Ashrae Singapore Chapter

The history of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers ) in Singapore began when the first member from Singapore joined ASHRAE in 1955. However, this pales the history of ASHRAE as it was originally founded in 1894 when the American Society of Heating & Ventilating Engineers was first chartered. The American Society of Refrigerating Engineers was chartered in 1904 and in 1959 the two societies merged to form ASHRAE. Over the years, the number of ASHRAE members in Singapore grew and at present there are about 388 assigned members and 199 student members. From these members, there are about 174 who joined the Singapore Association of ASHRAE Members, (SAAM) also known as ASHRAE Singapore Chapter (ASC). In December 1980, a survey among the ASHRAE members was conducted to establish whether there was any interest in the formation of a local organisation. Encouraged by the response of the survey, a meeting of ASHRAE members was held on April 9, 1981. The function proved successful and a Pro-Tem Committee was drawn from the members present to initiate the formation of a Singapore Association of ASHRAE Members. The first Annual General meeting was held on March 13, 1982 when the membership was 46 strong. The late Bill Sundberg was elected the first SAAM President and thus launched the beginning of our Association.