Inaugural International Built Environment Week to showcase innovative solutions and capabilities of participating built environment firms

Thursday, 29 November 2018

Singapore, 29 November 2018 - The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and its strategic partners, including 12 trade associations and chambers (TACs), will launch a new international flagship event for the built environment sector in September next year. It will be the first event in the region to provide a platform for industry leaders and renowned professionals from the global built environment industry to exchange ideas and experiences on policies, business solutions and technologies, as well as explore business opportunities. The inaugural International Built Environment Week (IBEW) themed "Transforming the way we build" will be held from 4 to 6 September 2019.

At the soft launch of IBEW, which was attended by representatives from industry firms and TACs, guests were given sneak peeks into the events that would anchor the week. These include:

a. a three-day conference where participants will learn about the latest built environment-related technologies and hear from renowned industry thought leaders
b. an international business-matching platform for buyers and investors from the region to network and engage with top urban solutions providers who are equipped to meet their interests
c. four trade shows on smart, productive and green solutions, organised by Reed Exhibitions

Overall, more than 12,000 attendees, from thought leaders, real estate investors and developers to urban planners, architects, engineers, builders and other industry professionals from all over the world, are expected to convene at IBEW.

IBEW will be the one-stop platform for participating firms to showcase their capabilities and innovations, with opportunities for business networking. There will be avenues for buyers and solution providers to network with prospective partners and explore potential business opportunities.

Singapore has been developing capabilities in its built environment sector, to overcome challenges faced globally including climate change, urbanisation and digital disruption. In the last two decades, Singapore has been steadily gaining experience in the areas of green buildings, productivity and digitalisation. Singapore's progress in green buildings, in particular, was highly recognised internationally including representation at the World Green Building Council.

Mr Hugh Lim, Chief Executive Officer of BCA said, "The Singapore brand has been synonymous with timeliness and quality. Our built environment industry has seen exciting developments over the years and has built up much experience and expertise. Against the global backdrop of an increasingly demanding business environment and rapid technological changes, the new International Built Environment Week, which will be held annually in Singapore, will bring together decision makers and businesses from the global built environment sector to transform the way we build."

Expanded tradeshows to offer diverse solutions

The four anchor tradeshows, InnoBuild (IB) Asia, Smart Cities and Buildings (SCB) Asia, Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia and Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) Asia, which will be held concurrently during IBEW, will draw in greater international participation. These exhibitions feature a host of innovative product and solutions targeted at the diverse needs of the region's built environment.

The Smart Cities and Buildings Asia show will focus on the convergence of digital solutions and technology in the built environment, as nations across the region intensify their efforts to build smart, liveable cities of tomorrow. At InnoBuild Asia, companies will learn how they can tap on technologies, equipment and systems to build more efficiently and productively. BEX Asia will continue to enhance its focus on sustainability which has become even more critical to the industry. It would also put the spotlight on innovative architectural materials and finishes, and MCE Asia will remain focused on energy-efficient solutions in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) and Renewable Energy.

"Clearly, as technological advancements disrupt industries across the world, the built environment sector in Asia will not be spared. It's vital that the industry keeps pace with the changes," commented Ms Michelle Lim, Managing Director, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, Reed Exhibitions. Lim adds, "Platforms like the International Built Environment Week together with the four anchor trade events of SCB Asia, IB Asia, BEX Asia and MCE Asia, will be an important accelerator of the industry's transformation and facilitating its evolution towards the creation of a quality, efficient and comfortable living and working spaces for one and all."

Following the soft launch of IBEW, BCA opened the inaugural BuildSG Leadership Forum, a new engagement platform for leaders in Singapore's built environment to share best practices and transformative ideas. The Prefabricated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (Prefab MEP) Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme was introduced at the event. This new scheme was jointly developed with the Specialist Trade Alliance of Singapore (STAS) to ensure a minimum standard in the capability of the suppliers. It certifies Prefab MEP production facilities that have the capability to produce good quality modules. Facilities and prefabricators will be assessed on their overall ability to design, manufacture, and deliver prefabricated MEP modules for local developments. Prefab MEP can offer up to 70% onsite manpower savings and has gained traction within the industry over the past two years.

Issued by the Building and Construction Authority on 29 November 2018

Portable document format version of the media release is also available (155KB .pdf).

Related: 
- Opening address by BCA CEO Mr Hugh Lim at the Soft Launch of International Built Environment Week and Inaugural BuildSG Leadership Forum
- International Built Environment Week
- Construction Industry Transformation Map