EVENTS
How Are Singapore’s HDBs Built? NIM Students Get a Firsthand Look!
A group of 21 students from Nanyang Institute of Management (NIM), pursuing Advanced Diplomas in Construction Engineering (ADCE), Built Environment Engineering (ADBEE), and Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Management (PDEM), recently visiting Singapore’s largest Integrated Construction and Prefabrication Hub (IPCH) – the Sunway Prefab Hub. This industry learning trip offered NIM Students first hand insight into the innovative transformation taking place in the local construction sector.
Located in Punggol Barat Lane, our students went together to the IPCH – the Sunway Prefab Hub. Although it’s a shared initiative, NIM’s liaison Ms. Thong, Assistant Dean for School of Engineering and School of Arts, Science & Technology, and Director of the Career Service Centre, reached out specifically to the Sunway side, which plays a key role in the hub’s operations.
The Sunway Prefab Hub is not just any construction facility, it’s where the magic of HDB building takes shape. Here, entire building components, such as prefabricated bathroom units, kitchen shelters, and structural walls, are manufactured off-site using advanced robotics and automation. These components are then transported to housing sites and assembled like ‘Lego’ blocks, streamlining the entire building process.
Gone are the days of constructing HDB flats “brick by brick”. The “plug and play” model showcased at the hub represents a dramatic shift from traditional methods. This innovation not only boosts productivity but also ensures faster project completion, greater precision, and improved quality control in housing projects.
For students specialising in engineering and project management, this visit was a valuable exposure to the growing importance of prefabrication in urban development. It highlighted how Singapore is leveraging automation and strategic partnerships to meet its housing needs efficiently while preparing for future construction challenges. Sunway’s building is also a showcase of built environment technology, as it meets Greenmark standards.
The visit underscored NIM’s commitment to equipping students with relevant, forward-thinking knowledge by bridging academic learning with real-world industrial advancements. As Singapore continues to build smarter, the next generation of professionals is being prepared to lead the way.
Prepared by: Cheryl Tan
Translated by: Kimi
Proofread by: Janice Tang and Ms. Thong
Photography by: Rebecca