INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
SINGAPORE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION LIMITED
SPOTLIGHT
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ounded in 1937 as The Singapore Chinese Contractors Association, the Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL) is the not-for-profit organisation that represents the best interests of over 3,000 construction firms and allied businesses across Singapore. As the united voice of the industry, SCAL undertakes an active role in advocating for the construction sector’s best interests by facilitating various platforms such as bridging closer working relationships between businesses and government agencies, networking events for members, recognition and awards platforms and administering programmes to drive business success. To this day, the association continues to follow its original mandate of instilling harmonious business relationships among local contractors and ensuring the regular supply of building materials. SCAL entered its current incarnation following a merger between the Singapore Building Contractors Society and the Singapore Contractors Association in 1977, with the aim of forging a unified industry identity and body of representation. Since 1984, SCAL has occupied its premises at Construction House. But today, the association has grown to encompass four different subsidiaries in order to cater to the many and varied needs of the entire construction industry. SC2 Pte Ltd – Dating back to 1993, SCAL’s first subsidiary was established to safeguard people, property and the environment by providing
SCAL – AT A GLANCE • VISION - To lead the construction industry in building a sustainable future for Singapore. • MISSION - To be an effective voice of the construction industry advocating business-friendly practices, promoting industry development, and fostering a safe and productive work environment.
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professional safety audits on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). In 2008, SC2 started to provide certification services and has attained accreditation by Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) for SS506: Part 1 and ISO 9000 certification. SCAL Resources Pte Ltd – This second subsidiary (SCR) was formed in 1997. The company observes three key mandates, which essentially involves providing value-added services to SCAL members, assisting local contractors in the planning and staffing of manpower, and lastly, improving the welfare of foreign workers in the local construction industry. As one example of the latter, SCR launched the SCAL recreation centre to cater to the social and recreational needs of foreign workers. SCAL Academy Pte Ltd – Since 2009, this third wholly-owned subsidiary has been instrumental in planning and designing training and development courses that respond to the industry’s training needs. It conducts various courses to enable employees to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge to support business needs and personal aspirations. Delivered by qualified, experienced, and dedicated trainers, these include courses accredited under the Ministry of Manpower Accredited Training Provider (ATP) scheme and Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses accredited by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency. The Singapore Construction Mediation Centre Pte Ltd – The fourth and final subsidiary (SCMC), was launched in line with SCAL’s strategic thrust to remain relevant and develop services catered to its members’ needs. The objective of SCMC is to encourage mediation as the preferred resolution process of settlement for construction disputes. SCMC will provide SCAL members with an effective and cost-efficient channel where an amicable and early settlement of disputes will eliminate lengthy and costly court proceedings. With the concerns and priorities of its ever-growing membership base at the core of its operations, SCAL will continue to support industry in these uncertain times.
