Delivering Asia's mega transportation projects: New approach, new resilience

Markets

Transportation

Water

Kelvin Cheng

Managing Director, Transportation & Water, Asia, Hong Kong SAR, China contact form+852 2972 1000

Transportation is more than mobility – it is the backbone of connectivity, economic growth and community resilience. Beyond engineering efficiency, it shapes how people move, connect, and live. For me, technical leadership means guiding how transportation systems are conceived and delivered – turning innovation into real-world impact.

The results are immediate: smoother journeys, better accessibility, and safer streets. But the true measure is long-term: stronger economies, more resilient communities, and infrastructure that continues to create value for decades. That's why technical leadership matters now more than ever. Climate change, shifting market ambitions, and the need for cross-border collaboration demand that we move beyond traditional delivery and embrace new ways of thinking.

Solving complex transportation challenges across Asia

Delivering major infrastructure in Asia is never straightforward. The environments we work in are among the most demanding anywhere in the world, with projects often facing intense financial pressure and logistical complexity. That's why success depends on a holistic approach.

My team balances deep technical expertise with strategic planning and community engagement – underpinned by a deep understanding of local ordinances, environmental regulations, and land-use policies. Meeting regulatory requirements is essential, but our goal goes beyond compliance: we aim to build infrastructure that is sustainable, resilient and built to last.

Because resilience is just as important as delivery, we adopt nature-based solutions – such as flood-adaptive landscapes and biodiversity corridors – to strengthen climate resilience whilst enhancing environmental outcomes, especially in rural developments.

And because many of these projects span borders, cross-border integration is now as critical as funding and standards. In this space, AtkinsRéalis operates as a true one-stop powerhouse – blending agility with seamless delivery. This enables us to challenge the status quo and bring forward technologies and ideas that respond directly to shifting climates, evolving economies, and client needs.

New funding models and standards shaping transport

In response to evolving market demands, we're actively exploring diverse models – PPP, DBO, DBFO, and more – for macro-scale infrastructure projects. We're also strengthening cost control in challenging market conditions, combining local knowledge with global expertise to help shape new standards for project delivery.

By integrating the strengths of both international and Chinese codes, we can reduce construction and operational costs without compromising quality. That's a vital priority to support the long-term performance of aging infrastructure and meet the new requirements of Hong Kong's Protection of Critical Infrastructure Bill.

Together, these approaches reflect our commitment to transforming the world's infrastructure – connecting people, data, and technology to deliver smarter, more resilient outcomes.

Why cybersecurity matters for transportation infrastructure

Digital asset management and cybersecurity are now central to the future of transportation. They're essential to ensure infrastructure operates safely and efficiently throughout its lifecycle.
Drawing on our global experience, we bring proven approaches in asset intelligence and cyber resilience to Asia – creating smarter, safer systems that give operators confidence and passengers peace of mind.

Collaborating for the future of transportation in Asia

What I've learned is that even the most advanced technologies rely on people working well together. On Asia's mega projects, coordination across disciplines and resolving design conflicts is what makes delivery possible. The design reconciliation process has shown me time and again that collective effort is just as important as technical expertise.

Looking ahead, innovations like Hyperloop are coming into focus. The prospect of intercity travel at airline speeds – with train-like convenience and the ability to move goods quickly over long distances – will transform how we think about transportation in Asia. In this region, population scale and connectivity demands are unlike anywhere else.

Delivering this kind of innovation takes sustained effort from engineers, architects, and professionals across planning, design, and construction management. It's a collective commitment that turns vision into operation – and it's how we'll continue to deliver the mega projects Asia needs for a better future.

Engineering safer, smarter connections across Asia

At AtkinsRéalis, we're delivering mega transportation projects with new approaches in cost management, standards and technology. We're building infrastructure that's not only fit for today – but ready for tomorrow. Explore our capabilities and discover what it takes to engineer safer and faster connections across Asia.