Speech by SPS Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi at the 4th Specialists Trade Alliance of Singapore (STAS) Prefabricated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (PREFAB MEP) Day Dinner
Oct 10, 2025
Introduction
Good evening. It is my pleasure to join all of you at the 4th edition of the Specialists Trade Alliance of Singapore Prefabricated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Day Dinner. This is my second week at the Ministry of National Development, and I am looking forward to engaging more closely with our Built Environment stakeholders in the upcoming months ahead.
Over the years, this platform has grown into a key event that brings together stakeholders across the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) and Prefabricated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing, or Prefab MEP, ecosystem. This annual gathering is not only a celebration of the collective progress that you have achieved together. It is also a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships, foster collaboration, and recognise the companies that are driving transformation in productivity and digitalisation in our Built Environment sector.
I would also like to acknowledge STAS for its stewardship in managing the Prefab MEP Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme, or MAS. This scheme helps quality assurance and meticulous control throughout the design, production and installation phases of prefab MEP modules. Congratulations to all the firms receiving your accreditations tonight. Your efforts inspire confidence in our collective ability to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable Built Environment outcomes.
Encouraging Adoption of Prefabricated MEP
The Government remains committed to encouraging the wider adoption of Prefab MEP across the sector. For example, we have put in place mandatory requirements for Prefab MEP adoption for developments under the Government Land Sales programme. We are also working closely with Government Procuring Entities such as LTA, JTC, HDB, DSTA, and MOHH to include Prefab MEP adoption as part of their tender requirements.
Beyond these mandatory requirements, many Prefab MEP specialists have proactively proposed Prefab MEP solutions on their own initiative. This is a strong signal that the industry recognises the value of Prefab MEP, be it in terms of improving buildability, enhancing safety, or delivering greater cost and time efficiency.
Prefab MEP Market Expansion Award
Another encouraging trend is the growing regional footprint of Singapore-based Prefab MEP firms. This expansion beyond our shores demonstrates the strength of our expertise and the competitiveness of our solutions.
Tonight, we celebrate this outward push through the introduction of the Prefab MEP Market Expansion Award. This award recognises Singapore-based companies that have successfully brought their Prefab MEP capabilities to overseas markets. These companies have not only exported prefabricated MEP modules, but in some cases, even established production facilities overseas to better serve their regional clients.
For instance, Tech Onshore MEP Prefabricators has successfully secured Prefab MEP projects across Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and Malaysia. Walraven has set up a factory in Johor Bahru to serve the Malaysian market, specialising in Prefab MEP solutions for data centre projects, and CAE Engineering manufactures plant modules locally and exports them to Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia and the Maldives.
Such efforts showcase how Singapore’s Prefab MEP companies are exporting more than just hardware. Our firms are bringing the high-quality processes, productivity standards, and technical leadership to position Singapore firms as strong and credible players in the regional DfMA market.
I understand that overseas firms have also asked STAS to conduct MAS assessments at their overseas factories. For example, NM Fire invited STAS to accredit its factory in China, becoming the first overseas module production factory to achieve MAS accreditation. This reflects growing international recognition of Singapore’s standards and expertise in Prefab MEP.
Later this evening, STAS will also be signing an MOU with the Korea Export Promotion Association for Korea Government Contractors. This partnership will facilitate knowledge sharing on Prefab MEP and include opportunities for our delegates to participate in trade shows on offsite construction in Korea. This is an important milestone that will strengthen cooperation between Singapore and Korea in procurement and construction.
Grooming a Competent Workforce
Beyond expanding markets, it is equally important that we continue to nurture and groom a competent workforce for our local Prefab MEP industry.
I would like to commend Winner Engineering and Leng Aik Engineering for their generous sponsorship of MEP training modular structures displayed at the ITE East DfMA gallery. These modules provide students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities, while joint internships and Work-Study Diploma programmes offered by both forms, help to further support early talent development.
Leng Aik Engineering has additionally collaborated with ITE and BCA to organise learning journeys to their highly automated Prefab MEP factory. Such efforts not only nurture future talent, but also expose students and Built Environment leaders alike to cutting-edge practices in the field.
Continued Support from the Government
The Government will continue to support the Prefab MEP industry in its transformation journey.
[New] BCA will be disseminating a Prefab MEP Information Kit, developed based on industry feedback, by the end of this year.
This info kit will capture key considerations and best practices to help the industry deliver Prefab MEP projects effectively, based on learning experiences from firms that have adopted Prefab MEP. It will also address common queries and provide clear guidance on calculating Prefab MEP coverage for B-Score submissions.
We have also enhanced financial support for DfMA-related facilities. From 1 January 2026, the Land Intensification Allowance (LIA) scheme will be extended to cover all DfMA-related facilities, including Prefab MEP facilities. The LIA scheme provides a tax allowance of up to 100% of qualifying capital expenditure for the construction or addition and alteration works of such facilities, and will help promote the intensification of industrial land use for higher value-added activities.
Conclusion
In closing, let me thank STAS for your continued leadership in championing specialist contractors and the Prefab MEP industry.
As we build stronger partnerships, expand into new markets, and groom the next generation of talent, I am confident that Singapore’s Prefab MEP industry will continue to grow from strength to strength.
I wish all of you a meaningful evening ahead. Thank you.