PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY CHINESE CONTRACTORS EXPORTING THEIR SERVICES TO SINGAPORE

Abstract

Singapore's construction industry is an international market and it is attracting international construction companies of different countries. With a positive outlook in increasing construction demand in Singapore, the construction market is filled with lots of opportunities and more international companies are joining in the competition. Since the accession to the WTO, China's construction industry is also attracting a lot of international contractors. The domestic companies are facing the threat of strong foreign competition and thus they are exporting their capabilities to international countries. The objectives of this study are to (A) identify the strategies and practices adopted by PRC construction firms in Singapore; (B) provide recommendations to Singapore-based PRC firms to improve their construction services and (C) investigate how Singapore contractors could compete against PRC firms. To achieve these objectives, in-depth face to face interviews were conducted with two groups of interviewees. 9 interviews were conducted with professionals working in the firms and another 7 with Singapore contractors, consultants and clients that had previously worked with PRC firms. Findings collected from these two groups are analysed. Some of the PRC interviewees revealed that venturing into Singapore is their strategic plan to venture to other SEA. They are always improving themselves to attain high quality and productivity to keep them competitive. Their common business strategy includes competitive cost, low direct labor cost, satisfactory quality. Singapore contractors are thus facing a strong competition from the Chinese firms that are establishing here. Singapore interviewees on the other hand felt that although they are doing well, but there are still areas for improvement