Edwin Lai is an engineer and urban strategist working at the intersection of infrastructure, technology and public policy to help cities thrive amid rapid technological and societal change. As a Senior Transport Planner and Team Lead (Investment, Transport Planning and Analytics) at Jacobs, he has partnered with more than 30 governments and organisations across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East to translate emerging technologies into practical strategies for more resilient and low-carbon communities. From autonomous and electric mobility to AI-enabled systems, his work has expanded connectivity and economic prosperity for more than eight million people across 10+ cities, demonstrating how innovation can move from pilot projects to large-scale impact through effective policy and cross-sector collaboration.
Beyond his professional role, Edwin is a Core Collaborator of the Future26 Programme, an initiative in collaboration with the World Economic Forum’s Global Foresight Network (GFN) and the Global Shapers Community, where he works alongside global leaders to embed intergenerational foresight into today's decisions. He is also an expert contributor to the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) Working Groups and ITU Focus Group on AI, advancing international work on urban foresight, people-centred AI and sustainable innovation. As Outgoing Curator of the Global Shapers Sydney Hub and UN SDSN Youth Local Pathways Fellow, Edwin brings a systems-level perspective on how cities can navigate technological disruption and economic transformation while building a more climate-resilient and inclusive future.
