Academic Profile : Faculty
Assoc Prof Tan Soon Keat
Emeritus Associate Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Overview
Dr Tan Soon Keat is currently an Emeritus Associate Professor with the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Dr Tan retired in 2023 after spending close to 4 decades in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Currently Dr Tan acts as a Civil and Environmental Engineering consultant, conducts training and executive workshops for senior officers and professional engineers in hydraulics, water resources engineering and coastal engineering, and delivering seminars on his specialised fields.
At the national level, Dr Tan had served as a member of the surface water drainage design review panel for the then Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Singapore, and a resource specialist in the panel of the Government Parliamentary Committee MND/MEWR/NEA for Singapore. Dr Tan's interests include the application of geographical information system (GIS) in water resources, physical modelling and numerical simulation for hydraulics, hydrodynamics, coastal engineering applications, climate change and sustainable developments.
His recent works include hydrodynamic consideration of mega underwater structures, application of wetland technologies in the removal of pharmaceutical products from waste-water and impact of climate change on urban development, drainage ancillary, assets, and critical infrastructures. Dr Tan’s current projects are related to the impact of climate change, water resources, hydraulics, and coastal engineering applications.
Professional Qualifications
PhD, Engineering, 1984; MEng, Civil Engineering, 1981; BEng, Civil Engineering, 1979 [University of Auckland, New Zealand]
Life Member (Fellow) Institution of Engineers Singapore (19950075); Professional Engineer (PE, Singapore, 3129)
Academic Appointments
2024 – present Part-time Lecturer in NTU
1984 – 2023 (retired) Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological University
1 April 2001 – March 2018 Director, Maritime Research Centre, NTU
1 October 2007 – June 2010 Co-Director, DHI-NTU Centre, NTU
1 July 2010 – March 2016 Deputy Executive Director – NEWRI, NTU
1 October 2013 – March 2016 Director, NEWRITECH, NEWRI, NTU
18 January 2016 – December 2018 Co-Director, NTU-Hyundai Urban System Centre
Other Engagements
2015 – 2024 Chairman, TAWAZHOTA Consultants Pte Ltd
2014 – 2023 Chairman, NE4TECHNOLOGY Pte Ltd
Selected Project Experience
Thermal Distribution in Jurong Waters – various projects
Dr Tan had conducted physical and numerical studies on temperature distribution in the coastal waters and discharge channels for industrial cooling water. Clients include petroleum refineries such as PCS, SRC and Shell Eastern; power plants in Tuas and Pulau Seraya, Singapore. The findings of the study were used to site the intake and outlet, the dimension and orientation of the intake and outlet structures.
Dispersion and Diffusion of Thermal and Saline discharge – Hyflux (Singspring and Tuas Spring)
Dr Tan had conducted numerical model studies for the dispersion of brine discharge from the desalination plants. In particular, Dr Tan also investigated the performance of the outfall design: diffuser and outfall, discharge port, dimension and orientation, jet speed, mixing profile and dilution ratio.
Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS)
Dr Tan had performed the physical model study of the outfall for DTSS MWH (Singapore) for the evaluation of the hydraulic performance, dilution characteristics in cross-flow, and performance of the diffuser/discharge port. Physical and numerical modelling of vortex drop structures, air jumper and air entrainment.
Land Reclamation, Breakwater, Rock Bunds/Revetments, Shoreline, Beaches, and Coastal Protection (JTC, HDB, URA, SDC, MPA)
Dr Tan had conducted physical and numerical model study for breakwater design, land reclamation profiles, coastal protection measures, including crenulate shape beaches and semi-detached breakwaters. Assessment of revetments and rip-rap protection works. Mega-port development.
Water Infrastructure Development; Backwater Analysis – Catchment Drainage Design, Reservoir Analysis – various projects
Dr Tan had conducted various backwater analysis (steady-state and dynamic flow analysis) related to upgrading of stormwater channels, new developments and increased flow capacity; cooling water discharge, coastal outlets, diffuser and outfall; bank protection; assessment of catchment runoff; operation of reservoirs; environmental impact assessment work, climate change assessment, adaptation, and mitigation.
Pumping Station, Pipe Network and Pressure Transient/Surge Analysis/Vertical Vortex Drop/Plant Hydraulics/Process-Reactors
The involvement included water supply, pumping mains; NEWater network; sewer network, surge analysis, physical and CFD sump/flow modelling; 3-D CFD modelling of contact channels / mixing tanks / vortex drop. Plant hydraulics in desalination plants.
Feasibility study / Environmental Impact Assessment/Impact of Climate Change
The involvement included hydraulics and aqua system; surface and subsurface flow, drainage ancillary, increased rainfall and runoff due to climate change, naturalisation of channels, port, harbour, land reclamation and coastal developments; environmental impact assessment work, climate change assessment, adaptation, and mitigation.
Public Services
Expert Panel on “Enhancing Flood Protection in Singapore” for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Singapore (2011-2013)
Resource person for Government Parliamentary Committee MND/MEWR Resource Panel for Singapore (2013 – 2020)
Panel member, HDB Civil & Structural Engineering (CSE) Advisory Panel (2016 – 2018)
Dr Tan Soon Keat is currently an Emeritus Associate Professor with the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Dr Tan retired in 2023 after spending close to 4 decades in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Currently Dr Tan acts as a Civil and Environmental Engineering consultant, conducts training and executive workshops for senior officers and professional engineers in hydraulics, water resources engineering and coastal engineering, and delivering seminars on his specialised fields.
At the national level, Dr Tan had served as a member of the surface water drainage design review panel for the then Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Singapore, and a resource specialist in the panel of the Government Parliamentary Committee MND/MEWR/NEA for Singapore. Dr Tan's interests include the application of geographical information system (GIS) in water resources, physical modelling and numerical simulation for hydraulics, hydrodynamics, coastal engineering applications, climate change and sustainable developments.
His recent works include hydrodynamic consideration of mega underwater structures, application of wetland technologies in the removal of pharmaceutical products from waste-water and impact of climate change on urban development, drainage ancillary, assets, and critical infrastructures. Dr Tan’s current projects are related to the impact of climate change, water resources, hydraulics, and coastal engineering applications.
Professional Qualifications
PhD, Engineering, 1984; MEng, Civil Engineering, 1981; BEng, Civil Engineering, 1979 [University of Auckland, New Zealand]
Life Member (Fellow) Institution of Engineers Singapore (19950075); Professional Engineer (PE, Singapore, 3129)
Academic Appointments
2024 – present Part-time Lecturer in NTU
1984 – 2023 (retired) Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological University
1 April 2001 – March 2018 Director, Maritime Research Centre, NTU
1 October 2007 – June 2010 Co-Director, DHI-NTU Centre, NTU
1 July 2010 – March 2016 Deputy Executive Director – NEWRI, NTU
1 October 2013 – March 2016 Director, NEWRITECH, NEWRI, NTU
18 January 2016 – December 2018 Co-Director, NTU-Hyundai Urban System Centre
Other Engagements
2015 – 2024 Chairman, TAWAZHOTA Consultants Pte Ltd
2014 – 2023 Chairman, NE4TECHNOLOGY Pte Ltd
Selected Project Experience
Thermal Distribution in Jurong Waters – various projects
Dr Tan had conducted physical and numerical studies on temperature distribution in the coastal waters and discharge channels for industrial cooling water. Clients include petroleum refineries such as PCS, SRC and Shell Eastern; power plants in Tuas and Pulau Seraya, Singapore. The findings of the study were used to site the intake and outlet, the dimension and orientation of the intake and outlet structures.
Dispersion and Diffusion of Thermal and Saline discharge – Hyflux (Singspring and Tuas Spring)
Dr Tan had conducted numerical model studies for the dispersion of brine discharge from the desalination plants. In particular, Dr Tan also investigated the performance of the outfall design: diffuser and outfall, discharge port, dimension and orientation, jet speed, mixing profile and dilution ratio.
Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS)
Dr Tan had performed the physical model study of the outfall for DTSS MWH (Singapore) for the evaluation of the hydraulic performance, dilution characteristics in cross-flow, and performance of the diffuser/discharge port. Physical and numerical modelling of vortex drop structures, air jumper and air entrainment.
Land Reclamation, Breakwater, Rock Bunds/Revetments, Shoreline, Beaches, and Coastal Protection (JTC, HDB, URA, SDC, MPA)
Dr Tan had conducted physical and numerical model study for breakwater design, land reclamation profiles, coastal protection measures, including crenulate shape beaches and semi-detached breakwaters. Assessment of revetments and rip-rap protection works. Mega-port development.
Water Infrastructure Development; Backwater Analysis – Catchment Drainage Design, Reservoir Analysis – various projects
Dr Tan had conducted various backwater analysis (steady-state and dynamic flow analysis) related to upgrading of stormwater channels, new developments and increased flow capacity; cooling water discharge, coastal outlets, diffuser and outfall; bank protection; assessment of catchment runoff; operation of reservoirs; environmental impact assessment work, climate change assessment, adaptation, and mitigation.
Pumping Station, Pipe Network and Pressure Transient/Surge Analysis/Vertical Vortex Drop/Plant Hydraulics/Process-Reactors
The involvement included water supply, pumping mains; NEWater network; sewer network, surge analysis, physical and CFD sump/flow modelling; 3-D CFD modelling of contact channels / mixing tanks / vortex drop. Plant hydraulics in desalination plants.
Feasibility study / Environmental Impact Assessment/Impact of Climate Change
The involvement included hydraulics and aqua system; surface and subsurface flow, drainage ancillary, increased rainfall and runoff due to climate change, naturalisation of channels, port, harbour, land reclamation and coastal developments; environmental impact assessment work, climate change assessment, adaptation, and mitigation.
Public Services
Expert Panel on “Enhancing Flood Protection in Singapore” for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Singapore (2011-2013)
Resource person for Government Parliamentary Committee MND/MEWR Resource Panel for Singapore (2013 – 2020)
Panel member, HDB Civil & Structural Engineering (CSE) Advisory Panel (2016 – 2018)
Selected Research Projects
As Principal Investigator:
Pilot Field Trial on the Application of Soft Material for Reclamation Fill Using Menard Vacuum Consolidation (2013-2016). JTC, Singapore (SGD 450k)
Underwater Infrastructure and Underwater City of the Future (2010-2015) National Research Foundation, Singapore (SGD 10 M)
Concept Study on Co-Location of Underground Utilities (2012-2013) MND, Singapore (SGD 450k)
Atmospheric Brown Cloud – Water Impact Study (2007-2008) UNEP-AP (SGD 229590)
Sand Accretion Study – implementation/monitoring (2005-2010) JTC, Singapore (SGD1.6 M)
Sand Accretion Study (2003-2005) NSTB, Singapore (SGD 1M)
As Collaborator:
Consultancy Services for Water Use Efficiency Study in Electronics Sector (2013-2015) PUB, Singapore
Sustainable Urban Waste Management for 2020: Communities As Renewable Resource Recovery Centres (2010-2015), National Research Foundation, Singapore
Water and Energy in The Urban Water Cycle-improving Energy Efficiency in Municipal Wastewater Treatment (2009-2010), PUB Singapore.
Research Centres
1. Maritime Resarch Centre [Funded by Maritime and Port Authorities of Singapore]
Role: Founding and first director (2001-2018)
Key deliverable: conduct research projects on matitime technology, environment, logistics, and maritime management
established BSc and MSc degree courses on Maritime Studies in NTU
establish Maritime Professorship in NTU
2. DHI-NTU Centre [Funded by Economic Development Board, Singapore]
Role: Founding Co-Director (2007-2010)
Key deliverable: conduct research project jointly with DHI (Environment) and NTU on water-energy related projects
3. Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute [funded by NTU and EDB, Singapore]
Role: Deputy Executive Director (2010-2016)
Key deliverable: industrial outreach and commercialisation of IP
establish NEWRITECH as founding director
4. NTU-Hyundai Urban System Centre [Funded by Hyundai and EDB, Singapore]
Role: Founding Co-Director (2016-2018)
Key deliverable: industrial outreach and conduct joint industrial projects
As Principal Investigator:
Pilot Field Trial on the Application of Soft Material for Reclamation Fill Using Menard Vacuum Consolidation (2013-2016). JTC, Singapore (SGD 450k)
Underwater Infrastructure and Underwater City of the Future (2010-2015) National Research Foundation, Singapore (SGD 10 M)
Concept Study on Co-Location of Underground Utilities (2012-2013) MND, Singapore (SGD 450k)
Atmospheric Brown Cloud – Water Impact Study (2007-2008) UNEP-AP (SGD 229590)
Sand Accretion Study – implementation/monitoring (2005-2010) JTC, Singapore (SGD1.6 M)
Sand Accretion Study (2003-2005) NSTB, Singapore (SGD 1M)
As Collaborator:
Consultancy Services for Water Use Efficiency Study in Electronics Sector (2013-2015) PUB, Singapore
Sustainable Urban Waste Management for 2020: Communities As Renewable Resource Recovery Centres (2010-2015), National Research Foundation, Singapore
Water and Energy in The Urban Water Cycle-improving Energy Efficiency in Municipal Wastewater Treatment (2009-2010), PUB Singapore.
Research Centres
1. Maritime Resarch Centre [Funded by Maritime and Port Authorities of Singapore]
Role: Founding and first director (2001-2018)
Key deliverable: conduct research projects on matitime technology, environment, logistics, and maritime management
established BSc and MSc degree courses on Maritime Studies in NTU
establish Maritime Professorship in NTU
2. DHI-NTU Centre [Funded by Economic Development Board, Singapore]
Role: Founding Co-Director (2007-2010)
Key deliverable: conduct research project jointly with DHI (Environment) and NTU on water-energy related projects
3. Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute [funded by NTU and EDB, Singapore]
Role: Deputy Executive Director (2010-2016)
Key deliverable: industrial outreach and commercialisation of IP
establish NEWRITECH as founding director
4. NTU-Hyundai Urban System Centre [Funded by Hyundai and EDB, Singapore]
Role: Founding Co-Director (2016-2018)
Key deliverable: industrial outreach and conduct joint industrial projects
Courses Taught
Professional Training / Executive Courses
“Design of Coastal Structures – Part I” an 18-hr short course conducted for IES,Singapore May – June 2003.
“Hydrology and River Basin Modelling” for JTC, 2003.
“Water Resources Management and Design of Hydraulic Facilities” a short course conducted for JTC Corp, 2005.
“Water Quality Modelling”, a short course conducted for Water Resources University, Hanoi, Vietnam, 2006.
“An introduction to coastal engineering” an executive training course conducted for HDB 2008.
“Design of reclamation projects” an executive short course conducted for HDB, 2009 & 2010.
“Integrated Water Resources and Environment Management Policy in Water Scarce Regions” on behalf of NTU-CCE / MFA / JICA, 2010.
“An introduction to coastal engineering” an executive training course conducted for HSL.
“Introductory Course on Coastal Engineering – Analysis, Design and Application” Nov and Dec 2011 for BCA, Singapore.
“Reclamation of Beaches and Beach Nourishment” Feb 2012 for HDB, Singapore.
“A Refresher Course on Drainage Design” May 2012 for HDB, Singapore.
“Basic and Advanced Hydraulic Training Course” In-house training course for PUB, Singapore, 2013 and 2014.
“Hydrology and Hydraulics Workshop for the Mekong River Commission” under the Singapore-US Third Country Training Programme; 20 to 24 August 2012 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on behalf of NTU-CCE / MFA, Singapore.
“Water Resources and Water Management and Offshore Development” continuing education and enrichment workshops on behalf of PACE, NTU. 2015.
“Water Management and Master Planning – Singapore Experience”. An enrichment for Beijing Normal University, 2018.
“Sustainable Urban City Development – creation of new space underwater”. An enrichment course for Zhejiang University, Zhengzhou University, North China University, 2019, 2024.
“Coastal and Offshore Engineering and Water Management”. An enrichment course for China Universities on Behalf of PACE, NTU, 2020-2024.
“Coastal Engineering Application: Wave Hind-casting and Wave Propagation in Shallow Water” Executive workshop co-organised by CUS, NTU and Surbana Jurong International. July, 2024.
“Design of Coastal Structures – Part I” an 18-hr short course conducted for IES,Singapore May – June 2003.
“Hydrology and River Basin Modelling” for JTC, 2003.
“Water Resources Management and Design of Hydraulic Facilities” a short course conducted for JTC Corp, 2005.
“Water Quality Modelling”, a short course conducted for Water Resources University, Hanoi, Vietnam, 2006.
“An introduction to coastal engineering” an executive training course conducted for HDB 2008.
“Design of reclamation projects” an executive short course conducted for HDB, 2009 & 2010.
“Integrated Water Resources and Environment Management Policy in Water Scarce Regions” on behalf of NTU-CCE / MFA / JICA, 2010.
“An introduction to coastal engineering” an executive training course conducted for HSL.
“Introductory Course on Coastal Engineering – Analysis, Design and Application” Nov and Dec 2011 for BCA, Singapore.
“Reclamation of Beaches and Beach Nourishment” Feb 2012 for HDB, Singapore.
“A Refresher Course on Drainage Design” May 2012 for HDB, Singapore.
“Basic and Advanced Hydraulic Training Course” In-house training course for PUB, Singapore, 2013 and 2014.
“Hydrology and Hydraulics Workshop for the Mekong River Commission” under the Singapore-US Third Country Training Programme; 20 to 24 August 2012 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on behalf of NTU-CCE / MFA, Singapore.
“Water Resources and Water Management and Offshore Development” continuing education and enrichment workshops on behalf of PACE, NTU. 2015.
“Water Management and Master Planning – Singapore Experience”. An enrichment for Beijing Normal University, 2018.
“Sustainable Urban City Development – creation of new space underwater”. An enrichment course for Zhejiang University, Zhengzhou University, North China University, 2019, 2024.
“Coastal and Offshore Engineering and Water Management”. An enrichment course for China Universities on Behalf of PACE, NTU, 2020-2024.
“Coastal Engineering Application: Wave Hind-casting and Wave Propagation in Shallow Water” Executive workshop co-organised by CUS, NTU and Surbana Jurong International. July, 2024.
Supervision of PhD Students
Graduated 13 PhD students, 8 Master Students (Research); 200+ Master of Science (Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering).
Supervised and mentored 22 post-doctoral fellows.
PhD thesis examination for University of Western Australia, Queensland University of Technology, National University of Singapore Water Resources University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Supervised and mentored 22 post-doctoral fellows.
PhD thesis examination for University of Western Australia, Queensland University of Technology, National University of Singapore Water Resources University, Hanoi, Vietnam.