Behind the scenes at the Singapore Grand Prix with Jeremy Ong

The Singapore Grand Prix is not just a spectacular event for motorsport enthusiasts; it's a testament to organizational excellence and technical precision. At the helm of this monumental project is Jeremy Ong, whose career trajectory and leadership play a crucial role in delivering this annual event. This blog dives into Jeremy's career, his day-to-day responsibilities as a F1 Project Director, and the unique challenges of orchestrating one of the most iconic motorsport events worldwide.

From a project manager to project director

A strong foundation in engineering and leadership

Jeremy's story is rooted in a robust engineering background complemented by years of project management experience. After completing his Bachelor of Engineering(Civil) and Master of Engineering Science (Construction Management) degree in Australia, Jeremy had moved from Australia to Macau to Singapore as Contractor and Client with notable projects such as the Lane Cove Tunnel (Sydney), City of Dream (Macau), Universal Studios (Singapore). Jeremy eventually worked with MWA consultancy as a Project Manager in Hong Kong in 2011. With MWA Jeremy continue to work on high-profile projects like the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal.  In 2014, The MWA team got integrated with Faithful+Gould Hong Kong whereover the years, Jeremy continue to climbed the ranks within Faithful+Gould from Senior Project Manager to Head of Operations managing landmark developments, including corporate office fit outs for Deutsche Bank, Black Rock, Goldman Sachs  and the M+ Museum as PMC.

When family responsibilities brought him to Singapore, Jeremy took a sabbatical to attend to his family business. However, his passion for project management called him back. Rejoining Faithful+Gould Singapore in 2021, he spearheaded critical projects like Singtel Tuas and Equinix JH1. In 2023 to 2024, Jeremy undertaken another role relocating to Saudi Arabia to support the Neom THE LINE project. In 2024, Jeremy's returned back to Singapore and   expertise eventually led him to AtkinsRéalis' Singapore Grand Prix team in July 2024, where he currently leads.

What motivates Jeremy to stay with the company?

According to Jeremy, the company's global branding, reputation, and impact motivate him to remain a part of the organization. He takes great pride in being associated with a world-renowned company and values the opportunities it has provided for his career growth. From his first major solo project (a BlackRock office fit out in Hong Kong) to his current role as F1 Project Director, his professional milestones underscore his commitment and capability to deliver excellence.

The Singapore Grand Prix project at a glance

A massive annual undertaking

Jeremy Ong's role as F1 Project Director involves working closely with race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd to supervise the delivery of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, an annual event that attracts over 260,000 patrons over three nights. His responsibilities extend far beyond laying out a racetrack—this project involves setting up grandstands, hospitality suites, race team amenities, F&B facilities, and even staging areas for international performers. 

The logistics are staggering. Preparations take nine months, followed by three months to tear it all down. Each phase must be executed flawlessly to ensure roads and public spaces reopen immediately after the event, leaving no trace of the scaled-down city circuit.

Balancing uniqueness and challenges

The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is unique because it combines a city race with strict deadlines. The urban nature of the event means the racetrack and facilities can only be assembled days before the event, after strategic road closures. Immediately after the event wraps, the entire setup must be dismantled, allowing Singapore's bustling city life to resume seamlessly.

"This level of agility and coordination is unparalleled," says Jeremy Ong. "Balancing public convenience with intense project demands makes the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix challenging and rewarding."

Goals and success metrics

For Jeremy, the project's top priorities include:

• Timely delivery – Ensuring every aspect of the event is ready for race day.

• Safety compliance – Strict adherence to safety standards for contractors, patrons, staff, and racers.

• Zero public complaints – Maintaining efficient coordination with stakeholders like the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to minimize disruptions to daily life.

Success isn't limited to on-time execution; it's also measured by the applause from spectators, stakeholder satisfaction, and the event's positive impact on Singapore's tourism and hospitality sectors.

Keeping the team motivated

Jeremy's leadership philosophy revolves around empathy and support. "You have to be observant," he explains. "When team members are overwhelmed, step in to assist. Recognizing individual contributions and addressing challenges early keeps morale high."

The wider impact of the Singapore Grand Prix

An iconic event with national benefits

The Singapore Grand Prix isn't just a motorsport event—it's a flagship project that strengthens Singapore's image on the global stage.

• Boosting tourism & GDP – Over just three race days, the event serves as a massive revenue generator for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

• Corporate networking opportunities – With hospitality suites filled with professionals from leading global organizations, the race fosters invaluable B2B networking.

• Global recognition – Successfully managing such a complex event enhances Singapore's reputation for handling world-class projects.

Lessons learned from the Grand Prix

For Jeremy, the most valuable takeaway from managing the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is learning to think outside the box. The project's fluid nature, tight deadlines, and unexpected challenges demand a combination of creativity, teamwork, and adaptability.

F1 project director Jeremy Ong's final thoughts

Jeremy's dedication to delivering exceptional results year after year reflects the quality of leadership and innovation that define the Singapore Grand Prix. Under his watch, the event continues to excite racing fans while positioning Singapore as a premier destination for sports tourism.

If you're inspired by Jeremy Ong's story and want to join a team that delivers high-impact events like the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and become part of our dynamic team!

Click here to explore current opportunities and join us at AtkinsRéalis.