THE home market hasn't dried up. There is still a 'substantial' number of projects coming up that require the services of those who offer urban solutions, according to the 1,906- member-strong Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL).

So local builders, engineers, urban planners and consultants - as well as managers of townships, solid waste and water treatment plants, and land transport - are not being pushed to seek greener pastures overseas.

Still, SCAL executive director Simon Lee says that more Singapore-based contractors in building, civil engineering services and interior works like fitting and furnishing have been venturing out in recent years in search of new markets and opportunities.

'SCAL estimates about 20-50 (of our) members are at any one time engaged in doing business outside Singapore,' he says. They are found mainly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China and the Middle East.

'The recent trend is to try to explore countries like Mongolia, Hungary, Turkey and African countries,' Mr Lee says. 'The Singapore contractors can tap their local track record, local standard in quality, productivity, safety and health practices as marketable competencies for their overseas clients.'

Singapore-based contractors are naturally drawn to these growth markets. But SCAL says that there is no single lucrative market for them, because 'the return would be proportionate to the risk'.

'Some feedback says these markets are willing to pay, while others say there is a first-mover advantage where the initial competition is not so keen,' Mr Lee says.

SCAL has also done its part in encouraging contractors here to strike out. 'SCAL actively engages foreign countries to promote the export capabilities of our contractors by organising overseas trade missions, receiving overseas visitors and engaging in international organisations,' Mr Lee says.

SCAL is a member of the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors' Association and the Asean Constructors' Federation.

Mr Lee says that Singapore-based contractors have ridden on 'the Singapore brand of quality standard, reasonable prices and timely delivery' to break into the Chinese and Middle East markets.

'Singapore companies provide a spectrum of services to overseas clients, including civil engineering works like bridges, roads and highways; environmental engineering works like water treatment plants; building construction works like public housing, hotels, condominiums and commercial buildings; and interior works like fittings and furnishing,' he notes.

Singapore International - A fortnightly series brought to you by IE Singapore and The Business Times

This article was first published in The Business Times.