More than just numbers, Quantity Surveying is about strategy, foresight, and control. This came to life for pre-university students at the DBE–SISV Built Environment Cost & Contract Talent Challenge 2026.
Over a three-day deep dive, they took on the role of a Quantity Surveyor for a new residential project, making critical decisions on everything from initial cost planning and contract agreements to the financial feasibility of green building materials. The event showcased how these essential professionals, who are given the titles of Sr, are the crucial link between a design concept and a successfully completed building.
Co-organised by the Department of the Built Environment (DBE) and the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV), the Challenge brought together more than 60 students from Polytechnics, Junior Colleges (JC), and International Baccalaureate (IB), competing across two categories. Through industry-led seminars, fireside chats, and group problem-solving, students engaged with real-world considerations before presenting their ideas.
A key highlight was receiving feedback from industry professionals, providing a rare and valuable learning experience. The judging panel included:
- Sr Colin Kin, President, SISV
- Sr Natalie Yong, 1st Vice President, SISV
- Professor Florence Ling, DBE
- Mr Ng Man Hon, Director, Procurement Policies Department, BCA
🏆 Polytechnic Category – Champions
The winning team from Singapore Polytechnic (Diploma in Civil Engineering) stood out for their professional, industry-ready approach. Team member Naing Jack shared, “We treated the challenge like a real internship project, applying what we learnt to cost, contracts, and sustainability, and focusing on how to pitch clearly to the panel.” Beyond the competition, the team gained a clearer understanding of the Quantity Surveyor’s role, learning its scope and impact through lectures, discussions, and feedback from industry judges.
🏆 JC / IB Category – Champions
Students from the School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA), St Joseph’s Institution, and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) impressed the panel with their ability to grasp technical concepts quickly and deliver confident, well-structured presentations. . Kate from SOTA shared, “The lessons gave us the confidence to present clearly and focus on what the panel needed to know, while keeping our data clean and visually easy to understand.”
Associate Professor Stephen Tay from DBE, who co-organised the event, shared, “The three-day challenge was a memorable experience as we journeyed with curious and passionate individuals who engaged the complexities of cost breakdowns, contracts, and letters of acceptance before presenting to experienced judges. Through this meaningful integration of theory and practice, the students gained valuable perspectives on the critical role of Quantity Surveyors, and how the Bachelor of Engineering in Infrastructure and Project Management enables them to make an impact in the Built Environment.”
