Singapore’s built environment industry is posting robust performance, with projected total nominal construction demand for 2025 to be in the range of S$47-to-S$53 billion – a significant increase from 2024, underpinned by public and private sector projects.
- Key Growth Drivers: The public sector remains a key driver, with major projects like Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5) and various Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines. The private sector is also contributing significantly through large developments such as the expansion of the Marina Bay Sands Resort, and industrial facilities.
- Industry Transformation: Notable progress is being made in digitalisation, productivity and sustainability. As of late 2024, adoption of Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) had risen to 67%, and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) increased to 68%, indicating a positive shift toward more efficient construction methods.
Outlook for the Singapore Built Environment Industry
The Singapore built environment industry is expected to be strong in the medium term. However, it faces challenges from inflation, potential labour shortages and global uncertainties. Contractors are also becoming more selective, leading to a more competitive tendering landscape.
On the upside:
- Continued Robust Demand: From 2026 to 2029, the BCA forecasts an average annual construction demand of S$39billion to S$46 billion, supported by a continuous pipeline of major infrastructure projects and housing developments.
- Opportunities: The focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaborative contracting models presents significant opportunities. The government is also working to improve the business sustainability of the sector’s professionals.
Push towards Greater Digitalisation, Sustainability and Productivity
The Singapore built environment industry is undergoing a significant transformation, aimed at enhancing digitalisation, sustainability and productivity.
Digitalisation and Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD)
Digitalisation is a top priority to enhance efficiency and collaboration across the entire building lifecycle:
CORENET X: A key initiative is the mandating of CORENET X from October 2025, which will reduce processing time and enable seamless data sharing among stakeholders.
Building Information Modelling (BIM): BIM has become a game-changer in fostering collaboration and reducing errors, with growing adoption of IDD in new developments.
Emerging Technologies: The sector is increasingly adopting AI, data analytics, robotics and drones for site monitoring, safety inspections and predictive maintenance.
Sustainability and Green Buildings
Singapore’s commitment to its climate goals is a major driver of the sector’s transformation.
Singapore Green Building Masterplan: The masterplan outlines ambitious goals for 2030, including “greening” 80% of buildings by Gross Floor Area (GFA).
Adoption of Green Technologies: The industry is increasingly incorporating sustainable practices, such as using low-carbon concrete. At the same time, the government is providing grants to support firms in their sustainability efforts.
Towards a High-tech, Sustainable Workforce
As the industry increasingly focuses on digitalisation, sustainability, and productivity transformation, new, specialized positions are emerging.
1. Digitalisation and Technology-Related Roles
The push for IDD and advanced technologies has created a demand for professionals who can leverage digital tools throughout a building’s lifecycle.
BIM Manager/Specialist: These professionals are key to the transformation. They oversee the creation and management of Building Information Models (BIM), ensuring all stakeholders collaborate on a single digital platform.
Digital Delivery Manager: This role focuses on the end-to-end management of digital processes, from planning to execution. They ensure the smooth integration of various digital technologies and data flows in a project.
Computational Designer: This role involves using coding and algorithms to automate design processes and create complex, optimized building designs.
Facility Management (FM) Data Analyst: With buildings becoming “smarter,” this role analyses data from building systems to optimise building performance, maintenance schedules and resource management.
2. Sustainability and Green Building Roles
As Singapore moves towards a greener built environment, new roles have emerged to meet sustainability goals.
Green Mark Professional/Assessor: These specialists assess buildings and developments for their environmental performance and sustainability features, helping them achieve Green Mark certification.
Environmental Sustainability Engineer: This professional looks into incorporating sustainable practices and technologies in the building design and construction. They ensure projects comply with environmental regulations and standards.
Energy and Sustainability Solutions Architect: This role is involved in designing and implementing sustainable solutions for buildings and infrastructure, so as to improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of projects.
3. Productivity and Innovation-Related Roles
To address manpower challenges and enhance productivity, the sector is adopting new construction methods and technologies, leading to new job opportunities.
DfMA Manager/Specialist: These professionals manage the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) to ensure a seamless workflow from off-site manufacturing to on-site installation.
Robotics Engineer (Construction): This role focuses on the design, programming, and maintenance of robots used for labour-intensive tasks on construction sites, such as bricklaying, welding, and painting.
Smart Facilities Manager: This professional utilises technologies and data to manage building operations, optimise resource use, and enhance the user experience, moving from reactive maintenance to predictive management.
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Star Built Environment Talents
To support the robust growth ahead, there are several talents in our candidate pool who are open to opportunities. A few are listed here:
Project Manager I $10,000 to $12,000
Infrastructure/Civil Projects Experience | 10+years of experience
Project Director I $12,000 to $17,000
Civil/LTA Projects Experience | 15+years of experience
M&E Manager I $9,000 to $11,000
Building Experience | 8+years of experience
Leasing Manager I $7,000 to S$8,500
Retail / Commercial / Industrial | 5+years of experience
Property Manager I $6,000 to $7,500
Business Park / Industrial Building | 5+years of experience
Investor Relations Manager I $7,000 to $8,500
SGX Listed Co | 5+ years of experience | Sustainability Focused
To connect with us on our staffing solutions and built environment talents:
Email: david.sia@achievegroup.asia Office: +6565909958
Email: ashwin.vinod@achievegroup.asia Office: +6565909957