Build Retrospective: How Three Contractors Turned Challenges into Award-Winning Triumphs
Celebrating SCAL Member Contractor Firms Who Made Three Award-Winning Projects Possible
In the construction industry, true excellence often lies behind the scenes. Contractors play a crucial role in bringing ambitious visions to life, overcoming logistical challenges, innovating processes, and ensuring safety at every step. Each project presents unique obstacles—whether it’s tight deadlines, complex designs, or unexpected disruptions—and it’s the contractors who turn these challenges into triumphs.
This year, several projects stood out for their exceptional execution, earning prestigious awards for innovation, quality, and safety. These accomplishments highlight the critical contributions of contractors who, despite the pressures of the job, strive for excellence with every beam placed, every safety measure enforced, and every stakeholder engaged.
So, let’s take a look at winning entries of SCAL members: Fernvale Vines by Expand Construction Pte Ltd, JTC Logistics Hub by Kimly Construction Pte Ltd, and LTA Project – Commuter and Road Infrastructure Works by Hwa Seng Builder Pte Ltd to uncover the stories, challenges, and innovations that made these projects worthy of distinction.
Fernvale Vines by Expand Construction
Award: HDB Construction Award 2024
Building Near the LRT Line
The Fernvale Vines project, led by Expand Construction, was a test of precision, adaptability, and resilience. This public housing development, located near an active Light Rail Transit (LRT) line and surrounded by HDB blocks and condominiums, came with stringent safety and logistical challenges.
Bruce Wong, Project Manager at Expand Construction, recalled the initial complexities: “Fernvale Vines was our first PPVC (Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction) project. The site’s proximity to the LRT railway meant we had to secure additional clearances from the authorities, which added delays. Just as we were ready to go full swing, COVID-19 hit, further complicating our timeline with manpower shortages.”
Strict safety regulations around the railway protection zone demanded meticulous planning and execution. The team had to navigate multiple approvals and adapt workflows to ensure compliance. Despite these hurdles, the project launched within nine months of commencement.
Bruce explained, “This was uncharted territory for us, but we found ways to keep the project on track. Since this was our first PPVC project, we had to think beyond standard HDB suppliers and propose alternatives that allowed us to meet deadlines.”
“The project taught us the value of adaptability and proactive problem-solving.” — Bruce Wong, Expand Construction
Innovation and Excellence
Expand Construction introduced several innovations to enhance productivity and efficiency. Notably, they used an 18-story sky bridge design supported by a ring-lock system from China, cutting construction time in half. The adoption of electric cutting machines and electric wheelbarrows capable of carrying 200 kg—four times the capacity of regular wheelbarrows—further streamlined operations.
Bruce also emphasised the importance of creativity in problem-solving: “We couldn’t rely on conventional methods, so we had to explore new technologies and adapt quickly to the challenges we faced.”
Engaging Stakeholders
Working near residential areas required careful stakeholder management. The team maintained open lines of communication, set up feedback boxes and toll-free lines, and responded promptly to concerns. “We prioritised building trust with the community,” Bruce explained. “It’s about showing residents that we care about their comfort and well-being.”
Winning the HDB Construction Award validated the team’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation. “This award is a huge motivation for our young team,” Bruce reflected. “It inspires us to keep striving for excellence.”
Impact and Recognition
Delivering a project in such a challenging location requires unwavering focus, adaptability, and a commitment to quality. The HDB Construction Award recognised the team’s dedication to overcoming obstacles and embracing innovation.
Lessons Learned
Despite the unprecedented challenges they faced, the team’s ability to adapt and collaborate was the cornerstone of their success. Bruce highlighted the importance of resilience and teamwork: “Navigating through the pandemic and regulatory hurdles taught us that staying adaptable and collaborative is key to success.”
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JTC Logistics Hub by Kimly Construction
Award: BCA Project of the Year Award
Transforming Logistics Infrastructure
The JTC Logistics Hub project was a monumental effort led by Kimly Construction. Spanning a 100-meter-high comprising of a ramp-up warehouse and an inland container depot, it presented challenges of scale, complexity, and collaboration.
Sun Lixin, Project Director at Kimly Construction, highlighted the project's unique aspects: “The warehouse features an eight-story structure with a generous headroom of 10 meters per floor for the precast reinforced concrete sections. Additionally, the steel structure boasts a floor-to-floor height of 45 meters and a long-span design. Coordinating heavy-duty cranes and managing the supply chain for large/heavy prefabricated components added to the complexity of the project.”
Executing a large-scale project during the COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges, including manpower shortages and logistical delays. To address these constraints, Kimly Construction utilised an advanced composite steel structural system from Korea, which featured a high level of prefabrication for columns and beams. This method reduced installation time, simplified coordination, and enhanced safety. “Early collaboration and stakeholder engagements were crucial in overcoming these challenges,” noted Sun.
Innovation and Technology
Kimly Construction integrated cutting-edge technologies to drive efficiency and quality. Techniques like Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) streamlined processes, while digital tools such as IDD (Integrated Digital Delivery) and Smart cranes/ RFID systems enhanced logistics management.
“We leveraged digitalisation to enhance our efficiency,” Sun explained. “As the first to implement LiDAR technology for virtual TOP inspections, we paved the way for a new standard in efficient and comprehensive authority inspections and clearances.”
Sun also highlighted the significance of adaptability: “Every challenge compelled us to refine our processes and seek out new solutions to stay on course.”
Impact and Recognition
The BCA Project of the Year Award recognised the team’s dedication to innovation and collaboration. “This award validates the effort we invested in transforming this project into a bespoke logistics infrastructure,” Sun says. “It motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and embracing new technologies.”
Lessons Learned
This project demonstrates that success hinges on more than just technical skill; it requires cooperation, foresight, and the ability to adapt to challenges. Sun shared a key takeaway that underscores this: “No project succeeds in isolation. Collaboration and a willingness to innovate are what drives true excellence.”
LTA Project – Commuter and Road Infrastructure Works by Hwa Seng Builder
Award: LTA ASAC Contractors Champion Shield
Ensuring Safety in Transport Infrastructure
Hwa Seng Builder’s work on commuter and road infrastructure near Hillview, Dairy Farm, and Tuas presented unique challenges. The project site’s proximity to residential blocks, a large NEWater pipe, and the Dairy Farm Nature Reserve required careful planning and execution.
Craig Kerr, Deputy Director (Projects) at Hwa Seng Builder, explained: “Working near residential areas and sensitive natural sites meant we had to be extremely vigilant. Collaboration with stakeholders like PUB and NParks was essential to avoid disruptions.”
Working in a densely populated area and near sensitive sites required meticulous coordination and proactive engagement with multiple stakeholders. The team had to balance construction demands while minimising disruptions to the surrounding community and environment.
Innovative Safety Measures
The team implemented advanced safety solutions, including Automated Pressurized Filtration Systems, AI-enhanced anti-entrapment devices, and solar-powered LED lights to improve safety and efficiency. They also utilised digital tools and mobile applications to streamline permit-to-work approvals and provide real-time safety training for workers. By adopting plastic modular formwork, which is lighter and easier to handle than traditional timber, they reduced the risk of injuries on-site. Additionally, advanced dust control technologies helped maintain air quality, protecting both workers and nearby residents. These measures collectively set a high benchmark for safety and sustainability.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do.” — Mandy Lim, Deputy Director (Corporate & Development) Hwa Seng Builder
Engaging Stakeholders
Regular updates through meetings and Telegram channels helped maintain transparency and trust with residents and stakeholders.
This proactive communication and commitment to engagement were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the project. Winning the LTA ASAC Contractors Champion Shield affirmed the team’s dedication to safety and excellence. “This recognition inspires us to keep improving and applying our expertise to future projects, Craig reflected.
Impact and Recognition
The LTA ASAC Contractors Champion Shield celebrates the team’s dedication to safety, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. “This award validates our efforts and inspires us to keep improving our safety practices and collaboration with the community,” Mandy reflected.
Lessons Learned
Throughout the project, maintaining transparency and fostering trust with stakeholders proved to be essential in overcoming challenges and ensuring smooth progress. Hwa Seng Builder emphasised the importance of communication by keeping stakeholders informed and involved is crucial to the success of any project, especially in sensitive areas.
Common Themes and Lessons Learned
These three award-winning projects are more than just examples of technical excellence; they are stories of determination, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of quality by contractors who continually rise to meet evolving industry demands. They highlight common themes that define modern construction excellence:
Innovation: From prefabrication to digital tools, embracing new technologies drives efficiency and quality.
Collaboration: Early and ongoing engagement with stakeholders ensures smoother project execution.
Safety and Sustainability: Prioritising safety and minimising environmental impact are critical to successful outcomes.
Adaptability: Overcoming challenges—whether due to COVID-19 or site constraints—requires flexibility and proactive problem-solving.
Another key takeaway is the importance of continuous learning. Each project demonstrated how contractors who invest in upskilling and adopting new methods can stay ahead of industry challenges. Whether it’s Bruce Wong’s exploration of alternative suppliers, Sun Lixin’s use of advanced digital tools, or Mandy Lim’s integration of innovative safety solutions, these stories underscore the need for ongoing professional development.
Something that is crystal clear is that these projects emphasise the human aspect of construction. Building trust with communities, maintaining open communication with stakeholders, and ensuring worker welfare are just as important as technical execution.
Looking Forward
These contractors’ stories exemplify the future of construction in Singapore—a future defined by innovation, safety, and collaboration. The industry’s growth hinges on embracing these principles to solve complex challenges, meet evolving standards, and achieve sustainable outcomes.
As projects become more intricate and expectations rise, those who innovate and collaborate will lead the industry forward.
To every contractor striving for excellence: keep pushing boundaries, keep innovating, and keep building a better future.
Whether you’re a contractor, project manager, or industry leader, push your boundaries, adopt best practices, and strive for excellence in every build. Who knows? Your next project could set a new standard and earn the recognition it deserves.
Ready to take your projects to the next level?
Keep an eye on the opening of our award applications next year from SCAL! Visit the pages below to stay informed and prepare to showcase your achievements.
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