Meet Kenny Ong, Marine Engineer ABL Singapore
The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
A glimpse into your day at ABL & what keeps you on your toes?
“At ABL, my day-to-day life is dynamic and often unpredictable. I can be responding to team or client queries as early as 6 a.m – sometimes even before getting out of bed – and just as easily be on late-night calls to address urgent issues.
My mornings usually start with a simple coffee before heading to the office or settling into my home workspace. Much of my day is spent monitoring project progress, supporting the team, and troubleshooting technical challenges.
Following some recent marketing training, I’ve become more intentional about managing my time balancing operational responsibilities with commercial priorities. I now dedicate time each week to engage with existing and potential clients. I also work closely with our regional business line leads, which keeps me engaged and constantly learning. What keeps me on my toes is the ever-evolving nature of operations in the energy sector.
The fast-paced environment means we often manage last-minute changes, urgent document reviews, or adjustments to mobilisation and demobilisation plans. Sometimes, we even need contingency plans for our contingency plans to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Ultimately, a simple “Thank you for your professional assistance” makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s a continuous exercise in adaptability- and that’s what makes the work both challenging and rewarding.”
What drew you to our industry and what keeps you passionate about it?
My journey into the energy and maritime sector began with a mix of curiosity and a bit of naivety about what life at sea truly involved. The idea of travelling to different countries was what initially drew me in, and that sense of adventure still resonates with me today.
Over the years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how this career connects me with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, while also giving me the opportunity to share the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained along the way.
Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?
“I’m currently engaging with clients across Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and other parts of the Asia Pacific region to expand offshore wind projects in my role as a Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS).
This work allows me to build on the strong renewables profile we’ve established through our Taiwan office and extend that expertise into emerging markets such as Korea and Japan.
It’s an exciting opportunity to collaborate across the region, strengthen our presence in the offshore wind sector, and contribute to the continued growth of sustainable energy across APAC.”
With your experience leading energy projects in the Asia-Pacific region, what are the biggest technical and operational challenges you see in the energy sector today, and how can we overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges in the Asia-Pacific energy sector is the limited experience and technical knowledge surrounding offshore wind projects. Compared to regions like Europe, APAC is still developing its capabilities, and many local teams are less familiar with the common challenges that arise during offshore wind farm installations.
Fortunately, ABL benefits from a strong foundation in Europe, where renewable energy projects are well-established and our teams have gained extensive hands-on experience. Our European colleagues have been instrumental in sharing their insights – providing constant guidance, engaging in regular discussions, and leading internal training programmes to upskill our teams in APAC.
Bridging this knowledge gap through collaboration, structured learning, and practical exposure is key to overcoming these challenges. As we continue expanding offshore wind projects across the region, this transfer of expertise is enabling us to raise the bar and deliver stronger, more efficient solutions for our clients.
Beyond the work, what’s your favourite part about being part of the ABL team in Singapore? Any fun team moments you’d like to share?
One of my favourite parts about being in the ABL Singapore team is the strong sense of teamwork and support. We’re one of the largest MWS teams in the region, and we’ve worked closely together through both challenges and successes. The chemistry within the team is incredible – there’s a natural rhythm where one person can step away and another seamlessly picks up the work. I feel truly fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most hardworking and dedicated colleagues I’ve ever m
A standout moment for me was when our entire office spent a day at Universal Studios Singapore. It was one of the best team-bonding experiences we’ve had – full of laughter, shared memories, and a great reminder of how much we enjoy working together beyond the office walls.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing about our industry, it would be our overall vigilance toward risk. Too often, the focus is heavily on meeting deadlines and staying within budget, while potential risks (both minor and major) don’t always receive the attention they deserve.
These risks can range from basic safety practices, such as avoiding walking under suspended loads, to complex operational risks that could impact an entire project or even a nation’s energy infrastructure. We should make it a priority to identify and address risks at every stage of a project.
I believe goals should be achieved with minimal risk, not just speed or cost-efficiency. Building a stronger culture of risk awareness and proactive mitigation will ultimately lead to safer, more sustainable outcomes across the industry.
Why should people come visit our stand at the Energy Taiwan Conference?
Visitors should come by our stand to discover how ABL is helping shape the future of offshore wind in Asia Pacific. Our booth brings together the expertise of ABL, Longitude, and OWC – each contributing extensively to the region’s renewable energy growth.
At ABL, we are actively expanding our Marine Warranty Survey (MWS) services across Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and beyond—building on our strong renewables foundation and transferring European expertise to new markets. Many of our European colleagues will also be present at the booth to share their valuable experiences and technical knowledge.
Our team is passionate about exchanging insights, discussing project challenges, and exploring collaboration opportunities. Whether you’re interested in technical solutions, risk management, or regional market trends, there will be something valuable for everyone.
Next Week the ABL Group Asia Pacific team will be at Energy Taiwan 2025! Visit us on Booth No N0601 to meet Kenny and connect with our team to discuss how we’re helping clients solve challenges across offshore wind development – from auction strategy and foundation design, to consenting, port infrastructure, grid connections, and beyond.