Busways charts a greener, smarter future

IN 2006, Sunny Chong founded Busways with a vision that was as personal as it was professional. “I started the company because of my passion for engineering and the exciting challenges it brings,” says Sunny, who is also the company’s Chairman. “I saw a significant need for a comprehensive, one-stop solution in the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) industry.”

Nearly two decades later, Busways has evolved into a forward-thinking infrastructure solutions provider, playing an active role in Singapore’s push towards smart, sustainable urban development. From its roots in M&E contracting, the company has expanded its capabilities to construction, digital innovation and clean energy infrastructure, carving out a role not just as a builder but as a catalyst for transformation.

“My goal is to offer a one-stop solution for the Mechanical and Electrical industries, solving problems, seizing opportunities and helping move the industry forward,” Sunny adds.

Since inception, Busways has been guided by core values that have shaped its approach to growth and partnerships: commitment to excellence, integrity and trust, a customer-centric focus, and resilience and grit. “Ultimately, we deliver what we promise,” says Sunny.

That reliability has earned Busways a reputation as a trusted player in Singapore’s infrastructure ecosystem. Since its founding, the company has delivered a diverse range of projects – from data centres and commercial buildings to mission-critical facilities for government agencies.

Positioning as a future-ready builder

Busways has kept pace with the evolution of Singapore’s infrastructure.

“By establishing the Build and Construct Division in 2024, Busways is positioning itself as a fully integrated, future-ready player in the built environment sector – ready to drive resilient, sustainable growth while fulfilling society’s evolving needs for quality infrastructure,” says Sunny.

Key to this strategy is aligning with national housing and infrastructure priorities. “Capitalising on opportunities from the Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme, Busways aims to be a quality builder that delivers resilient housing solutions to satisfy evolving buyer demand,” he adds.

With continual development in both residential and commercial infrastructure across Singapore, Busways intends to actively expand in these sectors. Equally important is its commitment to sustainability and digitalisation.

“Busways prioritises digital transformation and eco-friendly construction methods,” says Sunny. “This includes focused training and upskilling in sustainable construction management to meet regulatory standards and societal expectations.”

Transforming to clean energy

Busways’ most ambitious transformation is into clean energy infrastructure. “Busways is driving the future of clean energy infrastructure across the region with concrete, strategic initiatives,” says Sunny.

The company’s approach spans five fronts:

• Technology Enhancement: Upgrading M&E equipment in aging commercial buildings to meet Green Mark requirements, which improves energy efficiency, air quality and emissions monitoring.
• Pilot Projects: Testing integrated clean energy hubs in North Singapore, combining solar photovoltaics (PV), wind power and electric vehicle (EV) charging to create scalable green energy solutions.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with local energy firms, government agencies and global tech leaders to accelerate technology transfer and deployment.
• Workforce Upskilling: Through the Busways Global Academy (BGA), the company is preparing a skilled workforce ready to lead the regional green transition.
• Supply Chain Strengthening: Establishing logistics nodes and a warehouse to improve delivery speed, streamline deployment and ensure reliable after-sales support.

Integrated EV Hub as a milestone

With a focus on sustainability, one of the company’s landmark projects is its Integrated EV Charging Hub at 27 Senoko Way, aimed at achieving self-sustaining clean energy operations. “This is more than just a technology demonstration,” Sunny explains. “It signifies a strategic shift in our evolution from a traditional M&E contractor to a forward-thinking player in clean energy infrastructure.”

The hub integrates solar panels, wind turbines and a battery energy storage system. “Energy harvested from the solar panel and wind turbines is stored, after which, the energy is used to power the integrated hub as well as to power the EVs via chargers,” says Sunny.

At the core of this facility is Busways’ Energy Management System (EMS). “Our smart energy monitoring programme will instruct and give commands to how the electricity flows within the hub,” Sunny says. “Thus we can smartly manage our hub electricity usage towards a minimum dependency from our SP PowerGrid source.”

In addition to day-and-night harvesting capabilities due to wind power, Busways is exploring tidal energy applications. “As our hub is beside the coast, we are looking into the feasibility of the flow of seawater to convert water energy to electrical energy,” Sunny adds.

Investing in people and skills

People development is a core focus for the company. “At Busways, we believe in empowering people as the foundation for long-term, sustainable progress,” says Sunny.

Through its Busways Global Academy (BGA), located within the EV Charging Hub, the company offers technical and vocational training in both traditional and green competencies. “We go beyond internal training to actively support industry talent development and broader community building,” Sunny explains.

As a BCA-approved Alternative Entry Pathway (AEP) training provider for India and Myanmar, Busways trains migrant workers in key trades such as electrical wiring, busduct installation, and solar PV deployment.

“Empowering green growth with skills – the BGA Way,” says Sunny. “We don’t just train workers, we aim to shape tomorrow’s built environment by blending core trade skills with forward-looking competencies.”

Building digital resilience

Busways’ digital transformation efforts are also advancing rapidly.

Its key systems include:

• HR Infotech System that automates tracking of working hours and leave, ensuring accurate data and reducing manual errors.
• ERP System that enables seamless information sharing and process automation, helping streamline procurement, budgeting and project scheduling.
• Automated Storage System that is planned for future integration to reduce handling time and increase logistics efficiency.

Busways has also leveraged AI Thambi, a multilingual AI-powered assistant developed by BGA for site workers. “At Busways, where a large segment of the workforce comprises native Tamil speakers, language barriers can sometimes hinder workplace integration and confidence,” says Sunny. “AI Thambi bridges that divide by allowing workers to ask questions and receive personalised, curated responses in Tamil.”

“More than just a chatbot, AI Thambi is a symbol of inclusive innovation – always ready, always clear, and always in your corner,” he adds.

Regional ambitions and long-term vision

Looking ahead, Busways is preparing for regional expansion and a potential stockmarket listing. “We are looking into new markets such as Malaysia, entering through local partnerships and technology transfer frameworks,” says Sunny.

To support scale, the company is strengthening internal capabilities around governance, financial transparency and digital workflows. According to CEO Martin Toh, “Our value proposition enables a green economy connected future, aiding in driving growth, efficiency and environmental stewardship.”

By aligning its business model with sustainability goals, Busways aims to attract like-minded investors and partners. “Investors who share similar sustainability and green values would be more willing to invest and assist with our green initiatives,” Sunny adds.

Building for the nation and beyond

Since inception, Busways has made a tangible difference to Singapore’s infrastructure and sustainability landscape.

In November 2023, the Busways Shell Consortium won a tender by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to deploy 480 high-powered charging dispensers at Sengkang West and East Coast bus depots. The project is aligned with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and supports the increasing demand for electric buses.

Public sector projects and strategic partnerships have helped define the company’s journey. They include large-scale and smaller-scale M&E projects – from high-security government infrastructure to cutting-edge data centres and commercial developments.

“These collaborations have allowed us to deepen our technical capabilities, maintain high compliance standards and build a reputation for reliability and performance,” says Sunny. “Our long-standing partnership with (Swedish-Swiss multinational electrical engineering firm) ABB further reinforces our commitment to quality and innovation.”

A legacy in the making

From its humble beginnings to becoming a trusted partner in infrastructure, Busways has supported Singapore’s development by enabling connectivity, powering progress and delivering reliable engineering solutions that serve communities across the country.

“Being part of this journey means more than just delivering engineering solutions. It is about contributing to the foundation of the country’s progress,” says Sunny. “Our journey has mirrored Singapore’s – built on resilience, innovation and a shared commitment to excellence.”

With Singapore celebrating SG60 and continuing its development as a nation, Busways hopes to leave a lasting legacy.

“We hope Busways will be remembered not just as a builder of M&E services infrastructure, but as a catalyst for sustainable transformation in Singapore,” says Sunny. “As Singapore advances towards its net-zero goals, we envision Busways as a forward-thinking partner that creates long-term impact.”

Significant milestones

2006 Busways Engineering Services Pte Ltd was founded, specialising in busduct installation.

2016 Renamed to Busways Pte Ltd, diversified into full-fledged M&E Services.

2021 Upgraded and relocated from 131 Woodlands Industrial Park E5 to 20 Woodlands Industrial Park E1.

2022 Attained Grade L6 for BCA Registered Contractor – ME05 Electrical Engineering. - GB2 – General Builder Class 2 - B’EV (EV Charging Solution Division) was established - H.T Switchgear Specialist Division was established

2023 Attained Grade L3 for ME01 – Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration & Ventilation Works.

2024 Attained Grade L3 for ME06 – Fire Prevention & Protection System. - Awarded the Enterprise 50 Award - Build & Construct Division was established - BGA was established

2025 Busways Group Grand Opening at 27 Senoko Way. - Official launch of EV Charging Hub - Attaining L6 for ME15 – Integrated Building Services