Engines for change in Singaporeʹs construction industry: an industry view of Singaporeʹs Construction 21 report

The construction industry in Singapore is under great pressure to improve its performance. The C21 report, Re-Inventing Construction, is a key milestone in the development of Singaporeʹs construction industry. The report set several recommendations, which represent the future blue print for the industry. This study aimed to identify the main engines for change that would enable and motivate Singaporeʹs construction industry to achieve the C21 target of becoming a world-class industry in a knowledge-based economy. This paper focuses on five areas of construction activities: professional standards, skills levels, buildability, construction safety, and internationalisation. An industry wide survey was conducted. A total of 12 key factors were identified to be effective in enabling construction firms to change and achieve the objectives set by the C21 report. The results of the study have shown that the industry is more in favour of developing the business environment in which market forces would demand the desired changes and improvements.