BCA and BCG to Help Singapore Contractors Adopt Lean Construction Through LIFT

Singapore's construction firms will soon have more support to improve productivity through the Lean Implementation and Field Transformation (LIFT) initiative, announced by Minister Chee Hong Tat at the Singapore Contractors' Association Limited (SCAL) Annual Dinner on 16 October 2026.

The initiative focuses on three areas: helping contractors reduce delays and wasted work, providing hands-on coaching to improve site operations, and supporting firms with funding to redesign jobs and upskill workers.

Developed by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA), with support from SCAL, LIFT aims to help construction firms improve how projects are planned, coordinated, and delivered.

1. Reducing Delays and Wasted Work Through Lean Construction

Construction delays aren't always caused by a lack of manpower. Workers may be waiting for materials, equipment may be sitting idle, or subcontractors may be unable to start because another team hasn't finished its work. These everyday problems can add up to significant losses in time and money.

LIFT introduces firms to Lean Construction, an approach that focuses on better planning, smoother coordination, and reducing unnecessary work.

As Minister Chee Hong Tat explained:

"Lean construction is not about asking people to work faster. It is about planning and coordinating our work better, reducing unnecessary waiting and rework, and improving sequencing to improve efficiency."

During his speech, the minister highlighted Gammon Singapore, which applied Lean practices to an infrastructure project. By planning backwards from important deadlines, coordinating closely with subcontractors, and regularly checking for inefficient processes, Gammon reduced weeks of delays across project milestones and avoided costly rework.

Past Lean Construction implementation runs involving local firms also suggest that properly applied Lean practices can improve productivity by as much as 30%, although results will vary.

2. Six Months of Hands-On Coaching From BCG

Rather than simply teaching construction firms about Lean methods, LIFT will help them put these ideas into practice on actual projects.

Participating firms will receive six months of dedicated consultancy support from Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The coaching will focus on everyday challenges, such as coordinating different teams, improving equipment deployment, and simplifying submissions and workflows.

Minister Chee emphasised the practical nature of the programme:

"So this is not just classroom learning. Firms will receive dedicated coaching on live projects and work on actual processes – from how equipment is deployed and teams are coordinated, to how submissions and workflows can be streamlined."

The aim is to help companies develop better ways of working that they can continue using on future projects, rather than fixing just one problem on one site.

3. Funding Support for Job Redesign and Worker Upskilling

Improving productivity also means helping workers develop new skills and take on more valuable responsibilities.

Through LIFT, firms can receive up to 70% funding support for job redesign-related costs under SWDA's Workforce Development Grant. They may also receive up to 90% salary support for three months through the Career Conversion Programme to support employee reskilling, subject to programme conditions.

These measures are intended to help contractors improve how work is organised while developing the capabilities of their existing workforce.

As Minister Chee explained when discussing workforce transformation:

"It is not simply about doing the same work with fewer people, but empowering existing workers to do more and achieve better outcomes."

What Does LIFT Mean for Singapore Contractors?

LIFT reflects a wider effort to help Singapore's construction industry deliver projects more efficiently despite manpower and resource constraints.

For main contractors and subcontractors, the takeaway is that improving productivity doesn't always require more workers, equipment, or technology. Better planning, clearer communication, and fewer interruptions can make a meaningful difference to everyday site operations.

Beyond Lean Construction, Singapore is also making it easier for built environment professionals to keep up with industry developments and professional training. BCA's automated CPD submission through SGBuildex helps simplify the process of recording eligible Continuing Professional Development activities.

Related reading: BCA Automated CPD Submission via SGBuildex: What You Need to Know

Source: Speech by Minister Chee Hong Tat at the SCAL Annual Dinner, 16 October 2026.