Established in September 2024, the Taskforce for Architectural and Engineering Consultants is co-chaired by Ms. Indranee Rajah, Second Minister for National Development and Mr. Chaly Mah, Chairman of Surbana Jurong Group, and comprises representatives from the key Trade Association and Chambers (TACs), consultancy firms, major service buyers (Government agencies/developers), Professional Registration Boards, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), public agencies and young professionals. The Taskforce aims to ensure Singapore maintains a robust pipeline of skilled Built Environment (BE) professionals and capable firms to deliver the nation's infrastructure needs.
Following engagements with over 400 stakeholders across the industry, the Taskforce has identified 11 key recommendations. The key highlights are as follows:
- 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’, click here for more details) 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.
- Foster Sustainable & Profitable Businesses, for healthier competition within the sector. This is done through:
- 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. Click here for Singapore Institute of Architect’s VAF, and Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore’s VAF for Civil & Structural and Mechanical & Electrical Works)
- 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 (click here to 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.
- 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, (click here for more details), 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.
- 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.