The Singapore construction industry is facing a labour crunch with stricter foreign manpower quota even as the pipeline of projects remains strong. Many contractors are already taking measures to raise productivity but this is seen as just the first step forward. For example, Sam Woh uses a $200,000 tracking system to pinpoint the exact location of its over 200 delivery trucks. With this, the company...
Singapore Construction Industry
Analysts said the move by the Ministry of National Development to build more HDB flats may give the local construction industry a fresh boost. The majority of first time HDB home buyers can rejoice with the MND's decision to develop more build-to-order (BTO) flats this year. And with the decision to address rental flat shortages, industry observers said the planned supply changes would be positive for...
The Singapore government will roll out public sector projects worth up to S$50 million each from the middle of this year. It had earlier deferred projects amounting to S$4.7 billion to ease pressure on the construction sector. The government said the upcoming projects are expected to attract small and medium-sized contractors. National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said: "The big contractors have...
All builders in Singapore must apply for builder's licence by June 16 next year to carry out building works here. This requirement under the Building Control Act came into effect on December 16. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is giving builders a grace period of six months to submit their requests to facilitate the application process for two types of licences. General Builder licences are...
Singapore’s construction sector looks set to ride out the current economic downturn, thanks to a strong orderbook of projects lasting for at least another year. These projects are expected to be valued at around S$30 billion by the end of 2008. That is 22.4 per cent higher than 2007. But some experts are predicting a prolonged economic slowdown lasting past 2010. This could mean tough times ahead for...
Mah: HDB upgrading a priority as deferred projects reinstated SOME of the Government's $4.7 billion worth of deferred construction projects are to be brought forward again, in a move expected to help smaller local building contractors. And priority will be given to smaller projects, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said. "We are also looking to see whether the different ministries are able to...
Two public housing upgrading programmes will be brought forward with other government projects in efforts to increase spending and stimulate the Singapore economy. Singapore previously deferred S$4.7 billion worth of public sector projects due to high construction costs. The Ministry of National Development said now is a good time to do so with material costs looking to fall further. Residents in older...
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is launching initiatives to attract locals to join the construction sector and to strengthen skills at all levels of the sector's workforce. These initiatives are part of a masterplan that is being drafted to build a competent, productive and progressive labour force for the local construction industry. Announcing the masterplan on Friday at a BCA Academy...
Domestic construction demand is expected to reach close to S$30b this year compared to S$17b in 2006. But National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan warned the industry is expected to see a slowdown with the current economic situation. Mr Mah was speaking at the Singapore Contractors Association's 71st Annual Dinner. He said that if the need arises, the government will restart some of the deferred public...
Singapore's marine engineering, construction and financial sectors are among those the government expects to thrive amid the current financial crisis. Observers say the construction industry will be boosted by long-term contracts while the strong asset quality of local banks is shielding the financial sector from global turmoil. Local financial institutions have been beefing up their risk management...