New initiatives aim to improve construction productivity and accelerate project approval processes
Singapore has introduced two initiatives to support technology adoption and improve productivity in the Built Environment sector. At the closing ceremony of the 2nd Construction Technology (ConTech) Summit 2026, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and National Development Mr Alvin Tan announced the Robot Leasing Support Scheme (RLSS) and the Whole-of-Government Virtual Inspection (WOG VI) process.
The RLSS will provide co-funding of up to 50 per cent for each robot, enabling robotics solution providers to lease proven Robotics and Automation (R&A) solutions directly to Built Environment firms. The scheme is intended to lower the upfront cost of adopting technologies such as concrete-levelling and tile-grouting robots.
The initiative will be funded through the Built Environment Technology and Capability (BETC) grant. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has been supporting the adoption of proven R&A solutions through measures including the BETC grant and Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG). Under the RLSS, the Government expects leasing arrangements to help more firms access robotics solutions while generating time, cost and manpower savings.
The Government will also explore another run of the Built Environment Accelerate to Market Programme (BEAMP), a multi-agency initiative by BCA, JTC Corporation and Enterprise Singapore. Since its establishment in 2019, BEAMP has introduced more than 100 challenge statements and supported collaboration between about 80 Built Environment firms and innovators.
One example is the collaboration between Fabrica AI and Woh Hup to develop a robot for floor tile grouting. The latest version achieved up to two times the productivity of its previous version and has been deployed in projects including One Holland Village.
Separately, regulatory agencies have launched the WOG VI process for Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) and Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) inspections. Project teams can submit 360-degree virtual scans of project sites for participating agencies to conduct virtual compliance checks.
Preliminary findings from pilot projects, including Grand Dunman, indicated that WOG VI could deliver up to 30 per cent in manpower savings for project parties. Its phased submission approach could also enable TOP approval to be obtained up to two months earlier than under conventional physical inspections.
The WOG VI process is available for use immediately, with a guidebook published by participating agencies outlining the requirements and procedures.
Source: Facebook/Alvin Tan
