It was a busy and exciting week for ITS Australia at the 26th ITS World Congress in Singapore from 21-25 October 2019. The Congress saw the largest ever Australian delegation at a World Congress held outside of Australia: more than 300 Australians representing over 100 Australian organisations working in ITS. Additionally, ITS Australia hosted a pavilion with 13 industry co-exhibitors.
At the Opening Ceremony, Brian Negus, ITS Australia Ambassador and Chairman of CICA Group, became the first Australian inducted into the ITS World Congress Hall of Fame.
At the opening ceremony of each annual ITS World Congress three individuals are honoured with the Hall of Fame award, one each from the Asia Pacific, American and European regions.
Negus was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside Jim Barbaresso of the United States and Svend Tøfting of Denmark.
The annual award recognises industry professionals who personify the highest standards of leadership and help to drive the ITS industry forward.
“I am deeply honoured to be recognised by my international ITS colleagues. However, I see this as much more than a personal award. I firmly believe that this award recognises the leading role that Australia has played for many years in advancing the adoption of smart technologies to improve transport,” Mr Negus said.
“Vehicle technology is now at the forefront of the mobility, safety and environmental improvements that we in the industry have long been seeking.”
Hajime Amano, Secretary-General of ITS Asia Pacific said with a career spanning more than 50 years, Brian Negus is one of Australia’s most respected and influential transport and mobility leaders.
A director of ITS Australia since 2007 and president for six years, Mr Negus is highly regarded for his long-standing strong contributions to transport, his commitment to intelligent transport initiatives, and his role in advocating for, and delivering ITS solutions in the transport sector.
Mr Negus represents ITS Australia on the ITS World Congress Board, chaired the organising committee for the 2016 ITS World Congress held in Melbourne, and is chair of the ITS Australia Policy Committee.
Mr Negus’ career spans both the government and private sectors including General Manager Public Policy with the Royal Automobile Club Victoria (RACV); Deputy Director of Public Transport in Victoria; Regional Director of VicRoads; and General Manager of Port Planning at the Melbourne Port Corporation.
Also at the World Congress, ITS Australia and ITS New Zealand hosted a VIP Cocktail Reception which marked the official international launch of the 17th ITS Asia Pacific Forum.
At the reception Dean Zabrieszach, ITS Australia President, announced that the Queensland Government would join RACQ as a Premium Partner of the ITS Forum next year.
The reception was an outstanding success. It was attended by more than 250 guests from Australia and New Zealand as well as many leading figures in the ITS from across the globe.
