[18 August 2008]
SMU and BCA launch first construction-focused Advanced Management Programme in Singapore

BCA and SMU collaborate to offer industry-specific executive training programme for leaders in the building and construction industry, using real case studies

Singapore, 18 August 2008 – The Singapore Management University (SMU) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) today launched the new SMU-BCA Advanced Management Programme aimed at developing the strategic management capabilities of senior executives to build sustainable competitive advantages for their firms along the value chain of the building and construction industry. Aligned with the Government's vision to develop Singapore into a distinctive global city, the industry-specific programme is the first-of-its-kind in the executive education space designed to provide participants with a broader strategic vision of the construction business environment.

Developed by the SMU Office of Executive Education and the BCA Academy , drawing on the rich experience of industry leaders in the form of case studies, the Programme will provide a deeper understanding of the complex market and process-oriented issues that drive the building and construction industry. Designed and anchored on three main themes: Building the Foundation, Creating Sustainability and Accelerating Growth, the programme is part of BCA's Built Environment Strategic Leadership Development initiative to develop strategic management capabilities to anchor and advance the building and construction industry. Please see attached factsheet for details.

“The building and construction sector has been growing rapidly over the last few years. And it is likely to continue growing in the coming years. With a high volume of work, increasing scale and complexities of projects and severe constraints in resources, the industry requires more top leaders and managers to tackle the mounting challenges and steer the industry forward. It is therefore timely for us to introduce this industry-specific Advanced Management Programme. The unique feature of this programme is the case-studies of companies in the industry – all of which are household names. Through the sharing of experiences, the participants in this programme will be able accelerate their learning process, broaden their outlook and gain valuable insights into the minds behind the enduring success of these companies,” said Mr. Benedict Tan, Managing Director of BCA Academy.

“SMU is very pleased to be the academic partner for this new Advanced Management Programme, the first-of-its-kind for the building and construction industry in Singapore. SMU's experience in delivering executive education and customised training for working professionals will help participants address new issues and global challenges in the construction industry. The programme will help our industry leaders, who already possess deep domain knowledge and market savvy, to acquire new strategic management capabilities and skills such as branding, internationalisation and risk management,” said Associate Professor Annie Koh, Dean of Executive and Professional Education at SMU.

The three-month Programme comprises a total of nine modules and will be taught by a combination of SMU faculty and industry professionals at the SMU campus. The pilot run of the programme is scheduled for November 2008.

Reflecting its commitment to skill up Singaporeans for value added roles in growth sectors, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) will be providing a 50 per cent course fee subsidy to participants who meet the criteria.

Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Chief Executive Officer of WDA, said, “WDA is pleased to support this first-of-its-kind programme, to develop management and leadership capabilities in the building and construction industry. The programme adopts many of our Continuing Education and Training principles, i.e. it emphasised on what managers needed to know on their jobs, rather than academic learning; it helps participants accommodate training around their busy work schedules; and promotes the concept of deepening our capability through lifelong learning. We hope senior executives from the industry will come forward to participate, deepen their skills in management and leadership, and help their companies and industry advance into the future.”

Ms. Vivien Heng, Director from RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd and whose firm is the subject of one of the case studies for the Programme said: “ In order to move our organisation forward, it is important to be updated with new skills and paradigms to develop our capabilities even further. The funding availability helps defray some of the training costs. Also, we hope that our participation as a case study company will foster better understanding in issues related to the internationalisation efforts of an organisation.”

Continual strong growth in the building and construction industry hinges upon having industry leaders who possess broader business perspectives and shaper foresight to drive the industry forward. Commenting on BCA's role in nurturing industry leaders and transforming the industry, BCA CEO Dr. John Keung said, “This new Advanced Management Programme augments well with BCA's strategic thrust of leading and transforming the building and construction industry by enhancing the competence, entrepreneurship and professionalism of its leaders. BCA will continue to seek opportunities to develop the industry through the BCA Academy and our partnerships with renowned academic institutions to devise relevant learning programmes for top leaders and managers for the industry. It is our aim to equip them with the knowledge that will position their firms for greater sustainability and foster their competitive advantage for regional growth. “