The Future of Construction – How Technology Is Reshaping the Industry
Key insights on the impact of technology from Dominic Choy, Chairman of SCAL’s Productivity and Technology Committee
In an era where every minute on-site counts and efficiency is no longer a luxury but a necessity, digital transformation is becoming the foundation of construction’s next chapter. For contractors in Singapore, embracing technology isn’t just about adopting new tools—it’s about staying relevant, resilient, and ready for the future.
While the industry continues to grapple with manpower constraints, rising costs, and growing regulatory expectations, a quiet revolution is underway. Construction firms—especially SMEs—are beginning to discover how the right digital tools can reduce waste, streamline workflows, and deliver better outcomes.
We sat down with Dominic Choy, Chairman of SCAL’s Productivity and Technology Committee, to unpack what digitalization really means for contractors, and how SCAL is helping members turn possibilities into progress.
Digital Friction: The Productivity Hurdles Contractors Still Face
Despite years of discussion about innovation, productivity remains one of the most pressing challenges in construction. But the reasons may not always be what you think.
“Productivity challenges aren’t just about labour or lack of technology,” Dominic explains. “A lot of time is wasted on preventable things like unnecessary procedures, waiting for approvals, or dealing with too many inspections. These slowdowns don’t just frustrate workers—they affect the bottom line.”
Another factor? Non-typical designs or insufficient repetition in projects that make it harder for firms to justify investment in modular systems or reusable equipment.
“The proof of the usefulness of any digital tool meant for improving communication, decision making, approvals, and inspections must be that it results in less work done by every party, not just less work for some and much extra data inputting by other parties.” – Dominic Choy, SCAL
Digital Tools: Smarter Construction, Not Just Flashier Tech
Digital tools—from Building Information Modelling (BIM) to AI-powered site monitoring—are often touted as productivity game-changers. But Dominic is quick to point out that not all digital solutions are created equal.
“Any tool that claims to improve communication or decision-making should result in less work, not just the shifting of the burden to another party,” he says. “There’s a danger in over-specifying details and overloading systems with information that no one needs.”
At its best, technology should simplify. Tools should support design teams in creating more repetitive elements, aid contractors in approvals, and help reduce delays. But success lies in strategic adoption—knowing what to implement, when, and why.
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The First Step for SMEs: Keep It Simple and Stay Involved
For many small and medium-sized contractors, the move to digital feels daunting. Beyond software costs, there’s training, staff buy-in, and the messy reality of transitioning from old systems to new ones.
So what’s the first step?
“Management needs to take the lead. Learn about the tools. Don’t just leave it to the vendor or middle management,” Dominic advises. “Choose systems that suit your business and keep things simple—don’t let the software get over-accessorized.”
He also notes that there is government support available for firms ready to start their digital journey. The key is leadership involvement and clear implementation goals.
“The first step management should take is to get involved in understanding the options available, so they can choose the digital tools that they feel will suit the needs of the business.” – Dominic Choy, SCAL
What’s Coming Next: Robotics and Modular Thinking
Dominic points to robotics as a promising area where collaboration is already underway. SCAL members are exploring ways to work with robot developers to adapt solutions for job sites and production lines.
But he also cautions against hype.
“These tools are promising, but we shouldn’t rush implementation before they’re ready. Understanding their limitations is just as important as celebrating their capabilities.”
Long term, the industry’s shift toward more modular, repeatable design will also open up new opportunities for automation and digital workflows to shine.
SCAL’s Role: Making Adoption Practical
At SCAL, the focus is clear: help members navigate the noise and find what works.
“We try to understand which products really help on-site, and which are just buzzwords. Then we share that knowledge with members and vendors,” says Dominic.
This involves everything from hosting demos, gathering member feedback, and even advising on pricing models—like whether a rental or ownership structure makes more sense for SMEs adopting a new tool.
By acting as a bridge between solution providers and contractors, SCAL helps reduce risk, cut down the learning curve, and drive meaningful change.
Learning from the Journey, Not Just the Wins
While success stories are inspiring, Dominic hopes more companies are willing to share what didn’t work too.
“Talk about the mistakes, the challenges in switching systems, and where the tool fell short,” he urges. “That’s where the real learning happens—for the entire industry.”
In a sector known for tight margins and long hours, this openness could pave the way for smarter, faster adoption across the board.
Why Events Like IFAWPCA 2025 Matter
IFAWPCA 2025 Convention, hosted recently by SCAL in Singapore, addresses just that - it’s a critical opportunity for contractors to look beyond their day-to-day and explore what’s coming next.
“IFAWPCA provides a platform to meet, connect, and learn—at scale,” says Dominic. “These are the kinds of gatherings where introductions can lead to real, meaningful collaborations later.”
The convention’s tech-focused discussions shone a spotlight on practical innovations, peer-to-peer exchange, and the evolving skillsets contractors need to stay ahead.
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Closing Thoughts: Driving the Industry Forward
If there’s one theme that stands out, it’s that digital transformation doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. Contractors must find the right mix of tools, leadership, and mindset shifts that work for them.
SCAL remains committed to supporting this evolution—through knowledge-sharing, curated training, and collaborative partnerships that make adoption less risky and more rewarding.
So whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your tech stack, 2025 is a chance to lean in, ask questions, and build smarter—not harder.
📣 Call to Action
Want to explore how technology is reshaping construction? Connect with more events/workshops/seminars organised by SCAL here!