies. The Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) seminar will also present a series of technical sessions, giving attendees the opportunity to deepen their knowledge while earning continuing professional development (CPD) points.

Other programme highlights include ‘Future of Robotics for the Built Environment,’ which explores the growing role of robotics in construction and facilities management, alongside ‘Build with the Philippines: A Forum on Partnership Opportunities with Singapore’ and ‘Nexus: Bridging Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Design Innovation,’ offering fresh perspectives on regional collaboration, AI and sustainable design. Curated business matchmaking and networking sessions will also provide additional opportunities for visitors to connect with solution providers and build new industry partnerships.