Panel Discussions
We’re excited to announce a thought-provoking Panel Discussion at the upcoming ACCCBE/CONVR 2025 Conference. This dynamic session will bring together global leaders from academia, industry, and government to explore how digital transformation is reshaping the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector.
BIM adoption in South Africa – Lessons learned internationally
How can digital innovation reshape South Africa’s built environment? This forward-looking discussion will explore opportunities for efficiency, sustainability, and collaboration—setting the foundation for a digitally enabled national roadmap.
Dr Amanda Filtane | Moderator
Lecturer in the Department of Construction Economics & Management
University of Cape Town
Prof Clinton Aigbavboa – Panelist | Director of the CIDB Centre of Excellence, University of Johannesburg
Mr Robert Grys – Panelist | Advisor for BIM & Digital Transformation at Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ under the Ministry of Transport Qatar
Mr Kobus van der Merwe – Panelist | President of SAICE Structures Division
Mr Fabio Companie – Panelist | Head of Construction Management,
City of Cape Town
Bridging Digital Gaps for a Net-Zero Future
From computational modelling to advanced data analytics, the future of engineering lies in how we capture, manage, and apply data. This panel brings together experts to discuss how data-driven insights can unlock smarter, more resilient infrastructure solutions for Africa and beyond.
Pro Nashwan Dawood | Moderator
Research Director, NetZero Industrial Innovation Centre, Professor of Digtal Construction at Teesside University
Dr Jack Cheng – Panelist | Associate Director of GREAT Smart Cities Institute, and Director of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Lab at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
Dr Liza Rose Cirolia – Panelist | Associate Professor at African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town
Prof Robin Drogemuller – Panelist | School of Architecture & Built Environment
Queensland University of Technology
Mr Richard Matchett – Panelist | Digital Practice Lead at Zutari
Digital by Design: A Roadmap for South Africa’s Built Environment
Virtual and Augmented Reality are transforming how we design, build, and experience spaces. This panel explores practical applications of VR/AR in construction, from immersive design reviews to safer training environments, and what lies ahead for Africa’s engineering landscape.
Dr Aso Haji Rasouli – Moderator | Senior Lecturer in Architecture, School of Engineering, Design & Built Environment, Western Syndey University
Prof Markus Koenig – Panelist | Chair of Computing in Construction at Ruhr University Bochum
Prof Raimar Scherer – Panelist | Professor Emeritus at Technical Unviversity of Dresden
Mr Rudd van Deventer – Panelist | Founder of SpaceWorx
Mr Andrew van Gruting – Panelist | SANRAL Senior Mentor ‑ Technical Excellence Academy
