Category Archives: Government

BCA promotes use of 3D in construction industry

Posted on 16 May 2012 | Comments Off on BCA promotes use of 3D in construction industry

3D computer generated imagery (CGI) used in the movie industry may soon become more vital in the construction industry.

Khaw Boon Wan, Minister of National Development, wrote in a recent blog post that the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is now promoting the use of 3D technology.

With the emergence of 3D technology, engineers and architects will likely transition from the two-dimensional Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings they have used for years. A new tool called Building Information Modelling (BIM) allows architects and engineers to see, work and fix problems before, during and after construction. The time- and effort-efficient technology helps minimise reworking and wastage.

Along this line, Khaw opened the BuildTech Asia Exhibition at Marina Bay Sands yesterday, which marks the second Singapore Construction Productivity Week spearheaded by the BCA. An online BIM Competition with over 300 participants comprising 40 teams was the event’s highlight.

“This is triple the participation rate at last year’s inaugural competition. It speaks volume about how the industry has been venturing into the technology to up their productivity,” noted Khaw in his blog.

“The real test is in the industry’s response to BIM. That has been overwhelming.”

To promote BIM and technology adoption, the BCA Centre for Construction IT (CCIT) has introduced the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF). Around 250 companies applied for the CPCF to finance their software and hardware costs, consultancy and training.

Additionally, the BCA recruits graduates with BIM training. Citing a recent CCIT survey, Khaw noted that companies in the built environment are willing to pay an average of 10 to 20 percent more for BIM-trained graduates.

Some of the projects which have adopted the BIM technology are the SAFRA Toa Payoh (pictured) and the Arts Science Museum, as well as the upcoming Sports Hub, Sky Habitat and the Star.

“Many more buildings will follow, as BIM transforms the way Singapore’s building professionals collaborate together. The common aim is to deliver more competitive and challenging projects that will be the pride of our construction industry,” added Khaw.

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CPF valuation limit not an issue for majority of home buyers

Posted on 15 May 2012 | Comments Off on CPF valuation limit not an issue for majority of home buyers

The CPF Valuation Limit is not a constraint for most members who are servicing home loans via their CPF savings.

This is in response to MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC Gan Thiam Poh’s question on whether the CPF Board will review the CPF withdrawal limit for housing.

The valuation limit restricts the amount of CPF savings members may use for property purchases to the lower of property price or property value during purchase.

This is to ensure Singaporeans’ retirement needs are not compromised when CPF savings are used to finance housing needs.

Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin said the number of members who can no longer use CPF savings to pay for monthly instalments after reaching the valuation limit is very small.

“But the small minority of members who may find it difficult to continue servicing their housing loans after they reach the valuation limit, CPF Board does assess the situation and has allowed them some flexibility on a case-by-case basis,” Mr Tan said.

“For example, where giving such flexibility helps them tide over a period of temporary hardship or where the member is in the midst of right-sizing his property to avoid defaults.”

“CPF Board will continue to exercise such flexibility and discretion where the case merits,” Mr Tan added.

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