Scientific discoveries have advanced the world we live in today. Recently, a discovery was made by scientists, who concluded that there are better chances of a vaccine working if it is injected through the gums, using an instrument as simple as dental floss. This has been termed a novel vaccine delivery method, which works by stimulating the production of antibodies in the mucosal surfaces. Why is this pertinent? Because such discoveries are backed not only by genius minds working in the lab, but also by the genius minds who construct those labs.
A lab with high-end, standardised, and accessible equipment makes for an ideal workspace, transforming the course of a discovery.
With this cover story, we are highlighting the journey of a man who is anchored in the philosophy of focus and deliver, and has been a premier specialist in laboratory construction – Keith T, Managing Director of i-Lab Engineering.
From Vision to Venture
Reminiscing about the founding of i-Lab Engineering, Keith recalls, “For me, this venture has always been a deliberate convergence of passion, opportunity, and conviction.”
Keith’s career has been rooted in engineering and project delivery, which centred around the exacting demands of specialised facilities. While building a successful career, he noticed an often-overlooked fact: most laboratories in Southeast Asia were treated as extensions of general construction. These labs offered only basic infrastructure, lacking the precision and adaptability researchers needed to keep up with the pace. This gap became the seed for i-Lab’s vision and mission.
“I envisioned a company that not just ‘built’ laboratories but understood their intricate demands and requirements.”
The foundation years of i-Lab were defined by gathering the right team. After all, a team that aligns with the vision of the founder is the team that can achieve anything. Keith set out to build a team that understood exactly what the growing scientific community needed—a lab engineered with regulatory compliance and designed for real innovation. Starting in Singapore, he positioned i-Lab not as a generic contractor, but as a specialist partner for sectors where precision, reliability, and speed could directly influence outcomes. Over time, his hands-on approach and refusal to settle for “good enough” began to resonate with clients in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and education.
But Keith’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop at engineering. Parallel to i-Lab’s growth, he pursued his other passion—health and wellness—through Infitnity Fitness, a boutique fitness studio he co-founded. While i-Lab builds environments that fuel scientific breakthroughs, Infitnity builds environments that empower people to invest in their personal wellbeing. Keith often compares Infitnity to a sparrow—small but complete—offering holistic fitness solutions that prove scale is not a barrier to impact.
For Keith, the common thread between i-Lab and Infitnity is clear: whether it’s scientists striving for discovery or individuals striving for better health, success comes from creating the right conditions for people to thrive. “i-Lab began as a response to the market gap, but soon enough evolved into a greater mission of creating laboratory environments that empower innovators. Infitnity, in its own way, does the same—by creating a space where people can unlock their fullest potential.”
The Foundations of Resilience
Trials and challenges are a part and parcel of a founder’s journey. We could also go so far as to say that these very trials and challenges make for stronger foundations. For Keith, i-Lab not only tested his technical expertise, but also his perseverance.
In 2006, in Singapore, “specialised laboratory construction” was a niche market. Even though it did not come with the threat of competitors, the challenge was to establish credibility. People preferred laboratories as extensions of general constructions, and even when they wished for something specialised, they relied on established multinational contractors. Convincing clients that a homegrown company could match the expertise, or even surpass it, took more than just persuasive words; it required demonstrable results.
After ticking this off the TDL, talent acquisition became the next big challenge. A multidisciplinary construction needed people with broad horizons and experience, such as mechanical engineers, architects, safety specialists, and project managers – all working in tandem. Finding professionals who not only had the technical capability but also shared i-Lab’s obsessive commitment to precision and timelines proved difficult. Keith T spent months personally vetting candidates and cultivating a culture of ownership and accountability.
Laboratory projects, especially the ones Keith T envisioned, demanded significant capex. With specialised equipment, high-grade materials, and compliance testing, finances turned out to be another pressure point for i-Lab. Coupled with a lack of market awareness, i-Lab’s vision seemed easier said than done.
This brings us to a pressing question: what makes a leader? Is it just the vision? Or the relentless pursuit of that vision? With Keith’s determination and clients’ growing reliability, these challenges soon became the topics of yesterday.
In overcoming these early obstacles, Keith T solidified the company’s standing as a trusted specialist. The very difficulties that once threatened its survival ultimately became the defining features of i-Lab’s value proposition—credibility earned, talent built, and standards set uncompromisingly high.
Origins and Mission
Founded with a mission to transform laboratory infrastructure across Asia, i-Lab Pte Ltd has grown into a leading specialist in designing, constructing, and delivering state-of-the-art laboratory environments. From its base in Singapore, the company has built a strong reputation for translating complex scientific and technical requirements into functional, safe, and future-ready spaces.
Philosophy: More Than Just Workspaces
At the core of i-Lab’s ethos is the understanding that laboratories are not just workspaces—they are critical enablers of innovation, research, and industrial progress. Whether for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or advanced manufacturing, each facility must meet stringent safety, compliance, and performance standards while accommodating the evolving needs of scientists and engineers.
What Sets i-Lab Apart
i-Lab differentiates itself by offering end-to-end solutions—from conceptual planning and design consultancy to turnkey fit-outs and aftercare services. This integrated approach streamlines project delivery, reduces downtime, and ensures that the final facility meets both regulatory requirements and operational demands.
Partnerships and Expertise
Over the years, i-Lab has partnered with universities, government agencies, and private corporations, delivering projects that balance technical precision with aesthetic quality. The company’s deep understanding of lab ergonomics, workflow optimisation, and safety protocols has made it the partner of choice for mission-critical projects where performance and compliance cannot be compromised.
Regional Reach and Ambition
While headquartered in Singapore, i-Lab’s reach extends across Southeast Asia, reflecting a broader ambition: to be the region’s most trusted name in laboratory infrastructure solutions. This ambition is supported by a multidisciplinary team of designers, engineers, and project managers who bring together global best practices with local regulatory knowledge.
Looking Ahead
Today, i-Lab stands at the intersection of science, engineering, and design, working to ensure that every laboratory it builds is not just compliant, but also future-proof—capable of adapting to emerging technologies and methodologies. With a growing portfolio of high-profile projects and a commitment to client satisfaction, i-Lab continues to shape the region’s research and innovation landscape, one laboratory at a time.
Products & Services
i-Lab’s portfolio of products and services reflects its specialised focus on laboratory environments, offering clients a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to the demands of scientific and technical workspaces.
- Design & Planning
Every project begins with in-depth consultation to understand the client’s workflow, research goals, and compliance obligations. Using CAD and BIM technologies, i-Lab creates detailed layouts that optimise space utilisation, safety, and efficiency. Ergonomics, ventilation planning, and hazard control are integral to this process.
- Turnkey Laboratory Construction
i-Lab specialises in design-and-build projects, handling everything from structural modifications to utilities integration. This includes fume hood installation, cleanroom construction, gas piping systems, and specialised flooring—all executed to meet industry-specific standards such as ISO cleanroom classifications and local safety codes.
- Laboratory Furniture & Fixtures
The company provides customised laboratory furniture solutions, including workbenches, storage systems, and chemical-resistant surfaces. These are engineered for durability and adaptability, enabling laboratories to evolve with future research needs.
- Safety Systems
Recognising that safety is paramount, i-Lab integrates advanced ventilation, fire suppression, and emergency response systems into every project. Safety audits and testing are conducted before handover to ensure full compliance with relevant regulations.
- Equipment Integration
Beyond physical infrastructure, i-Lab assists with the integration of specialised scientific equipment, ensuring that power, data, and environmental conditions meet manufacturer specifications. This turnkey support reduces operational delays during the transition to active research.
- Project Management & Aftercare
i-Lab offers dedicated project management services to oversee timelines, budgets, and quality assurance. Post-installation, clients benefit from preventive maintenance programs, system upgrades, and technical support to extend the life cycle of their facilities.
- Sustainable Laboratory Solutions
With sustainability becoming a key priority, i-Lab incorporates energy-efficient HVAC systems, water-saving technologies, and recyclable materials into its projects. These initiatives help clients reduce operational costs while meeting green building certifications.
Through this comprehensive service ecosystem, i-Lab provides clients with a single point of accountability for all laboratory infrastructure needs—minimising risk, accelerating delivery, and ensuring long-term operational excellence.
Scaling Innovation, Deepening Impact
“As we move to a new chapter, our vision is to cement our position as Southeast Asia’s foremost partner for specialised laboratory infrastructure, while continually redefining the standards of speed, precision, and innovation in the sector.”
The company’s roadmap is anchored on three pillars—technological advancement, market diversification, and sustainability.
Technology: Smarter Laboratories
i-Lab is actively exploring digital integration across its project lifecycle. From Building Information Modelling (BIM) enhancements to IoT-enabled facility management systems, the aim is to give clients not just laboratories, but smart laboratories—spaces that are energy-efficient, digitally monitored, and adaptable to evolving research needs. This shift is set to reduce maintenance costs, improve operational uptime, and provide real-time data on facility performance.
Markets: Expanding Across Southeast Asia
Geographically, the company is eyeing new markets across Southeast Asia and beyond. With Singapore as a stronghold and benchmark, i-Lab plans to replicate its high-speed, high-quality delivery model in emerging economies where R&D investment is rising. Strategic partnerships with local contractors and suppliers will be key to navigating regulatory and cultural differences while preserving the brand’s uncompromising standards.
Building for the Future
Sustainability: Green by Design
In a world where environmental responsibility is increasingly non-negotiable, i-Lab is committed to integrating green building practices into its projects. This includes sourcing low-carbon materials, implementing energy-efficient designs, and aligning with internationally recognised certifications such as LEED and Green Mark. The goal is not only to minimise the environmental footprint of the facilities but also to enhance the long-term value they deliver to clients.
People: Talent as a Differentiator
Internally, i-Lab is investing in talent—building a multi-disciplinary team that blends engineering expertise with data analytics, project management excellence, and sector-specific knowledge. Leadership sees people as the ultimate differentiator, ensuring that the company can scale without losing its agility or client-first approach.
Looking ahead, i-Lab envisions itself not just as a service provider, but as an innovation partner—helping clients anticipate future needs, adapt to rapid scientific change, and maintain a competitive edge. The road ahead is paved with opportunity, and i-Lab is positioning itself to travel it at full speed, guided by its founding ethos: deliver excellence, without compromise.
