Ivy Koh discusses the future of construction at International Built Environment Week

As projects become increasingly complex, the importance of integrated and collaborative approaches is growing, and further enabled by emerging digital technologies. SJ and SAA Director, Ivy Koh, participated in a panel discussion titled “Unlocking the Future of Construction: Driving Transformation through Digital Solutions and Collaborative Design”, which brought together industry leaders to explore the evolving role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction and design.

The session was part of the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2024, held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from 4 to 6 September.

Addressing the Future of BIM

Since the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) mandated in 2015 that all projects above 5,000sqm GFA must submit approvals using BIM, the technology has seen rapid adoption across the industry. During the panel, Ivy highlighted how BIM and computational design have reshaped architectural practices, enabling enhanced collaboration and precision in design. "Design technology is enabling us to go beyond our imagination, allowing us to modularise and standardise construction components — while still delivering bespoke designs," she said.

Maximising Opportunities Beyond Compliance

The session further explored how industry practitioners can leverage BIM and other digital solutions beyond regulatory compliance. Discussions focused on the potential for BIM and other digital solutions to streamline workflows and improve coordination, thereby unlocking greater efficiency across the project lifecycle.

The session also examined the future potential of BIM and other digital solutions, noting how the industry must move beyond regulatory compliance to realise its full benefits.

The panel featured several thought leaders from across the construction and technology sectors, including:

• Richard Kuppusamy, Chief Solutions Officer, Podium (Moderator)
• Wong Wei Loong, Group Director of Project Management, JTC Corporation
• Ashley Nugawela, Director of Solution Consulting (ANZ & ASEAN), Oracle Construction & Engineering
• Edmund Leong, Head of Department for Innovation & Technology Adoption, Straits Construction Singapore
• Maey Leow, Director, TW-Asia Consultants

Together, the panel discussed the challenges and opportunities of digitalisation in the construction industry, emphasising the need for a mindset shift to fully harness the potential of these technologies. Ivy remarked: "Transparency and timely decision-making are key to achieving project goals. It requires all stakeholders to be aligned and committed to the same vision."

SAA is proud to be part of the ongoing dialogue that is shaping the future of construction.

(All photos are courtesy of IBEW.)