Transforming the built environment sector for the future requires an on-going pipeline of passionate role models and leaders. Recognising the need to groom the next generation of talent for succession as well as to engage, retain and nurture a strong core of young industry leaders, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) launched the Young Leaders Programme (YLP) in 2016 and conferred its inaugural iBuildSG Young Leaders’ Advocate (YLA) awards in 2019.

Each year, the YLP selects Young Leaders (YLs) from across the built environment spectrum to participate in various platforms such as policy formulation, learning journeys, and corporate social responsibility activities.

Ms Ong Yan Xiang, Senior Principal Engineer, CPG Consultants

Out of these YLs, a further few are recognised with the YLA award for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the programme. The first four YLA award recipients to receive this recognition are: Ms Ong Yan Xiang, Senior Principal Engineer, CPG Consultants, Architect Tan Szue Hann, Director of Sustainable Development, Marina Bay Sands, Mr Gavin Chan, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, CPG Consultants and Ms Ivie Sim, Assistant Development Manager, LendLease.

Each of the YLAs are highly motivated to improve and contribute to the transformation of the built environment sector. Award recipient Ar. Tan, shared, “I am driven by the possibilities of what can be achieved in the built environment in the next 50 to 100 years, as we are in a generation that can start defining new rubrics and even new typologies for living.”

A recipient of Singapore’s 2015-16 Young Green Architect of the year, Ar. Tan is also a Board Member of the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) and Council Member of the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) as Chairman of Sustainability. A strong advocate of green building technologies, he elaborated, “We're the generation that can still arrest the effects of climate change and other environmental disasters, and we can certainly use the built environment as a means of combating these issues faced by cities, rural communities as well as the environment at large.”

Mr Gavin Chan, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, CPG Consultants

Mr Chan, an active participant of YLP since its inception in 2016, is excited by the digital possibilities in the industry. He explained, “With the Construction Industry Transformation Map (ITM) augmented by emerging technologies, the built environment is set for a digital revolution, where quality, high-tech jobs are set to change our future landscape, through the pillars of Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD), Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) and smart and green buildings. Being a YLA means we advocate these practices by applying them to our work, and inculcating the knowledge in the future generations of built environment professionals.” 

Aside from being actively involved in policy taskforce discussions, the four recipients have also actively participated in initiatives such as the BE Formation Programme and career talks to share their experiences and promote the built environment sector as a promising and  exciting career choice for students who want to make a difference.

Ms Ivie Sim, Assistant Development Manager, LendLease

Ms Sim, who is also a member of the Built Environment SkillsFuture Tripartite (BEST) Taskforce , shared, “As a YLA, I hope to be able to share my knowledge and experience with the younger generation and inspire them to pursue a career in the built environment. I truly treasure the opportunity to be a part of the BEST Taskforce as I believe in the importance of nurturing the next generation to lead the industry.” The BEST Taskforce helps to develop education curriculum and continued education and training in critical areas of sector transformation.

Ms Ong added that she relishes her days working with younger engineers. She shared,“As an engineer in a developed country, we are dealing with 50% technical work and 50% human relations. Now, I partner younger engineers in each project and enjoy my daily work when we discuss and solve problems together. There is always a sense of satisfaction when each daily challenge is accomplished.”

Well-deserving of their awards, the YLAs represent a new generation of built environment leaders who are determined to make a positive impact in a rapidly transforming industry.