Building and Construction Authority (Singapore)

BE Leaders Retreat 2024: Shaping Tomorrow’s Cities through Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

At the event, young and future built environment (BE) leaders engaged in insightful discussions about the latest technologies and AI to be used in the BE sector, as well as the key challenges and benefits for the sector amidst rapid technological advancements. Key topics included the role of emerging technologies and AI in transforming the industry and impact on BE job roles.

As part of ongoing efforts to attract talents to the Built Environment sector, BCA and The Astronauts Collective (TAC) signed an MOU to formalise collaboration on student outreach programmes and initiatives. The MOU signing was witnessed by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance, and Second Minister for National Development, who also urged young and future leaders in the BE sector to step forward in playing a part to inspire the young talents to join the sector.

Session highlights included:
✅ Emerging Technologies: discussing strategies to bring promising digitisation, robotics, and automation tools that are in early development stages to market adoption.

✅ Transformative Technologies: sharing of successful implementations of digitalisation, robotics, and AI solutions, such as drones, and examining how to scale up adoption for higher savings and more widespread use.

✅ Sustainable Solutions: exploring how technology and AI can bolster sustainability within the built environment, addressing both opportunities and challenges in adoption.

✅ From Traditional to Tech-Savvy: discussing the transformation of job roles and organizational workforces through technology and AI, emphasizing the benefits and ways to overcome adoption challenges.

Outreach initiatives have already begun with BE Career Advocates like Mervyn Seah Weng Xing, Senior Quantity Surveyor, Currie & Brown, Chio Wen Tian, Principal Architect, Chio Architects, Foong Wei Han Amos, Corporate Manager, Tiong Seng Contractors, and Eugene Koh Wei Ping, Senior Design Engineer, Nishimatsu. They have gone above and beyond their core duties to partner with BCA in manpower development and talent attraction efforts, showcasing their dedication to fostering a robust BE workforce.

We plan to collaborate with more BE Career Advocates to develop further outreach initiatives to strengthen our BE workforce. If you are a future or young leader in the BE sector willing to share your career journey, please reach out to us via this form; https://go.gov.sg/bca-careerguideform

Together, let's shape the future of the built environment!

Own a condominium unit or strata-titled property? Here are some essential insights about strata living that you need to note:

1. All unit owners are part of the Management Corporation (MCST) 🏢
2. Strata developments are self-governed 🤝
3. Attend your Annual General Meetings (AGMs) to have a say 🗓️
4. Pay your maintenance fees 💰
5. You are required to comply with the estate’s by-laws 📜

Equip yourself with essential knowledge to effectively manage your estate! Access our Strata Management Guides at: https://go.gov.sg/bca-smg-mcst

SCAL Academy recently concluded a 2-day HR masterclass, following up on their HR guidebook launched in April with support from BCA and Workforce Singapore - WSG. The overwhelming response underscores the growing focus among BE firms on enhancing HR practices to attract and retain talent.

The masterclass featured practical and customized case studies for contractors, which participants found extremely valuable. Key topics included Change Management and Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA). The session also discussed how to overcome challenges such as resistance to learning new skills, low software adoption, and disagreements among long-serving staff. The trainer from EON Consulting emphasized the importance of highlighting the benefits of training to motivate employees and identifying adaptable individuals as role models.

It was a fruitful session - one attendee shared their company’s experience upskilling manual workers into factory operators by providing targeted training to support their smart factory. Another participant shared their company’s approach on how they are implementing FWA (which is favoured by the younger generation), where their HR department introduced compressed workweek i.e. redesigned 6-day work week to 5.5day schedule with alternate Saturday shifts for site personnel.

BCA and WSG will continue to support TACs in offering resources similar to those for BE firms, and we look forward to more TACs providing customized resources for their members. The next HR masterclass will be held in Q4 of 2024.

📖Click to learn more about the HR guidebook! https://www.scal.com.sg/human-resource-guidebook-for-construction-sector

As part of our 59th National Day celebrations, we're excited to share a heartfelt message from our CEO on his day from 9-5 and 5-9. Do you have something to share as well? Share your story and hashtag !

Happy 59th Birthday, Singapore! 🎉

⚠️ SCAM ALERT ⚠️

The Building and Construction Authority (“BCA”) would like to alert members of the public to a scam, involving BCA purportedly permitting certain people certified by the BCA to open an account to participate in an investment scheme.

How the scam works:
- An individual claims to work in BCA, and is able to allow certain people, through BCA’s CEO, to participate in an investment.
- The individual provides a certificate, purportedly certifying a person granted permission to open an account under a scheme guaranteed by the BCA.
- The certificate bears logos of multiple ministries and public agencies, including the logos of the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Trade & Industry.

BCA has reported the matter to the police. BCA would like to remind members of the public that BCA does not administer any investment schemes or provide any investment opportunities.

We urge members of the public to exercise caution and vigilance. If you encounter any suspicious activity or have been approached by individuals making false claims about BCA or its officials, please alert BCA via our feedback form (https://go.gov.sg/bca-feedback-form) and report the incidents to the Police.

For more information on scams, you can also visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688.

⏰ Last chance to secure your early bird pass for International Built Environment Week!

On 5th September, the session on "Identifying Quick Wins in the Decarbonisation Journey" will delve into essential strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, focusing on greenfield and new development projects.

Learn how the industry can leverage greener construction materials and technologies to mitigate environmental impact from our esteemed speakers Yeoh Eng Yew of Bureau Veritas, Jocelyn Campbell of CarbonCure Technologies, Manuel Ong of Danfoss Singapore, and Vinamra Srivastava of CapitaLand Investment. They will share practical strategies and innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

🎟️ Sign up before the early bird rate ends tomorrow and save up to SGD 510! Don't wait, register now: https://au.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=100233548

Building occupants stand to benefit from smart buildings that utilise advanced technologies such as using IoT sensors and data analytics. This allows continuous monitoring and adjustments to be done for things like air conditioning, space allocation, indoor air quality and more.

The Intelligence (In) badge, specifically looks at the adoption of relevant smart technologies and systems within the building to create a safer, more efficient and more sustainable working and living spaces. A well-maintained and well-functioning building provides a pleasant and comfortable environment for occupants like us! Swipe to find out more.

It's a wrap for our badges series! We hope you have a better understanding on how the various GM2021 badges contribute to Singapore's sustainability efforts.

Our built environment doesn’t happen by chance; it is through the hard work of the dedicated BE professionals in the sector – this includes engineers who are constantly challenged to devise innovative engineering solutions to ensure safety and shape our city’s landscape.

We are glad to share the winners of BCA’s Design & Engineering Safety Award (DESA)! For 2024, it covers categories across Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Industrial, and Civil Engineering. The engineers are:

👏 Er. Aaron Foong Kit Kuen (Rivière and Surbana Jurong Campus)

👏 Er. Yiong Hoi Liong (CapitaSky)

👏 Er. Chan Ewe Jin (BCA Braddell Campus Phase 2 Intensification Project)

👏 Er. Sharron Ng (BCA Braddell Campus Phase 2 Intensification Project)

👏 Er. Kam Mun Wai (JTC Logistics Hub @ Gul)

👏 Er. Lim Soon Hui (Contract T219 – Construction of TEL Orchard Station and A&A to NSL Orchard Station)

These winners have demonstrated outstanding creativity and problem-solving, setting new standards in safety, design, and innovation in the Built Environment. Their dedication and expertise are crucial in shaping a sustainable future for construction and engineering.

Congratulations to all the deserving winners of DESA! 🌟

Learn more about the challenges encountered and the innovative solutions implemented by the award winners at go.gov.sg/bca-pr-desa-2024​.

✨ Meet Christina Seet and Chew Ti Chee from the CORENET X project team as they speak about their experiences being part of a multi-agency project. Get the “behind the scenes” story behind the challenges and triumphs behind this visionary project.

🎬 Don't miss this exclusive BCA Insider feature - watch the full interview now!

BCA Insider - Unveiling CORENET X, a multi-agency collaboration project Get to know Christina Seet and Chew Ti Chee from the CORENET X project team in this interview. Christina and Ti Chee highlights the key benefits and advanced...

Can we make Singapore's CBD more inclusive and accessible? 🏙️

Yes, we can. The Accessible City Network (ACN) community workgroup, in collaboration with Disabled People’s Association, carried out the Robinson Road Accessibility Validation Exercise in July 2024. Involving public agencies, disability groups, students and building owners, the exercise managed to identify areas and routes in need of improvement for greater inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities, so that everyone can access employment opportunities and enjoy their time out with their friends and colleagues in the area.

Discover more about accessibility and universal design, and explore the initiatives in place to make our built environment more user-friendly: https://go.gov.sg/bca-ud

The inaugural 'Strata Talks @ BCA' session took place on 19 July, marking the launch of a new platform aimed at engaging MCSTs in discussions on pivotal issues impacting strata living. 🗨️🏢

Centered around the theme of "Enhancement to Strata Living", BCA delved into:
✅ Crucial elements of the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA)
✅ The critical role of competent Managing Agents (consider accredited MAs)
✅ Availability of BCA resources such as the Strata Management Guides and upcoming e-learning tools
✅ Importance of engaging skilled professionals for Periodic Facade Inspections (PFI) and maintaining facades
✅ Insights on Effective Planning for Aging Lifts to drive modernisation efforts
✅ Establishment of a Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) in collaboration with contractors

We are thankful to representatives from People's Association and Agency for Integrated Care - AIC Singapore who contributed insights on initiatives and programs aimed at fostering strong community bonds among neighbours and providing support for our aging population within MCST developments.

We can't wait to meet more MCST council members at the next ‘Strata Talks @ BCA’! In the meantime, do empower yourself with essential estate management knowledge using our Strata Management Guides: https://go.gov.sg/bca-smg

✨ International Built Environment Week Panel Alert !

Join us on Day 2, 5th September, for an illuminating discussion featuring industry leaders: Dr. Will Cavendish of Arup, Ir. Paul Evans of Gammon Construction, and Mark Enzer of Mott MacDonald.

These experts will explore the transformative impact of technology on the built environment. Learn how emerging tools, robotics in construction, and smart facilities management integrated with proptech are revolutionizing the industry. Gain insights into creating resilient, climate-positive environments in a rapidly evolving world for developers, architects and contractors!

🎟️ Don't miss this opportunity to learn from top professionals driving innovation and sustainability. Secure your early bird pass now and save up to SGD 510! https://au.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=100233548

🔔 Update on BCA Awards 2024 🔔

We received an overwhelming response for BCA’s 2024 Project of the Year and Company of the Year Awards, with numerous entries!

We are pleased to announce the finalists today, and look forward to unveil the winners at the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2024, held from 4 to 6 September.

Have you got your tickets for Asia's most comprehensive built environment event? You can still enjoy early bird pricing by visiting go.gov.sg/ibew-2024.

For more information about BCA Awards, please go to go.gov.sg/bca-awards.

Management Corporations (MCSTs) play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient upkeep of strata developments. Given that approximately 75% of the MCSTs rely on Managing Agents (MAs) for the daily management of their estates, selecting the right MA is pivotal to maintaining high standards.

Did you know that there are accreditation schemes for MAs? Accreditation serves as a hallmark of quality assurance for MCSTs. It guarantees that accredited MAs are equipped with essential skills to manage your strata development effectively. A recent pilot study by BCA revealed that accredited MAs achieved higher satisfaction levels in the service performance, as compared to their non-accredited counterparts. With over 700 MA individuals and 36 firms already accredited, accessibility to accredited MAs continues to grow for MCSTs.

BCA recently renewed the Certificate of Recognition for accreditation schemes for Managing Agents (MAs), administered by the Association of Property and Facility Managers (APFM) and Association of Strata Managers (ASM). A ceremony was held on 27 June 2024 where representatives from the APFM and ASM were presented their certificates. Thumbs up to raising the professionalism and competency of MAs to better serve their clients!

Explore more about the accreditation schemes and discover how they can benefit your MCST: https://go.gov.sg/bca-asma

Obayashi's Singapore office has grown into one of the largest in Obayashi's global network. It is leading the way in adopting emerging technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, and drone photogrammetry to deliver projects efficiently.

As a main contractor dedicated to the professional growth and development of its employees, Obayashi Singapore offers exchange programmes to Japan for its young engineers and a range of training opportunities. 📈💡 These initiatives provide team members with platforms to deepen their insights and enhance their skills. This helps them advance their careers while fostering a sense of personal and professional optimism and motivation.

Obayashi promotes employee growth by providing equal opportunities and supporting those eager to advance. The firm nurtures young talent through a pilot mentorship program, pairing them with experienced employees to foster cross-functional collaboration, share diverse perspectives, and encourage innovation. 👷‍♂️ 👷

🔗 Curious to know more about Obayashi's mentorship programme, read this inspiring story!

Rising to new career heights: How engineer is leveraging mentorship to level up Read more at straitstimes.com.

From 1 July 2024, government SMSes will be sent from a single Sender ID: gov.sg. Received an SMS from the government? Check that it’s gov.sg 🔒

Learn more at sms.gov.sg.

Today, we're celebrating the amazing women in engineering who are making a difference in Singapore's Built Environment sector. Their skills, leadership, and hard work are crucial to transforming our urban landscape.

Meet Er. Jess Tan, a talented structural engineer from Aurecon who uses digital tools to analyse structural designs and collaborate with project partners. Her expertise in civil and structural engineering equips her with technical knowledge to work on infrastructure projects and ensure stability of structures. Swipe to hear her insights!

There are many like-minded individuals like Jess in our BE sector, who have been practicing digital-first engineering to help further improve productivity and streamline workflows, helping to redefine industry standards, transforming the way we build.

To all aspiring women engineers: Join us in shaping the future of our city and beyond!

At the Singapore Green Building Council Gala Dinner 2024, we celebrated 24 distinguished winners of the SGBC-BCA Leadership in Sustainability Awards (LSA) 2024. A big congratulations to the award winners! We are heartened to witness how industry stakeholders are continuing to push the envelope in building a greener and low-carbon built environment. Guest-of Honour, Second Minister for Finance and National Development Ms Indranee Rajah, noted that more than 80 award applications were received, double that from 2022, underpinning the industry's heightened commitment to sustainability.

She also highlighted that as sustainability continues to be a national priority for Singapore, further R&D efforts will be needed to develop innovative solutions that push the boundaries of building energy efficiency. She announced BCA will support two first-of-its kind Research and Innovation (R&I) solutions under the Green Buildings Innovation Cluster (GBIC) 2.0 programme to enhance the efficiency of cooling in air-conditioned buildings.

Other initiatives were also announced at the SGBC Gala Dinner 2024, including:

✅ Launch of the refreshed Green Mark for Interiors (GMI) scheme that will appeal to a wider spectrum of interior spaces, and will take on an integrated structure similar to the Green Mark 2021 certification scheme. More details will be announced in the coming months.

✅ The upcoming launch of a sustainable financing guide for the built environment, which showcases how green building certification schemes like BCA's Green Mark certification scheme can contribute to achieve ambitious climate goals and attract sustainable financing.

To find out more about the award winners and other announcements, visit go.gov.sg/bca-pr-sgbc-gala-2024.

Registration for the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) Conference 2024 is now open!

Widely regarded as the most comprehensive built environment event in Asia Pacific, IBEW is the ideal platform for the built environment community to converge and share knowledge, exchange experiences and explore business opportunities.

Mark Your Calendar!

🗓️ 4 – 6 September 2024
📍 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
🕰️9am – 6pm

Secure your delegate pass now and enjoy early bird rates. Join us in 3 days of extensive networking, learning, and exploration of business collaboration and opportunities.

Register today at https://au.eventscloud.com/ibew-2024-delegate-registration?source=WA_BCA