Singapore, 15 March 2012 - With a long term target to raise construction productivity by 20% to 25% over the next ten years, construction leaders are gearing up to upgrade their capability to boost productivity through the SMU-BCA-WDA Productivity and Leadership Development Programme.
Up to 40 senior management executives from the building and construction industry will learn about how they could enhance their firms' competitiveness by increasing productivity along the construction value chain. They will benefit from insights shared by leading industry firms through industry-specific case studies. This programme is jointly conceptualised and developed by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and Singapore Management University (SMU).
Tailored to meet the needs of the professionals in the building and construction industry, this programme steers participants to explore the strategic initiatives and management approaches that can be implemented to drive productivity improvements in labour, capital, equipment, materials and building techniques. This is in line with the Singapore Economic Strategies Committee's (ESC) recommendation for companies to shift towards productivity-driven economic growth.
"The building and construction sector is a key economic growth sector and is of strategic importance in supporting the future development of Singapore. Hence, it is important for industry professionals to complement their wealth of experience with the right tools and knowledge. With this in mind, this programme was conceived to provide comprehensive insights to enhance their professional growth so that they are better prepared to lead their organisations", said Mr Benedict Tan, Managing Director, BCA Academy.
"In the course of our operations, sometimes we tend to overlook or underestimate the influence of internal and external drivers on our strategic planning process. For example, there is more to keeping up with timelines and improving our delivery processes whilst managing resources and cost. Other essential elements of a good strategic planning process includes being focussed on Beca's value proposition to our customers and competitive advantage that will send the right message to our target audience," said Mr Lee Ang Seng, Senior Executive Director, Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner (SEA) Pte Ltd). He attended the last Leadership Development Programme.
The programme will run over a training duration of 12 days from 23 March to 30 June 2012. This leadership programme is part of BCA's Built Environment Strategic Leadership Development initiative to professionalise the construction industry workforce. In addition, it is one of the programmes under the Skills Training for Excellence Programme (STEP)*, a national initiative aimed at meeting the diverse skills development needs of Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) in today's competitive economic landscape.
Besides those from the construction industry, BCA, SMU and WDA also wish to attract professionals from non-construction industries, who can now take advantage of the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) scheme, which has been enhanced as per the recently announced Budget 2012.
"Many SMEs are supplying to or working with developers on various fronts, be it furnishing, painting or lighting. As the needs of the building and construction sector continue to evolve, the programme has also reinvented itself by drawing on the rich experience and feedback of the previous three cohorts, as well as sectors interlinked with the building industry. Participants, whether from construction or related sectors, will be able to acquire strategic management capabilities to drive their organisations forward," said Associate Professor Annie Koh, SMU's Vice President for Business Development and External Relations, and Dean, Office of Executive and Professional Education.
"WDA is pleased to jointly conceptualise and develop the SMU-BCA-WDA Productivity and Leadership Development Programme in partnership with BCA and SMU. The programme seeks to raise productivity and boost the capabilities of PMETs in the building and construction industry, and is in line with WDA's broader mission of championing workforce development. Actual case studies allow participants to pick up leadership and productivity best practices, and company-based projects allow them to apply their newfound knowledge in the workplace," said Ms Julia Ng, Director of the Manufacturing and Construction Division at WDA.
The earlier WDA-supported SMU-BCA Advanced Management Programme has seen great success with close to 100 participants over the past three intakes. The Programme has been highly rated by past participants, especially in terms of programme content, objectives and facilitators' performance. Industry professionals who are looking for a platform to exchange ideas and visions among diverse players from the industry, will be able to leverage on this programme for a good understanding of the complex market & process-oriented issues that drives the industry.
Commenting on the programme, Mr Seah Choo Meng, Director, Davis Langdon & Seah Singapore Pte Ltd, said "Leadership is important in any organisation. The success of any task or assignment depends not only on an efficient and capable management but also on leadership. There are innumerable management programmes available in the market. In this respect, I consider the SMU-BCA-WDA Productivity and leadership Development Programme to be extremely relevant to building professionals."
* STEP is a Continuing Education and Training (CET) initiative jointly launched by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA). For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg/STEP.
Annex - SMU-BCA-WDA Productivity and Leadership Development Programme (24KB .pdf)
Brochure - SMU-BCA-WDA Productivity and Leadership Development Programme (965KB .pdf)
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About Building and Construction Authority (BCA)
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore champions the development of an excellent built environment for Singapore. BCA's mission is to shape a safe, high quality, sustainable and friendly built environment, as these are four key elements where BCA has a significant influence. In doing so, it aims to differentiate Singapore's built environment from those of other cities and contribute to a better quality of life for everyone in Singapore. Hence, its vision is to have "the best built environment for Singapore, our distinctive global city". Together with its education arm, the BCA Academy of the Built Environment, BCA works closely with its industry partners to develop skills and expertise that help shape the best built environment for Singapore. For more information, visit www.bca.gov.sg.
About Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA)
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. In today's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, the Union and training organisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training system that is skills-based, open and accessible, as a mainstream pathway for all workers - young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives - to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives. For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg.