Building Smarter — by Putting People First

Building Smarter — by Putting People First

CNA (Channel NewsAsia) – Business
CNA (Channel NewsAsia) – BusinessMar 16, 2026

Why It Matters

Closing the BIM skills gap boosts productivity and reduces costly rework, giving Singapore’s builders a competitive edge in a rapidly digitising market.

Key Takeaways

  • AcePLP employs over 200 BIM specialists.
  • Identified on‑site digital knowledge gaps.
  • NACE delivered structured on‑the‑job training.
  • Shared resource platform cut design revisions.
  • Project delivery speed improved significantly.

Pulse Analysis

Building Information Modelling has become the backbone of Singapore’s high‑rise construction, enabling architects and engineers to visualize structures in a virtual environment before ground is broken. Yet the technology’s promise is only realized when the workforce can translate digital models into on‑site actions. Skill deficiencies, especially among diverse BIM specialists, can create bottlenecks that erode the efficiency gains BIM is meant to deliver.

AcePLP’s collaboration with the National Centre of Excellence for Workplace Learning illustrates a pragmatic response to this challenge. By rolling out a structured on‑the‑job training curriculum and a centralized resource platform, the firm equipped its 200‑plus BIM team with practical know‑how, directly reducing the number of design revisions required during construction. Early metrics show a measurable acceleration in project timelines, underscoring how targeted upskilling can convert digital investments into tangible productivity improvements.

The broader implication for Singapore’s construction ecosystem is significant. As SkillsFuture initiatives champion continuous learning, firms that prioritize people‑centric digital adoption are poised to outpace competitors. A skilled BIM workforce not only curtails waste and delays but also positions the industry to embrace emerging technologies such as AI‑driven design optimization and IoT‑enabled site monitoring. In a market where speed, precision, and sustainability are paramount, investing in human capital becomes the decisive factor for building smarter and staying ahead.

Building smarter — by putting people first

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