ADOPTION OF SMART FM TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND STUDENT HOSTELS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN SINGAPORE.

Abstract

As Singapore is experiencing an ageing population, labour shortages, and rising labour cost, there is a need to adopt smart technologies in the labour-intensive FM industry to optimise the deployment of existing manpower for more critical tasks in order to improve productivity levels. Technologies can be used to complete time-consuming, repetitive, and mundane tasks instead.

In addition, there has been a lack of published studies on the adoption of Smart FM technologies in Educational Institutions and Student Hostels in Singapore. Hence, this study aims to investigate the current adoption rate of smart technologies in schools and hostels, and to gather facilities managers' perspectives on the implementation of Smart FM technologies to learn more about the factors encouraging and hindering the adoption rate. This study will also focus on how the COVID-19 pandemic changed FM practices and receptiveness to the adoption of smart technologies.

Interview and survey responses were gathered to obtain valuable insights from FM professionals about their opinion towards the implementation of Smart FM technologies. An analysis of the data collected was done to understand the motivating factors and barriers while implementing smart technologies. Solutions will also be proposed to encourage the adoption rate of Smart FM technologies in Singapore.