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Building and Construction Authority

Taskforce for Architectural and Engineering Consultants

Learn about BCA's Taskforce for Architectural and Engineering Consultants that transforms Singapore's built environment sector through industry collaboration.

Last updated 23 March 2026
Group photo of senior leaders raising fists on a rooftop, with Singapore city skyline in the background.

Transforming Singapore's Built Environment consultancy sector

The Taskforce for Architectural and Engineering Consultants represents a collaborative effort between industry and Government to address common challenges. The taskforce’s goal is to ensure Singapore maintains a capable talent pipeline of Built Environment (BE) professionals and firms to deliver on the country’s infrastructure plans.

Established in September 2024, this strategic initiative brings together key stakeholders to co-create solutions that will strengthen the sector's foundations and position it for future growth.

Leadership and composition

The Taskforce is co-chaired by Ms Indranee Rajah, Second Minister for National Development, and Mr. Chaly Mah, Chairman of Surbana Jurong Group. Their appointment demonstrates the Government's commitment to addressing sector challenges through collaborative partnership with industry leaders.

The Taskforce comprises representatives from:

  • Key Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs)

  • Consultancy firms across various disciplines

  • Major service buyers from both public and private sectors

  • Professional Registration Boards

  • Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs)

  • Public agencies

  • Young professionals representing the next generation of BE talent

Comprehensive stakeholder engagement

Since its establishment, the Taskforce has engaged more than 400 stakeholders to solicit comprehensive feedback from across the Built Environment ecosystem. This extensive consultation process ensures that the Taskforce's recommendations address real industry needs and challenges whilst reflecting diverse perspectives from all levels of the sector.

Large group photo of staff and leaders standing together indoors during a taskforce meeting or engagement session.

Engagement Session with young professionals nominated by TACs (SIA, ACES, SISV, SPM) and service buyers (HDB, LTA, JTC, MOHH, CAG) to identify areas that contribute to job satisfaction and retention among young professionals.

Recommendations

The Taskforce has identified 11 key recommendations. The key highlights are as follows:

  1. Make BE Careers the Careers of Choice, to strengthen the attraction and retention of talent pipeline. This is done through:

    • Early career exposure through enhanced outreach to pre-IHL students and improved digital engagement to help young people make informed educational choices and develop genuine interest in the sector; 

    • Enhancing the internship programme (‘INSPIRE’) to cultivate industry-ready talent and recognise internship experience as relevant work experience to justify higher starting salaries; 

    • Continued improvement of IHL curricula to ensure graduates possess knowledge and skills that meet current and future sector demands; and 

    • Upgrading HR practices with career development support, enabling firms to leverage partnerships between TACs and the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) to enhance their HR capabilities. 

  2. Foster Sustainable & Profitable Businesses, for healthier competition within the sector. This is done through:a

    • Enhancing procurement processes to emphasise quality-based procurement, further disincentivising fee-diving practices, and improving contractual clauses to enable more equitable risk distribution between service buyers and consultants; and 

    • Introducing tools to encourage sustainable fees, including Value Articulation Frameworks (VAFs) that provide consultants with a structured approach to demonstrate service value and justify fee proposals through detailed resource plans, whilst enabling service buyers to better understand project costs and make more informed procurement decisions. Learn more about Singapore Institute of Architect’s VAF, and Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore’s VAF for Civil & Structural and Mechanical & Electrical Works)

  3. Grow a Dynamic & Progressive Sector, to build capabilities and transform the industry and workforce. This is done through:

    • Embracing transformation by leveraging on technological advances and available resources (view the one-stop resource guide) to deliver enhanced value to clients; and 

    • Strengthening business acumen through developing strategic business capabilities that complement technical expertise and enable firms to identify and harness new business opportunities.

  4. Build a Culture of Appreciation, Respect and Empathy, to raise the standing and morale of BE professionals. This is done through:

    • Fostering workplace well-being through the launch of a new Built Environment Culture of Appreciation, Respect, and Empathy (BE CARE Charter), that outlines best practices for developing more collaborative relationships amongst project teams and strengthening workplace well-being; and 

    • Better recognising consultants by encouraging service buyers to showcase their contributions through various channels, such as media features and industry roadshows.

  5. Uplift TACs’ Capabilities. This is done through:

    • Supporting TACs in building stronger in-house capabilities, including sector branding, talent outreach, and transformation support for member firms, whilst exploring opportunities to pool resources and leverage economies of scale.

Useful links:

  • Full Report

  • Infographic, summarising the taskforce’s key recommendations in illustration

  • INSPIRE Internship Programme, for more details on the enhanced internship

  • INSPIRE interest form, for firms that are interested to participate in the INSPIRE internship programme

  • BE CARE Charter, laying out principles to improve workplace well-being

  • One-Stop Resource Guide, consolidating support programs and funding opportunities for the BE sector

    • Recommended by the Taskforce for Architectural and Engineering Consultants, the One-Stop Resource Guide equips consultancy firms with practical tools for enterprise and workforce transformation.

Looking forward

Industry stakeholders are encouraged to review the Taskforce's recommendations and implement them to bring about positive transformations within the sector. Looking ahead, the Taskforce expects AI to reshape the BE sector, and stakeholders should be prepared to harness AI benefits across different project stages and invest in upskilling BE professionals. 

The Taskforce's work represents a significant step towards ensuring Singapore's Built Environment consultancy sector remains competitive, sustainable, and attractive to talent. However, close collaboration amongst various stakeholders will be essential to address common challenges, as the BE sector is only as strong as its weakest link.

For new entrants and current BE professionals, the Taskforce's initiatives demonstrate that the BE sector is actively transforming and represents a promising sector to consider or remain in. The collaborative approach between Government and industry signals strong support for professional development and business growth within the sector.

For more information about the Taskforce and its initiatives, firms and professionals are encouraged to stay updated through BCA's official communications channels and participate in relevant consultation sessions as they become available.