The recent State of Digital Adoption in Construction 2023 Report conducted by Autodesk and Deloitte Access Economics, found that Singaporean construction firms are leading the way in technology adoption and outperforming their peers in growth. However, changing technologies is a growing concern with 68% of Singaporean construction businesses citing this as a major trend affecting their operations.
In fact, the most common barrier to adopting digital technology was a lack of digital skills in the workforce (cited by 44% of businesses in the countries we surveyed). This concern was greatest in Singapore, where 55% of businesses reported a skills gap.
At Autodesk, we believe that the first step in addressing the skills gap is by working together with universities and assisting students to build a practical understanding of contemporary industry practices.
This is why we’ve partnered with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Established in 2005, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is an autonomous public university based in Singapore, recognised for its strong applied and interdisciplinary education and deep academic and research expertise in advancing industry and societal growth.
Autodesk is assisting in delivering the Modular Graduate Course, Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) in the Built Environment. The collaboration offers a digitalisation framework for streamlined project workflows and improved collaboration. It aims to equip students with the skills to identify bottlenecks and constraints in workflows and develop a digitalisation roadmap tailored to their organisations and work functions. This will further enable students to apply the acquired knowledge needed to enhance project delivery and achieve sustained organisational transformation.
One of the key objectives of the course is also to support the usage of ISO 19650, an international standard for managing information over the whole lifecycle of a built asset using building information modelling (BIM). Facilitating the compliance of ISO 19650 standards will help developers and builders future-proof their systems to meet changing compliance and regulatory needs.
“Working closely with SUSS is an effective mechanism for creating an inclusive and adaptable workforce. It provides an alternative career pathway for young people and can be a channel for others to re-enter the workforce and provide opportunities for individuals to upskill and transition into new roles," said Mr Yinglong Yue, Autodesk Technical Solutions Specialist who supports the delivery of the course.
“This is a really exciting partnership with Autodesk which will ensure our students who are currently employed in the industry are utilising the latest practices industry best practises. Strong partnerships are required between industry and education institutions to ensure that training outcomes are responsive to the needs of employers," said Dr Ziwen Liu, Module Facilitator, School of Science and Technology, SUSS.
According to Mr Yilong Chee, an SUSS Built Environment graduate, “Aside from providing a comprehensive understanding of IDD implementation, data interoperability, common data environment, design thinking, agile planning, and team collaboration enablers, this course also teaches us the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a facility manager of the 21st century. Through hands-on activities and practical experience, we are able to improve our knowledge of the IDD framework and digital technologies. Built Environment professionals can take advantage of this course to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and emerging technologies, enabling them to succeed in the field, "
Also providing their insights, Professor Yujie Lu from Tongji University, a Guest Lecturer for IDD in Built Environment, commented “The Modular Graduate Course in Integrated Digital Delivery in Built Environment not only offers hands-on experience but also delivers cutting-edge research on IDD, providing students with the most up-to-date knowledge and in-demand skillsets in the field. By equipping our students with practical skills and the latest research, this course sets them apart and prepares them for success in the dynamic and rapidly-evolving world of construction.”
“Our students can benefit from the Autodesk-SUSS Partnership Initiative and acquire high-in-demand and value-adding skillsets which will provide them a competitive advantage at the workplace and in the job market," Associate Professor Luke Lu Chang Peh, Vice-Dean, School of Science and Technology, SUSS, added.
For more information on the course and to register your interest, visit: https://www.suss.edu.sg/courses/detail/fmt505.
