MBAS Institute

The recent rise in landed housing construction disputes signals an urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry.
That’s why the Buildtrust® Construction Quality Assessment Scheme, introduced by Micro Builders Association, Singapore and MBAS Institute , is so timely.

With structured, clearer guidelines, Buildtrust® aims to support both homeowners and landed property builders — enabling smoother, more reliable project ex*****on.

As Singapore’s landed residential landscape continues to grow, building trust between homeowners and contractors is more critical than ever. This programme doesn’t just respond to today’s challenges — it sets a new benchmark for the future.

Builders, architects, homeowners — your building journey doesn’t have to be stressful.

Explore how Buildtrust® can make a difference: buildtrust.sg

Contact: [email protected]

Read BT: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/smes/rise-landed-housing-construction-disputes-and-new-fix

Rise in landed housing construction disputes – and a new fix [SINGAPORE] Ian Teo, president of the Micro Builders Association, Singapore (MBAS), once handled a landed home renovation that led to a complaint over water leakage and moisture damage – issues his client blamed on poor workmanship. Read more at The Business Times.

MBAS Institute had the privilege of speaking with Ar. Jonathan Lim, Founder and Principal Architect of Archtur Pte. Ltd., as he shared his motivation for enrolling in the BuildTrust®️ Manager Training Course. This specialized program equips contractors, project managers, and key stakeholders in micro-scale projects—such as landed properties—with a deep understanding of industry benchmarks, quality standards, and best practices to achieve BuildTrust®️ certification.

What advice would he give to Builders and Project Managers who are hesitant about time spent and costs to get accredited? How can they benefit from accreditation? Should accredited Builders be prioritised in the tendering bidding process?

Learn more in this interview: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mbas-institute-pte-ltd_buildtrust-constructionquality-accreditation-activity-7308751714818396160-VyV6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAACS8KlYBCdegjbOTE67136jLDqGHDwl3HM4

Buildtrust® is an accreditation program tailored for landed properties and small projects valued up to S$5 million. It provides an independent, detailed assessment to ensure each project meets industry standards.

Home owners, architects and builders, learn about how Buildtrust® can ensure your next quality build at www.buildtrust.sg.

Have questions? We're here to help! Email [email protected].

Builders and Construction companies, please take note!

Here is an advisory from the Singapore Ministry of Manpower and Building and Construction Authority (Singapore) on hiring phantom workers.

🚨 Advisory: Do not hire Phantom Workers 🚨

Construction companies take note! The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has been stepping up enforcement against companies for inflating their foreign worker quota by making false CPF contributions to locals who did not perform any work for the companies. ❌

🔎 Recent Actions Taken:
✔️ 4 construction companies investigated in 2024, with $225,000 in financial penalties issued
✔️ 8 construction companies raided in Jan 2025, leading to 11 arrests
The companies that were found guilty were also barred from hiring migrant workers.

📢 Stay compliant & focus on productivity
Companies caught violating the law may be barred from hiring migrant workers and their registration on BCA's Contractors Registration System (CRS) may also be affected.

Instead of circumventing regulations, companies should embrace automation, robotics, and workforce upskilling to enhance productivity and reduce manpower demand. ✅

🔗 For more information visit, go.gov.sg/bca-circular-phantom-workers

The Business Times recently featured a Buildtrust®-accredited project by Renaissance Planners & Designers Pte Ltd. This impressive four-storey corner semi-detached home near Sixth Avenue earned the Platinum accreditation, highlighting innovation, precision, and exceptional workmanship. Standout features include a 7-meter-high rock climbing wall, a 13-meter saltwater pool, and suspended stairs.

Builders with Buildtrust®-accredited projects provide homeowners and collaborators with peace of mind, demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness.

Builders, connect with us to showcase your professionalism in crafting landed properties or micro projects. Email [email protected].

MBAS Institute is the training arm of Micro Builders Association, Singapore

The demand for landed properties grew in 2024, with more buyers and transactions. This strong market activity is expected to continue in 2025, driven by lower interest rates. As a result, more rebuilding and A&A (Addition & Alteration) projects may be on the rise.

𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 & 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 – 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙, 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧.

Showcase your expertise and commitment to quality with Buildtrust® accreditation. It’s a simple way to highlight your professionalism and ensure a smooth, high-standard building journey from start to finish, and ensure a peace of mind for all stakeholders including architects, builders, consultants and owners.

💬 We’d love to share how Buildtrust® can benefit your next project. Contact us at [email protected].

Uptick in semi-detached and terrace house deals pushes landed property transaction volume up 34% y-o-y in 2024: Huttons A total of 435 landed homes were transacted last quarter, bring total landed transaction volume to 1,574 units in 2024.

The BuildTrust® project accreditation process is straightforward. Here's how it works for new applicants:

1️⃣ Register your project details at least 6 months before completion.
2️⃣ Enroll your Project Manager in the BuildTrust® Managers Certification Programme—a quick 2-3 hour online course.
3️⃣ Receive a grade based on quality metrics aligned with BuildTrust® standards, after a formal inspection with our trained assessors.

Successful projects earn one of three certifications: Platinum, Gold, or Accredited.

For future applications, submit your project details 1 month in advance!

Learn about the easy accreditation process: https://buildtrust.sg/accreditation-scheme/process/

Have a question? Let us help you at email [email protected]



An initiative of Micro Builders Association, Singapore

Who can apply for BuildTrust®?

Builders handling construction projects for landed properties or micro projects under SGD 5 million can apply for BuildTrust® accreditation.
Architects, homeowners, and developers of small-scale properties are encouraged to team up with builders to secure this certification.

Learn about the easy accreditation process: https://buildtrust.sg/accreditation-scheme/process/

Check your eligibility today: Email us at [email protected].

Good news for the construction industry as Singapore sees steady construction growth powered by government initiatives, technology, and global partnerships.

In this interview with Singapore Business Review, Ms. Yasmine Yeo, Assistant Manager for Industry Development at the Micro Builders Association, Singapore, discussed how technology is enhancing industry productivity, enabling greater efficiency and cost savings.

MBAS, in collaboration with MBAS Institute , remains committed to supporting builders in raising construction standards for landed properties and micro projects. Through BuildTrust®️, a construction quality accreditation program, we aim to elevate industry professionalism and ensure excellence in every project.

Read more: https://sbr.com.sg/videos/how-singapore-securing-steady-construction-growth

How Singapore is securing steady construction growth News Building & Engineering Published: 2 days ago 381 views How Singapore is securing steady construction growth Government initiatives, technology, and global partnerships fuel Singapore's construction surge. Singapore’s construction industry is poised for growth over the next three years eve.....

Meet The Trainer: Ar. Wong Wai Sung
Deputy Director/ Parks Development, National Parks Board

Meet Ar. Wong Wai Sung, one of our trainers for the BuildTrust®️ Manager Training Course.

With over 26 years at the National Parks Board (NParks), he has led numerous good quality and high standards of landscape architecture parks development projects such as AAPME, IFLA & LEAF awards, BCA GreenMark GoldPlus 2024, BCA Design Mark GoldPlus 2020, Singapore Good Design Award 2021, earning accolades such as the National Day Commendation Medal (2018) and the Long Service Medal (2024).

Ar. Wong also brings extensive research, academic and training experience, having lectured at NTU’s School of Art, Design, and Media for 17 years and served as an Associate Trainer at the Centre for Urban Greenery & Ecology since 2015. He holds an Advanced Certificate in Assessment and Training.

He is a Green Mark Advanced Accredited Professional with the Singapore Green Building Council and an assessor for NParks' Landscape Excellence Assessment Framework certification.

A registered Architect and served Singapore Institute of Architects member since 1998, Ar. Wong also contributes actively to SIA’s Building Control & Parks Committee, and a member of the Technical Committee on Building Architectural Works supporting the industry’s growth and practices.