In 1998, SembCorp Industries was formed from the merger of Singapore Technologies Industrial Corporation (STIC) and Sembawang Corporation. The two government-linked companies were combined in the hopes of creating a conglomerate operating in the areas of infrastructure, marine engineering, information technology and lifestyle.

Su Yeang Design was hired to develop the branding for the new entity. Just four years before, it helped transform the 25-year-old Sembawang Shipyard into Sembawang Corporation (SembCorp). The consultancy built upon this with the name "SembCorp Industries" and removing the seahorse in their original logo to create the streamlined design.