Debated in Parliament on 6 Jan 2020.
Dr Teo Ho Pin asked the Minister for National Development (a) to date, how many projects have adopted the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method of construction; and (b) what is the amount of Government grants that have been disbursed to support PPVC-related firms and projects since its implementation; and (c) what are the challenges faced when adopting PPVC.
Since 2013, more than 50 public and private sector projects have adopted the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method of construction. We have taken a multi-pronged approach to promote the adoption of productive construction methods like PPVC. The intent is to help lower the cost premium of adopting such technologies in the long-term.
First, we have generated lead demand by stipulating productivity conditions as requirements for selected Government Land Sales sites, and requiring public sector projects to adopt productive construction methods, such as PPVC.
Second, we have provided incentives to help defray the higher cost of PPVC adoption and build industry capabilities. The Productivity Innovation Project (PIP) scheme, which funds up to 70% of the qualifying cost for innovative technologies, is one such initiative. To date, nine firms have tapped on the PIP scheme to support PPVC-related projects, with more than $15 million disbursed. We have also provided $5 million for PPVC-related training.
Third, we have built up our supply base to increase our local production capability. We have 32 approved PPVC suppliers now, as compared to three suppliers six years ago.
Fourth, we have built industry capabilities in PPVC adoption. This is a joint effort with the industry and the institutes of higher learning, led by the iBuildSG Tripartite Committee. Besides training, BCA also conducts regular workshops, seminars and site visits and publishes guides on PPVC adoption for the industry.
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