The built environment sector holds a reputation for being a traditionally male domain, but statistics show that an increasing number of female professionals are being attracted to this transforming sector.

Data from SingStat shows that the number of females employed in the built environment sector has grown from 8,000 in 1990 to 27,500 in 2018* while the number of female recipients under the iBuildSG Undergraduate Scholarship and Sponsorship programme has also grown from 32% in 2014 to 39% in 2018. 

Ms Lum Yi Shang, Development Executive, LendLease and a Built Environment (BE) Young Leader shared, “An iconic characteristic of females in this industry is our resilience and ability to adapt and grow in challenging environments. Many of the females I have been fortunate to cross paths with have shown me how one’s passion and beliefs can drive outcomes even in the most difficult of situations.” Ms Lum’s current role sees her balancing multiple responsibilities such as vendor management, creating new business opportunities for developments and guiding retail design.

She added, “The built environment is known for its harsher-than-usual conditions – literally as you have to often wrestle through site conditions or stand your ground in a room full of men. But as they say, a gem is nothing special in the beginning, but with enough pressure and time, it can become spectacular.”

The uptick in female professionals entering the built environment workforce is a trend that is encouraged and supported by the industry. As the sector works on building its capability to greater heights, females and their unique strengths are a welcome addition to an increasingly diverse and dynamic talent pool. Ms Ong Yan Xiang, Senior Principle Engineer, CPG Consultants Pte Ltd shared, “Female engineers are able to contribute equally compared to their male counterparts. Everyone starts new for a fresh graduate and is an equal to one another.”

Ms Ong Yan Xiang, Senior Principal Engineer, CPG Consultants

Also a recent recipient of the inaugural iBuildSG Young Leader’s Advocate award, Ms Ong delights in solving the day’s problems: “Be it designing a good Lightning Protection System or checking the compliance of Power Transformers before they are being installed on site, there is always a sense of satisfaction when each daily challenge is accomplished.” To further encourage female professionals joining the sector, BCA, together with industry stakeholders, are working on key initiatives and policies to improve the overall working environment and make it more attractive and friendly.

One such initiative is the benchmarking of better Human Resources (HR) practices within firms. About 400 built environment firms, including consultants, contractors and developers have pledged to improve their HR practices in the areas of performance management and training, recruitment and on-boarding, communications, rewards and compensation as well as wellness and support schemes.

Recent key changes in the sector such as the green building movement and the development of the Construction Industry Transformation Map (ITM) in consultation with the industry, IHLs and Unions, have helped to gradually transform the built environment sector. Coupled with the increasing adoption of smart technologies and Building Information Modelling/ Virtual Design and Construction (BIM/VDC) into the design, construction and maintenance of buildings, the built environment sector is witnessing a landmark shift into a more organised, cleaner and advanced working environment. As the sector makes moves towards greater integration and digitalisation, potential entrants, including females, are likely to find it more attractive to enter the dynamic sector.

With the evolving job scopes, there will also be more opportunities for career development and progression to attract more talents to join the sector, including females. BCA is working closely with SkillsFuture Singapore, Workforce Singapore and the industry to develop the Skills Framework for the built environment sector that will chart out clear progression pathways.

Aspiring females who join the sector can look forward to strong leadership development, as BCA looks towards grooming the next generation of leaders to steer the course of sector transformation. Initiatives such as the iBuildSG Leadership Engagement and Development (LEAD) framework aims to nurture a core group of committed and forward-thinking industry leaders to drive sustained industry transformation efforts.

Ms Michelle Chua, Associate Director, Arcadis Project Management

Encouraging more female professionals like her to join the increasingly vibrant sector, Ms Michelle Chua, Associate Director, Arcadis Project Management shared, “I would encourage future female professionals to embrace the challenges that they may face and grab as many opportunities to learn from the sector, as they will find fulfilment and joy as they progress in their unique career.” Involved in varied development types from healthcare to hotels, Ms Chua executes feasibility studies, contract administration and procurement strategies in her daily work.

She added, “Many of the females I have been fortunate to cross paths with in my field of work have shown me how one’s passion and beliefs can drive outcomes in the most difficult of situations. They have and will be a constant source of inspiration for me as I develop as a professional in the built environment.”

*Note: The data shows the number of employed female residents aged 15 years old and above. The number of employed female residents do not necessarily correspond to the number of female professionals.