Grooming leaders in the built environment (BE) sector is critical in driving and sustaining industry transformation. To this aim, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has launched a new iBuildSG LEAD (Leadership Engagement and Development) framework to groom a core group of leaders within the built environment sector.

The framework is part of the wider workforce development efforts under the Construction Industry Transformation Map (ITM). Targeted at leaders across the entire construction value chain, the framework aims to develop leadership at three levels:

i. At industry level, the framework builds collective stewardship and develops leadership networks to foster strong collaboration across the construction value chain.

ii. At firm level, the framework supports firms in developing talent and mapping their leadership renewal in order to be more globally competitive.

iii. At individual level, the framework grooms individuals to advance the sector and recognises those with outstanding contributions.

Leadership-building framework

The iBuildSG LEAD framework consists of three key leadership building platforms, including two bespoke structured training programmes co-developed with Singapore Management University (SMU) and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD): the LEAD Horizon Programme for young emerging talent as well as the LEAD Milestone Programme for enterprise-level leaders. The third platform, Insights@LEAD, presents opportunities for leaders to engage in collective learning and talent development to shape a shared vision for the built environment. Collectively, the three platforms form the iBuildSG LEAD framework, which tightens links and collaborations among players in the built environment industry.

Young emerging leaders are groomed to develop executive and innovative leadership skills in the LEAD Horizon Programme.

LEAD Horizon Programme for young emerging leaders Young emerging leaders nominated by their firms will be groomed in the LEAD Horizon Programme, which aims to build personal effectiveness, cultivate better commercial awareness and a more innovative mindset towards new ideas and digital technologies. The LEAD Horizon Programme comprises an eight-day Executive Development Programme (EDP) conducted by SMU, complemented by a three-day workshop-based Innovation Bootcamp conducted by SUTD to develop innovative leadership through a design-thinking approach.

The LEAD Milestone Programme for current and future enterprise-level leaders includes overseas immersion and best-in-class visits to high-growth regions.

LEAD Milestone Programme for enterprise-level leaders Future and current enterprise-level leaders who are a part of their firm’s C-suite will be engaged in the LEAD Milestone Programme, a programme comprising a six-day Advanced Management Programme (AMP) conducted by SMU and a nine-day overseas immersion module involving Imperial College London and best-in-class visits to high-growth regions such as China and India. The programme aims to buttress cohesion amongst the future leaders of the industry to catalyse industry transformation and support leadership succession in firms and Trade Associations and Chambers (TAC)s.

Insights@LEAD

The pinnacle event of Insights@LEAD is the iBuildSG LEAD Summit, an annual retreat which brings together leaders within the LEAD community for networking opportunities, dialogue sessions with Political Office Holders or Public Sector Chief Executives, as well as curated keynote sessions by thought leaders. Members can also look forward to LEAD Learning Journeys, which includes local and overseas journeys to learn from successful examples of enterprise leadership, internationalisation and innovation leadership to name a few. In addition, the LEAD Case Development Initiative (CDI) aims to channel the experience and wisdom of senior leaders and relevant industry subject matter experts into documented case studies, which would be shared with the industry for wider learning. This initiative also presents an excellent opportunity for younger members to learn from more senior and experienced members within the framework.

Thought leaders and the LEAD community gather at the iBuildSG LEAD Summit to forge networks and foster industry sharing and mentorship.

Announcing the launch of the framework at the BCA Awards Night 2019, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Minister of State for Manpower and National Development said, “To succeed in our transformation efforts, our workforce, including leaders in the built environment sector, must be competent and forward looking…These programmes will help our industry leaders strengthen their leadership and innovation abilities, and learn from global best practices.”

The iBuildSG LEAD framework is co-owned with the industry and developed in consultation with key TACs, and supported by the Professional Boards. Structured training programmes within the framework are anchored by SMU and SUTD, with recognition from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) under the national SkillsFuture Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) for the built environment sector.