Tag Archives: Khaw Boon Wan

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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Property owners, managing agents must rely on contract

Posted on 15 May 2012 | Comments Off on Property owners, managing agents must rely on contract

The working relationship between property owners and their managing agents is ultimately based on a contract, Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said in a written response to a parliamentary question from Aljunied GRC MP Sylvia Lim on Monday.

Ms Lim had asked how the government safeguards the interests of consumers of property managing agent services.

Mr Khaw said most consumers of residential property managing agent services live in HDB estates.

In such instances, the town councils ensure agents do their job properly and safeguard the residents’ interests.

For those in strata housing, property owners have a choice in hiring their own maintenance teams, or engaging the services of a third-party managing agent based on their expected service level and budget.

Mr Khaw said the industry is well developed with more than 100 companies offering such services, giving property owners an adequate pool to choose from.

Ms Lim had also asked why the Singapore Standard on the performance of managing agents for strata residential properties was withdrawn.

But Mr Khaw said the Singapore Standard was developed to help raise the professionalism of managing agents for strata residential properties.

He said the emphasis was on the contractual obligation between a strata residential property management corporation and the managing agent, not on the managing agent’s work performance.

In April 2011, the Association of Property and Facility Managers (APFM) and the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) jointly worked out a similar agreement for the appointment of managing agents.

The standard was withdrawn with the consensus of the industry.

Source: CNA – 15 May 2012

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Posted in CEA, Landlord

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