Latest news with #BuildingandConstructionAuthority
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Practical solutions needed to deal with issues facing ageing condos
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox I refer to the report, ' Some ageing condos in Singapore struggle with failing infrastructure, inadequate sinking funds ' (Aug 7), which highlights chronic issues such as lift breakdowns in ageing condominiums. With over 800 condominium developments at least 30 years old, Singapore faces a growing risk of deteriorating infrastructure that threatens both safety and property value. I would like to suggest some practical solutions that work within Singapore's legal and financial systems. Management corporation strata titles (MCSTs) need better tools to finance major repairs. One option is government-backed, low interest loans with strict oversight. We could also allow automatic deduction of unpaid levies during property sales, ensuring financial transparency and continuity. Special levies can be a heavy burden, especially for elderly residents. Means-tested assistance, such as subsidies or flexible payment plans, could help ensure no one is forced to choose between safety and savings. The Building and Construction Authority should also be empowered to act faster and more decisively when MCSTs fail to maintain critical infrastructure. This could include streamlined intervention processes and tougher penalties for non-compliance. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Liquor licences for F&B, nightlife venues extended to 4am in Boat Quay, Clarke Quay Singapore Chikungunya cases in Singapore double; authorities monitoring situation closely Singapore Student found with vape taken to hospital after behaving aggressively in school; HSA investigating Asia Cambodia, Thailand agree on Asean observers monitoring truce, but fundamental differences remain Asia Trump ratchets up tariff pressure on India, sparking despair among exporters and growth fears Singapore CDC and SG60 vouchers listed on e-commerce platforms will be taken down: CDCs Asia Australia's purchase of Japanese frigates signals a new era for Indo-Pacific security Singapore Some ageing condos in Singapore struggle with failing infrastructure, inadequate sinking funds We must evolve Singapore's regulatory framework to meet the realities of ageing private estates. By bridging the gap between oversight and financial capability, we can protect both our homes and our communities. Keith Wong
Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Building neighbourhoods and advancing innovation
IN 1992, a newly incorporated construction company quietly broke ground in Singapore. Its first project, Sentosa's now-defunct Volcano Theme Park, marked the beginning of a long and growing commitment to the citystate. Thirty-three years on, China Construction (South Pacific) Development Co Pte Ltd (CCDC) has firmly established itself as a key player in Singapore's urban story, credited with building 82,691 homes, major national infrastructure, and a reputation for quality, safety and sustainability. Now one of Singapore's leading contractors with the highest Building and Construction Authority (BCA) builder grade (A1) and over 280 industry awards, CCDC's growth has closely tracked Singapore's development. Beyond the numbers, however, the company measures success by the lives and communities shaped by its work. From its early days, CCDC has responded to Singapore's priorities. After its private residential debut in 1994, the company swiftly moved into the public housing space, winning its first HDB project in Bukit Batok that same year. Since then, it has delivered 48,984 HDB flats and 33,707 private homes. Today, one in 20 people here lives in a home built by CCDC. Beyond housing, the company has extended its reach across the built environment, from educational institutions, commercial centres and healthcare facilities to transport infrastructure and even water management. Key milestones include the construction of Republic Polytechnic's Woodlands campus (2003-2006), which featured varied structural designs; the Canberra MRT Station (2015-2019), a technically challenging project that earned multiple safety and design awards; and the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant, its first foray into water infrastructure. The developer's current portfolio includes high-profile, complex projects like Bukit Canberra, an integrated sports and community hub, and CanningHill Piers mixed development, its first large-scale, high-end project. Bukit Canberra, an integrated sports and community hub. Responding to changing aspirations CCDC's steady growth reflects not just Singapore's development needs, but also the evolving aspirations of its people. Singaporeans today are placing greater emphasis on quality of life, sustainability, and smart living, moving beyond traditional goals like material success or homeownership. This shift has created stronger demand for thoughtfully designed technology-enabled spaces that enhance everyday living in a modern urban environment. This is visible in projects such as Oasis Terraces, a lushly vegetated waterfront hub in Punggol that integrates healthcare, retail, residential and transport within a green ecosystem. The development received acclaim locally and abroad, including an award at the World Architecture Festival. CCDC has also been an early adopter of green building standards. It has built more than 70 BCA Green Mark-certified projects since 2006, many of which exceed minimum regulatory requirements. These include green rooftops and innovative natural lighting systems, all designed to minimise environmental impact while improving user comfort. By prioritising and practising Green Mark building standards, CCDC proactively implements environment friendly construction methodologies, materials and systems. Harnessing technology for transformation Key to CCDC's growth has been its push to modernise construction through technology. As early as 2014, it set up a dedicated Building Information Modelling (BIM) team and today deploys over 200 BIM specialists across its projects. The team works on full-scale 2D to 6D models to enable more precise planning and resource management, as it seeks to 'build twice and build wise'. On the prefabrication front, CCDC has led the local adoption of Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA). Its Lake Grande project was Singapore's first reinforced concrete condominium using PPVC, significantly reducing build time and site waste. At Bulim Square, another ongoing project, the company is employing an advanced drilling robot, prefabricated MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) modules, and an integrated digital management platform. At Bulim Square, another ongoing project, the company is employing an advanced drilling robot, prefabricated modules, and an integrated digital management platform. The drilling robot showcased its precision and efficiency, completing complex tasks with minimal human intervention, thus significantly reducing labour costs and project timelines. According to CCDC, these technologies are not just about speed, they support higher build quality, better safety outcomes and reduced carbon emissions. The company is also piloting smart micro-grid systems and battery energy storage technologies, while exploring AI-assisted inspection and construction automation. These initiatives align with Singapore's Smart Nation and Green Plan goals. Investing in people CCDC's belief in building well extends to its people. With over 1,600 employees in Singapore, the company places strong emphasis on local hiring, skills development and workplace inclusion. Today, 94 per cent of its core management team are Singaporeans or permanent residents. To equip its staff with the right qualifications and skills, the company implements a comprehensive annual training plan that includes both internal and external programmes. These initiatives aim to help employees stay current with industry standards and effectively support the increasing demands of CCDC's construction projects. The company also offers dual career tracks for professional and leadership development. CCDC's active emphasis on safety and quality is also supported through dedicated training sessions, interactive site activities, and internal knowledge-sharing platforms like the 'EasyLearn' series. Community at the core Looking beyond the bottom line, CCDC has invested heavily in building communities. This includes social outings for migrant workers, such as a recent Gardens by the Bay trip in partnership with The Salvation Army, and friendly badminton tournaments that encourage camaraderie and inclusion on site. At Riviera MRT station, one of CCDC's ongoing projects, a vibrant community mural now brightens the space, featuring 18 artworks created by young artists from Greendale Primary, Horizon Primary, and the Punggol Shore neighbourhood. The company's commitment to community care extends even after construction is completed. Its Building Service Centres, for instance, handle post-handover support for HDB developments, reflecting its focus on resident satisfaction. In 2024, CCDC received the HDB Excellence Service Award for its work at Tampines GreenCourt and Woodleigh Village. Riviera MRT project. 'Passionate customer service is the cornerstone of our success. We emphasise empathy, active listening, and timely solutions, with the goal of building meaningful connections with residents,' says a CCDC spokesperson. Building ties across borders CCDC's story is also about cross-cultural connection. As a wholly owned subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), CCDC has served as a ground-level bridge between Singapore and China for over three decades. 'We believe that every project is not just a structure, but a bridge between people, ideas, and cultures. Delivering high-quality work, acting responsibly, and building lasting relationships is a meaningful way to support the broader Singapore-China partnership on the ground,' says the company spokesperson. This includes adapting innovations from China for local use and ensuring Singapore standards and culture are integrated into every delivery. The company also works closely with local suppliers and industry partners, promoting local procurement and inclusive business practices. Looking ahead, CCDC's priorities remain aligned with Singapore's national goals over the next decade. The company plans to deepen its role in key sectors such as healthcare, transport and green infrastructure, areas identified in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. 'While we have played an active role in Singapore's residential and public construction landscape, we are now placing greater emphasis on landmark projects, which reflect the country's evolving infrastructure needs,' says the CCDC spokesperson. 'By introducing innovative products from our Group and adapting them to local needs, we aim to provide solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and suited to Singapore's urban vision.'
AsiaOne
28-07-2025
- General
- AsiaOne
Tanjong Katong sinkhole: PUB says recovery efforts are 'progressing steadily', urges public to remain patient , Singapore News
Recovery efforts along Tanjong Katong South Road have now been underway for more than two days after a sinkhole formed there on Saturday (July 26). In the meantime, efforts to ready the road for reopening are advancing steadily, with tests being conducted to check ground conditions, said national water agency PUB late on July 28. PUB's director for water reclamation (network) Herman Ching told reporters that while recovery efforts are 'progressing steadily', safety still remains "a priority'. Ching also confirmed that backfilling works - using liquified stabilised soil (LSS) - were completed this morning. LSS is made of cement, soil, and water and is used to fill cavities in the soil. It also provides the strength needed for subsequent road construction works. PUB, which is leading and coordinating recovery efforts, said that 'rigorous tests and scans' are currently deployed to 'detect underground cavities and verify ground stability". These include the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR), physical probes, and seismic scans. PUB added that thorough assessments are conducted in consultation with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Land Transport Authority. The agency also sought the public's continued patience and understanding as works continue round-the-clock to expedite recovery of the affected road. [[nid:720693]] BCA to conduct independent investigation Separately, BCA said they are commencing an independent investigation into the sinkhole incident. 'The investigation will examine the circumstances leading to the formation of the sinkhole, identify the root causes, and take the necessary actions against any non-compliance under the Building Control Act', said BCA in a statement to the media today. BCA added that investigations could take months given the complexity of the incident and the need for geophysical tests. [[nid:720685]] editor@
Business Times
28-07-2025
- General
- Business Times
BCA to conduct independent investigation into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole incident
[SINGAPORE] The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will conduct an independent investigation into the sinkhole incident that took place along Tanjong Katong Road South over the weekend. On Monday (Jul 28), Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said the authority will examine the circumstances leading to the formation of the sinkhole, identify the root causes and take the necessary actions against any non-compliance under the Building Control Act and Regulations. The investigations are expected to take several months, given the complexity of the incident, said BCA. It will include detailed geographical analysis and other validation tests by the authority and its appointed consultants. A section of Tanjong Katong Road South collapsed on Saturday evening, swallowing a car and its driver. The driver was sent to Raffles Hospital for observation. She had experienced muscular pain. The sinkhole was located near a PUB construction site, which involved sewer laying works. The road has since been closed, with traffic and bus services diverted. Since the incident, BCA engineers have been working with PUB and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to conduct checks on the surrounding buildings, roads and infrastructure to ensure they remain structurally safe. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Construction work on the site was halted after the sinkhole formed, and a stop work order was issued to require the builder and supervising qualified person to implement safety measures. Such measures included cordoning off the affected area, performing geophysical surveys to detect underground voids and backfilling the adjacent shaft. The backfilling of both the adjacent shaft and the sinkhole was completed on Monday morning. This stabilised the incident site and the adjacent buildings remain safe, said BCA. BCA had recommended that PUB implement a safety time-out for similar sewer construction projects across Singapore, and conduct a thorough review of current practices and safeguards at those worksites.
International Business Times
26-07-2025
- Business
- International Business Times
Green Mark Certification and Energy Efficient Grant Applications with Scan to BIM
Sustainable building practices are becoming increasingly vital in Singapore as the nation advances its climate goals and strives to reduce carbon emissions. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) plays a key role in this movement through initiatives like the Green Mark Certification and the Energy Efficiency Grant. These programs encourage building owners and operators to adopt energy efficient technologies, retrofit aging infrastructure, and improve overall environmental performance. Digital technologies, particularly Scan to BIM (Building Information Modeling), are proving to be powerful tools in supporting these efforts, enabling accurate documentation, detailed analysis, and effective planning for sustainable upgrades. Scan to BIM is the process of using laser scanning or drone technology to capture the physical conditions of a building and converting that data into a digital 3D model. These models offer rich detail and accuracy, making them extremely useful for retrofit projects, facilities management, and even heritage conservation. Because they reflect the actual state of the building, Scan to BIM models form a reliable foundation for performance analysis, helping project teams understand how a building functions and where improvements can be made. The Green Mark Certification assesses buildings based on a set of sustainability criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable management practices. It offers different tiers of recognition such as Certified, Gold, GoldPLUS, and Platinum based on the extent of green performance. To achieve these ratings, applicants must provide detailed documentation supported by performance simulations and baseline data. This is where Scan to BIM plays a critical role. Many older buildings lack accurate documentation and may have undergone numerous undocumented modifications over the years. As a result, facility owners and project teams are often left without a reliable and up-to-date record of the building's current condition. Scan to BIM offers a cost effective and highly precise solution (with deviations under 10mm) to quickly generate detailed as built models. These models not only serve as a digital twin of the structure but also form a solid foundation for downstream applications like energy simulations and daylight analysis, ensuring such analyses are grounded in the building's actual geometry and systems. Similarly, the Energy Efficiency Grant supports businesses especially in the manufacturing, food services, and retail sectors in implementing energy efficient upgrades. The grant requires applicants to submit audits, equipment specifications, and energy savings estimates. Accurate building documentation produced through Scan to BIM helps validate these applications by providing clear evidence of existing inefficiencies and projected improvements. It allows consultants and owners to demonstrate measurable gains in energy performance with confidence. Scan to BIM enables a data driven approach to green building upgrades. It helps create a digital baseline of the building's current condition, which is essential for running energy and daylight simulations. It also allows teams to identify inefficiencies in HVAC systems, lighting layouts, and building envelope performance. With this information, project stakeholders from engineers to consultants and building owners can collaborate more effectively, working from a shared digital model that facilitates better decision making and more efficient upgrades. In practice, a typical project begins with a laser scan or drone capture of the existing structure. The data is then processed into a BIM model using tools like Revit, with the option to export in formats such as IFC or COBie. This model is integrated with simulation platforms like OpenBuildings Energy Simulator, which serves both as a BIM modelling tool and provides comprehensive energy simulation capabilities. The final step involves generating reports and documentation for submission to BCA or relevant authorities as part of the Green Mark or grant application process. For example, a commercial retrofit project might use Scan to BIM to identify outdated HVAC units and poor lighting distribution. With a digital model in hand, the team simulates the expected energy savings after upgrades and submits this as part of an Energy Efficiency Grant application. The result is a faster approval timeline, measurable energy reductions, and access to financial support for sustainable improvements. Working with a Scan to BIM service provider offers multiple advantages beyond just modeling. The full Scan to BIM workflow typically involves coordination between several parties including a surveyor to capture the existing site conditions, a BIM service provider to process and model the data, and engineering consultants or energy efficiency auditors to interpret the outputs for certification or design purposes. A seasoned service provider plays a crucial role in orchestrating this collaboration, offering not only the technical expertise and software required but also ensuring seamless communication and data flow across stakeholders. This approach is often more cost effective than maintaining an in house modeling team and results in faster turnaround times and higher accuracy. Service providers also support flexibility in file formats, making it easier to integrate with tools and standards needed for certification or grant applications. Ultimately, Scan to BIM aligns perfectly with Singapore's green building goals. It bridges the gap between existing conditions and sustainable outcomes, helping building owners streamline certification efforts and unlock valuable funding through government programs. Investing in Scan to BIM is a smart step toward making buildings more energy efficient, cost effective, and environmentally responsible.
