Minister Chee announces Lean Construction initiative to boost productivity
Minister Chee Hong Tat announced the Lean Implementation and Field Transformation (LIFT) initiative to boost productivity in the construction sector. The initiative supports contractors in adopting Lean practices to improve efficiency and reduce delays.
Minister Chee Hong Tat announced the Lean Implementation and Field Transformation (LIFT) initiative during the Singapore Contractors’ Association Limited (SCAL) Annual Dinner 2026. The initiative aims to support contractors in adopting Lean construction practices to improve project efficiency and reduce delays. The LIFT program, conceptualized by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA), will provide firms with six months of dedicated workforce consultancy support from Boston Consulting Group. Participating firms will receive coaching on live projects to apply Lean practices and streamline workflows. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance productivity and address challenges in the construction sector.
What is the Lean Construction initiative?
The Lean Implementation and Field Transformation (LIFT) initiative is designed to help contractors adopt Lean construction practices that improve efficiency and reduce delays. The program will provide firms with dedicated consultancy support from Boston Consulting Group to apply Lean methods to real projects. This includes coaching on equipment deployment, team coordination, and workflow optimization. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance productivity in the construction sector.
How will the initiative support contractors?
The LIFT initiative will offer up to 70% funding support for job redesign-related costs through the Workforce Development Grant and up to 90% salary support for a three-month period through the Career Conversion Programme. These financial incentives aim to help firms reskill employees and implement Lean practices effectively. The initiative also encourages collaboration between main contractors and subcontractors to improve project planning and delivery.
What are the expected benefits?
The LIFT initiative is expected to improve productivity by up to 30% through the adoption of Lean practices. By reducing unnecessary waiting, rework, and inefficiencies, the program aims to help firms deliver projects faster and more efficiently. The initiative also supports the long-term transformation of the construction sector by promoting sustainable and scalable improvements in project management and workforce development.
Key facts
- Minister Chee Hong Tat announced the Lean Implementation and Field Transformation (LIFT) initiative to support contractors in adopting Lean construction practices.
- The LIFT initiative will provide firms with six months of dedicated workforce consultancy support from Boston Consulting Group.
- Firms can receive up to 70% funding support for job redesign-related costs through the Workforce Development Grant.
- The initiative aims to improve productivity by up to 30% through the adoption of Lean practices.
- The LIFT program is conceptualized by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA).
Source
Speech by Minister Chee Hong Tat at the Singapore Contractorsâ Association Limited (SCAL) Annual Dinner 2026
BCA Newsroom · 16 October 2026 · This brief is a summary in our own words. Read the original for the full text.
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