Dr. Laurence Kwan: Asia’s Energy Transition Leader

Dr. Laurence Kwan has spent more than twenty years shaping how Asia moves toward clean energy. Based in Singapore, he has worked across different sectors like energy, water, marine, real estate, and defense. His work focuses on turning climate goals into real action for companies and communities.

The shift to renewable energy is a big step for many countries in Asia. Cities are growing fast, and the need for reliable and clean power is rising. Laurence has built his career around this change. He brings both technical know-how and clear strategy to large energy projects. Over the years, he has taken on leadership roles that connect governments, businesses, and people.

Here’s why his work matters:

• He helps businesses move from traditional energy sources to clean power.
• He connects different groups to make climate plans work in real life.
• He leads projects that focus on long-term impact, not short-term fixes.
• He supports efforts to make clean energy part of everyday life in the region.

Laurence’s journey began in the Singapore Navy, where he learned discipline and leadership. Later, he entered the energy sector and became known for his ability to bring teams together and deliver results. Today, he continues to drive renewable energy growth across Asia through his strategic roles in leading companies and new ventures.

His story shows how one person’s steady leadership can shape change on a large scale. As Asia faces rising energy needs and climate challenges, voices like Laurence’s help turn ideas into real progress.

Early Career and Foundational Years

Laurence Kwan’s career began in the Republic of Singapore Navy, where he served for more than two decades. This period shaped his way of working and thinking. He held roles in operations, logistics, training, and policy. The Navy gave him a strong base in leadership, discipline, and problem-solving. These skills later became the backbone of his work in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

During his service, Laurence learned how to lead teams in high-pressure situations. He managed complex tasks where planning and quick action were key. This experience taught him how to bring people together to meet shared goals.

After leaving the Navy, Laurence made a bold move into civilian industries. He took his technical knowledge and leadership skills into sectors that were changing fast, such as water, marine, and energy. This step marked the start of a new chapter.

Key highlights from his early years include:

• Leadership foundation: Gained real-world experience in leading teams through demanding situations.
• Operational skills: Learned how to plan and manage large systems with precision.
• Smooth career shift: Applied his Navy training to new industries with focus and clarity.
• Strategic mindset: Developed a way of thinking that blends practical action with long-term goals.

This early phase built the base for Laurence’s later success. His mix of discipline, technical skill, and strategic thinking made him stand out as he moved into leadership roles in renewable energy and infrastructure.

 Expanding Horizons: Water, Marine & Infrastructure

After his Navy career, Laurence Kwan stepped into industries that were new to him. He started working in water, marine, and infrastructure projects. This period helped him build a strong understanding of how large systems work outside the defense sector.

One of his key roles was at Hyflux Ltd, where he managed desalination plants in Singapore and Algeria. These plants supplied clean water to thousands of people. He worked on daily operations and made sure everything ran smoothly. This job taught him how to handle complex facilities that need constant attention and clear planning.

He also worked as a Technical Superintendent at Asetanian Marine. In this role, he was responsible for maintaining vessels and ensuring their safe operation. He later became General Manager at Outocoz Property Services, where he oversaw building operations. Each of these roles added new skills to his experience.

Main takeaways from this phase:

• Water management: Gained hands-on experience running large desalination plants.
• Marine operations: Learned how to manage technical teams and maintain high safety standards.
• Property services: Led teams responsible for maintaining buildings and infrastructure.
• Broader outlook: Expanded his knowledge beyond defense into essential public and private systems.

These years helped Laurence build a wide skill set. He learned how to manage resources, lead teams in unfamiliar fields, and adapt quickly to new challenges. This foundation became important when he moved into the energy sector, where similar large-scale systems need clear leadership and steady decision-making.

Pioneering Energy Demand Response in Singapore

Laurence Kwan entered the energy sector during a key time for Singapore. The country was looking for new ways to manage power use and reduce strain on the grid. Laurence joined Diamond Energy Corporation, where he played an important role in shaping how businesses respond to changes in electricity demand.

He helped bring demand response programs into the market. In simple terms, demand response allows companies to adjust their power use during peak times. This reduces pressure on the grid and supports a more stable energy system. Laurence worked closely with teams, businesses, and regulators to make this possible.

His leadership during this phase stood out. He started as a Business Development Manager and later became General Manager, guiding the company through growth and change. He focused on practical steps that made demand response work in real-world conditions, not just on paper.

Key points from this phase:

• Early leadership in energy response: Helped shape demand response practices in Singapore from the ground up.
• Strong coordination: Worked with industry players and government bodies to roll out new systems.
• Strategic growth: Led teams as the company expanded its role in the national energy market.
• Focus on real results: Turned technical plans into working solutions that supported the country’s energy goals.

This period marked Laurence’s full shift into the energy field. It showed his ability to connect strategy with action and bring new ideas into daily use. His work in demand response laid the groundwork for his later roles in renewable energy across Asia.

Strategic Leadership in Renewable Energy Expansion

After his success in demand response, Laurence Kwan moved into larger leadership roles in renewable energy. He joined EDPR Sunseap APAC, one of the leading clean energy companies in the region. Over six years, he led teams that planned and delivered renewable energy projects across Asia.

Laurence first worked as Director of Energy, focusing on bringing solar power and other clean solutions to businesses and communities. Later, he became Director of Stakeholder and Corporate Affairs, where he built strong connections between the company, governments, and industry groups. He made sure that energy projects met both technical needs and community expectations.

His work focused on scaling renewable energy in a clear and practical way. He guided teams through project development, approvals, and partnerships. He understood both the technical side of energy systems and the strategic steps needed to grow them.

Key highlights from this period:

• Regional reach: Led renewable energy projects in several Asian countries.
• Stakeholder trust: Built relationships that supported long-term clean energy goals.
• Team leadership: Guided teams through complex energy planning and delivery.
• Strategic growth: Helped shape company direction during a time of fast expansion.

This phase strengthened Laurence’s position as a key figure in Asia’s clean energy growth. His mix of technical understanding and clear strategy helped projects move from plans to real impact. He became known for connecting people, policy, and practical action to push renewable energy forward.

Climate Crafters and Confluence Energy: New Ventures

After years of leading major energy projects, Laurence Kwan decided to build something of his own. He co-founded ClimateCrafters Pte Ltd, a company focused on creating simple and effective climate solutions for businesses. As Managing Director, he works on projects that help organizations move toward cleaner energy in practical ways.

Through ClimateCrafters, Laurence brings his experience into a space where strategy meets real action. The company focuses on helping businesses understand their energy needs, choose the right clean solutions, and put them into use. His goal is to make climate action clear and achievable, not distant or complex.

In addition to this, Laurence took on the role of Director at Confluence Energy Pte Ltd. This venture focuses on building strong partnerships in the regional energy market. Here, he plays a key role in connecting investors, companies, and communities to support energy transition projects across Asia.

Main points from this phase:

• Entrepreneurial step: Started his own company to drive climate action in direct ways.
• Practical focus: Helps businesses adopt clean energy through clear planning and simple execution.
• Regional links: Strengthens partnerships that support large-scale energy projects.
• Hands-on leadership: Uses his experience to guide projects from start to finish.

This move into entrepreneurship shows Laurence’s shift from leading within large organizations to shaping new ventures. He continues to stay close to the work, building bridges between strategy and daily action. His current roles reflect his steady commitment to making clean energy part of how businesses grow and operate.

Thought Leadership and Advocacy

Alongside his leadership roles, Laurence Kwan plays an active part in shaping the clean energy conversation in Asia. He regularly engages with energy networks, climate groups, and industry forums to share practical insights on how businesses can move toward renewable power.

Laurence focuses on turning complex energy ideas into clear steps that different groups can understand. He brings together government bodies, companies, and communities to discuss real solutions rather than just plans. His approach is grounded in experience, which makes his voice trusted in these spaces.

He also supports climate-focused initiatives in Singapore and across the region. By sharing his knowledge, he helps new leaders, businesses, and policy groups work with confidence on clean energy projects.

Key areas of his advocacy work include:

• Renewable energy awareness: Encourages more companies to explore solar and other clean sources.
• Policy support: Shares insights that help shape clear and workable energy policies.
• Community engagement: Builds understanding between businesses and the public on why energy transition matters.
• Knowledge sharing: Contributes to discussions that inspire practical action in the sector.

Through this work, Laurence shows that leadership is not only about managing projects but also about guiding conversations. His steady involvement in networks and forums helps push clean energy efforts forward in ways that are clear, actionable, and shared across groups.

Education and Lifelong Learning

Laurence Kwan’s career shows a strong mix of practical experience and continuous learning. He started with a Diploma in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Singapore Polytechnic. Later, he earned an Advanced Diploma in Telecommunications, which gave him a deeper understanding of technical systems. These early studies built the base for his work in defense, marine, water, and energy sectors.

Many years into his career, Laurence returned to formal education. He completed a Bachelor of Business Studies at University College Dublin. This step reflected his belief that learning should not stop, no matter how experienced someone becomes. By combining technical and business knowledge, he strengthened his ability to lead teams, manage projects, and shape strategy.

Main takeaways from his educational journey:

• Strong technical base: Built deep understanding of engineering and communication systems early on.
• Mid-career growth: Chose to study business to match his growing leadership roles.
• Balanced skill set: Blended technical skills with strategic thinking.
• Continuous learning: Showed that growth happens at every stage, not just at the start.

His approach to education mirrors his approach to work — steady, clear, and focused on long-term results. This balance of hands-on experience and formal learning has played a key role in his success across different fields.

Legacy and Vision for the Future

Laurence Kwan’s journey shows how steady leadership and clear action can shape real change. From his early years in the Navy to leading renewable energy projects across Asia, he has built a career focused on solving real problems and guiding teams with purpose.

His legacy is built on three key ideas:

• Practical climate action: Turning clean energy plans into working solutions.
• Collaboration: Bringing together businesses, governments, and communities to move in the same direction.
• Long-term impact: Building systems that support clean energy for years to come, not just short-term goals.

Looking ahead, Laurence aims to keep driving renewable energy adoption in Asia. He believes that clean energy should become a regular part of how businesses grow and communities live. Through his ventures, partnerships, and thought leadership, he plans to support projects that make this shift clear and achievable.

His vision is simple: a future where clean energy is not a special effort, but a normal part of daily life. He continues to guide this change with the same focus and clarity that has shaped his entire career.