Singapore's construction: Moving toward a knowledge-based industry

Advanced economies of the world have progressed beyond the industrial stage toward a knowledge-based economy. Singapore has formulated a set of integrated blueprints to guide its socio-economic development into the knowledge age. The nature of the knowledge-based economy and its implications for construction, along with Singapore's strategies for developing its construction industry, are examined, focusing on the development of the workforce, training and professionalism, as highlighted in the Construction 21 Report. It is suggested that construction firms should emphasize learning among their employees and formulate corporate strategies for human resource development and information technology implementation. A more effective partnership between government and industry is needed to implement the transition to a competitive, knowledge-based construction industry.