Speech by Minister Desmond Lee at the Micro Builders Association Singapore 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner on 12 May at Orchard Hotel
May 12, 2023
1. I am very happy to join you this evening to celebrate 10th anniversary of the Micro Builders Association Singapore (MBAS).
2. MBAS has grown in strength over the last decade,
a. Not just in your membership, but also the support you have provided for our micro builders, and your impact on our built environment sector.
3. This was especially significant during the pandemic.
a. You worked closely with BCA to refine Safe Management Measures, or SMMs, for landed property projects so that these projects could safely resume after Circuit Breaker. I recall visiting a project at Windsor Hill Park with Mr Ian Teo, to observe first-hand how construction work was carried out in an effective manner under these SMMs.
b. As Mr Teo had mentioned in his welcome remarks, MBAS and our other trade associations had also stepped forward to facilitate the safe entry of our migrant workers, with the support of various public sector agencies.
4. I would like to thank MBAS and other trade associations for your strong support during the pandemic. Our combined efforts have helped the industry get back on its feet.
Pushing forward with industry transformation
5. Today, we have more migrant workers in Singapore as compared to pre-COVID times.
a. This inflow of workers has helped our builders to catch up on delayed work, and take on new projects.
6. But we've known all this time that it is not sustainable to continue to bring in more and more migrant workers to meet Singapore's development needs.
a. Our painful experience during the pandemic have shown us the importance of reducing the industry's reliance on a large migrant workforce.
b. As such, we must press on with efforts that will help us become more resilient against future-challenges.
Improving productivity
7. Let me highlight two key areas that we should focus on.
8. First, we can and must improve productivity, in our local and migrant workforce.
9. There are many ways to do this. One way is to make better use of digital tools.
a. For instance, site management applicants can help our firms to streamline our processes, monitor the progress of our projects, and optimise our operations.
10. We can also explore more innovative and advanced construction methods.
a. Smaller-scale projects that are undertaken by micro builders can still adopt Design for Manufacturing and Assembly, or DfMA.
b. For instance, factory fabrication of structural steel or simple precast components such as wall slabs. With automated production systems and controlled environments in precast factories, you can reduce the manpower required and also avoid on-site disruptions, such as inclement weather.
c. For our progressive builders who want to move even faster, I encourage you to keep an eye on other emerging technologies in robotics and automation. In recent years, we have seen innovative applications being deployed in Singapore.
d. This includes concrete finishing robots and 3D concrete printing.
11. We will continue to support firms on your productivity journey.
a. There is the Productivity Solutions Grant, which co-funds SME's adoption of off-the-shelf digital solutions.
b. And the Productivity Innovation Project scheme, which provides support for capability building in productive construction methods and technologies.
12. I am also happy to note that our trade associations have been working on various initiatives to better support firms.
a. For example, MBAS has collaborated with Singapore Polytechnic to develop a "Data-driven digital transformation programme for the BE sector" course, to help smaller firms navigate the digital space.
b. The Specialists Trade Alliance of Singapore (STAS) has also introduced a Shared Services Registry of digital consultancy service providers earlier this year.
Improving skills
13. Let me move on to the second area of focus, which is to improve the skills of our construction workforce.
a. Simply put, this is about investing in quality over quantity.
14. I am happy to hear that MBAS, with agencies' support, has made strong efforts to get better skilled workers for micro builders. MBAS has been directly involved with the recruitment of workers from various countries, ensuring that the workers have the skills and experience to contribute effectively in their respective trades.
15. Aside from bringing in new workers who are more skilled, we must also upskill our existing construction workforce. This can enable our workers to carry out their jobs effectively, efficiently, and safely.
a. BCA's Approved Training and Testing Centres can help with upgrading of structural, architectural and mechanical and electrical trades. I encourage everyone here to carefully consider the skills that you need for your projects, and plan ahead to upgrade your workers in those specific areas.
MBAS's BuildTrust scheme
16. In summary, improving productivity and skills will help us build a more resilient construction industry and workforce.
a. Efforts in these areas can also improve the consistency and quality of construction works.
17. This will help our builders meet the strong demand for high-quality homes and spaces in Singapore.
18. On this note, I am pleased to know that MBAS is developing a new BuildTrust scheme, to recognise quality micro builders.
a. This scheme will enable clients to identify builders that have provided high quality workmanship on smaller projects such as landed housing. This in turn will provide impetus for builders to raise their standards.
19. While this scheme is initiated and driven by MBAS, it is being developed in consultation with BCA and other trade associations.
a. This is a good example of cross-industry and government partnership, and I look forward to the launch of the scheme later this year.
Conclusion
20. To conclude, I am encouraged to see that the close ties forged between industry stakeholders, and with the Government during the pandemic, continue to remain strong.
a. These relationships are truly one of the silver linings arising from the pandemic. They have helped us stabilise the construction industry, and will help us ensure that it continues to thrive, as we take on the challenges ahead.
b. I look forward to continued partnership with everyone here, to build a resilient, productive and high-quality construction industry.
21. With this, let me congratulate MBAS once again on your 10th anniversary. I wish you continued success in the years to come.
22. Thank you.