Alfonso's outstanding career serves as an inspiration for future engineers
A career in civil engineering offers limitless possibilities, says Binnies Senior Resident Engineer.
Alfonso Sincioco, explaining that it is a sector that is innovative and offers the opportunity to make a significant and positive impact on society.
Alfonso has worked on multiple projects across Asia and the Middle East, providing him with several opportunities to manage people and contribute to project management strategies. He joined RSK Group company Binnies in 2015.
Alfonso was encouraged to join Binnies for a new challenge by a much-respected friend and colleague. He now works with two resident engineers and nine technical officers. During his time at the company, Alfonso worked on the Ulu Pandan wastewater treatment pilot in Singapore. It went on to win three distinguished awards, including Water/Wastewater Project of the Year 2018 at the Global Water Summit, which was held in Paris.
Currently, Alfonso is the lead civil and structural resident engineer at the Integrated Waste Management Facility, an integral part of the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) long-term plan to meet Singapore’s future solid waste management needs. He said: “Given the complexities of waste management facilities, there are a lot of challenges involved in this project. My responsibilities are multifaceted and require a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.
“I also oversee the civil and structural aspects of the projects, ensuring adherence to the approved design, drawings and construction methodology. It is not a paradigm shift but rather a changing environment that requires me to understand the challenge, explore options and implement solutions.”
Alfonso assigns tasks based on the strengths and expertise of everyone in his team to ensure that they work efficiently. He said: “I am responsible for identifying the most critical tasks that require immediate attention. This could be anything from reviewing technical submissions and method statements to dealing with construction issues and attending on-site and off-site inspections, including safety walk inspections. Participating in site and coordination meetings means I stay informed of project progress and make decisions where necessary. In the absence of the chief resident engineers, I chair these meetings.
“The job is hugely rewarding, and it’s fulfilling to see the progress and eventual completion of the structures I oversee. It’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication and collaborative efforts of the team.”
To pursue his ambition of becoming an engineer, Alfonso studied at Mapúa University in the Philippines. It was there that he completed a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Fast forward 33 years and he has gone on to be awarded The Outstanding Mapúan (TOM), an honour bestowed by his alma mater annually to alumni who have excelled in their field or made an outstanding contribution either locally or globally.
Alfonso was named the 2024 recipient of the award in the Professional Field of Practice in Civil Engineering. He said: “I was overwhelmed when I heard the news. It’s a remarkable achievement and highlights my pursuit of innovation and advancement within civil engineering.
“Being recognised alongside other alumni who have excelled in their respective fields is a significant honour. It feels as though I am a source of pride for my alma mater, and it’s my hope that this award will serve as inspiration to aspiring engineers studying at Mapúa and beyond.”
Throughout his career, Alfonso has made the most out of every opportunity to gain further professional qualifications and standing. He said: “I consider career development to be necessary to enhance my skills, career advancement, adaptability and personal growth. It’s why I am a Chartered Engineer for both engineering project management and environmental and water engineering with the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) and a Project Management Professional (PMP).
“The possibilities a career in civil engineering can bring are limitless. The field is innovative and can have a positive impact on society, but getting there requires dedication, hard work and continuous learning. I’d advise anyone entering the profession to consider every challenge as an opportunity.”
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Binnies
Binnies is a water management business, helping clients across the globe to collect, store, move and treat water and wastewater, plan and manage watersheds and harness the energy embedded in the process. The company finds solutions that manage flood and coastal erosion risk and maintain and enhance the environment without compromising the needs of future generations.