Prof Xiao Lin Zhao is and has been a driving force in the development and construction of tubular structures, providing sustained international leadership. Heading the crafting of international design guidance on the Committee for International Development and Education on Construction of Tubular Structures - an Industry Organisation with 18 member nations - he has led the development of standards used globally and is highly sought in industry. Zhao’s advancing green technology by utilising seawater sea sand geopolymer concrete is at the forefront internationally, as is his rehabilitation of steel structures using advanced composites.