Several GISI Consulting Group operating companies recently joined forces at Asia Infrastructure Solutions’ (AIS) Singapore office for the Resilient Infrastructure Dialogue. The event brought together around 170 South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) program alumni from across South Asia, regional experts from the World Bank and IFC, and representatives from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), alongside a diverse mix of firms from Southeast Asia.

The event marked a strategic milestone in SARIC’s four-year journey of capacity building and knowledge exchange across South Asia.

SARIC is funded by DFAT and implemented by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, with Palladium managing the Training and Networking components. Since its inception, SARIC has delivered 17 specialised training courses, reaching nearly 490 professionals from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These courses have spanned critical themes such as road safety, renewable energy, green hydrogen, dam safety, and women’s leadership in infrastructure, creating a vibrant alumni network. SARIC supports the overall goal to deepen economic linkages and support regional prosperity and inclusive growth. The opportunities under SARIC support enabling more, better-quality and socially inclusive connectivity infrastructure in South Asia, with a focus on the energy and transport sectors.

The opening remarks were delivered by a representative from DFAT.

“South Asia is home to a quarter of the world’s population yet contributes just 4% to global GDP. Despite being one of the fastest-growing regions, it remains one of the least economically integrated,” explains Shivani Manaktala, Team Leader for SARIC TNS (Training and Networking Services).

“High costs and barriers to cross-border trade, and a substantial infrastructure gap—especially in energy, transport, and digital connectivity are some of the challenges we’re facing as a program.” She adds that true regional prosperity and inclusive growth hinges on building infrastructure that is not only high-quality but also resilient to disruption.

Resilience in an Era of Uncertainty

The opening panel, Delivering Infrastructure During Uncertainty, set the tone for the day and captured the prevailing sentiment about uncertainty no longer being an exception, but a defining feature of the environment we build in. Economic volatility, climate risks, and technological disruption are reshaping how infrastructure is planned and financed across Asia.

Panellists highlighted sobering realities: pandemic-era inflation and supply chain fragmentation have driven construction costs up by 20–40% in South Asia, while climate events—such as Sri Lanka’s 2022 floods—have exposed vulnerabilities in recently built assets. Yet, optimism persists. Governments are embedding resilience into policy frameworks, and blended finance models are gaining traction, enabling fiscally constrained nations to pursue critical projects through innovative public-private partnerships.
It was emphasised that infrastructure must do more than connect economies—it must create jobs, strengthen resilience, and enable sustainable growth.

This aligns with DFAT’s commitment to climate-smart, inclusive, and future-ready infrastructure.

Finally, it was noted that sustainable financing for long-term infrastructure and energy projects require strong public–private collaboration, especially during negotiations regarding repayment of loans.

Technology as a Catalyst for Resilience

The second session spotlighted digitalisation as a game-changer. Presentations from Bentley Systems and AIS showcased how digital twin technology, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and data-driven design are transforming project delivery. Case studies from Jakarta’s MRT underscored the practical benefits of these tools in navigating urban constraints, environmental sensitivities, and stakeholder complexity.

“Digitalisation is no longer optional—it’s foundational to resilience,” noted Yeap Beow Heng of AIS, stressing the importance of standards for asset information management. By leveraging intelligent systems, developers can anticipate risks, optimise resources, and ensure infrastructure longevity.

ESG: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage

The final session turned to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as a cornerstone of resilient infrastructure. Speakers from Keppel, IFC, and Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc. illustrated how embedding ESG criteria enhances investor confidence and project bankability. Case examples—from hydropower in Bhutan to wind energy in Jordan—demonstrated tangible benefits of integrating sustainability into design and financing.

“ESG is no longer a checkbox—it’s a strategic compass,” observed Adeel Syed of Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc., pointing to emerging trends where access to capital increasingly hinges on robust ESG disclosures.

A Network for the Future

“As SARIC enters a new phase, the dialogue reaffirms the value of peer learning and regional collaboration,” adds Manaktala. “Our alumni network, nearly 500 strong, stands testament to the program’s impact, fostering connections that transcend borders and institutional silos.”

In an era defined by disruption, the overarching message from the event was clear: resilient infrastructure is not just about concrete and steel, it’s about adaptive systems, informed leadership, and shared purpose. With continued partnerships and innovation, South and Southeast Asia are poised to build the bridges—both literal and figurative—that will sustain growth for decades to come.