Two new accreditation schemes for managing agents recognised by BCA

MORE training is now available to lift the standards of managing agents (MAs) who handle the day-to-day running of estates managed by more than 3,500 management corporations (MCSTs) in Singapore.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has recognised two new accreditation schemes introduced by the Association of Property and Facility Managers (APFM) and the Association of Strata Managers (ASM), according to a joint press statement on Wednesday.

This is part of BCA's efforts to support the industry bodies in raising professionalism and improving competencies of MAs.

The two associations will also be issued with a certificate of recognition from BCA, which requires renewal every three years.

At present, almost 75 per cent of these MCSTs engage MAs to run their respective estates.

Chin Chi Leong, commissioner of buildings at BCA, said: "BCA recognises the need for competent MAs and has worked with both APFM and ASM to develop and recognise a more structured framework to train and upskill MAs in the industry. We would like to encourage MA firms to send their staff for training and accreditation so they have a pool of competent MAs to provide quality services to their clients."

MAs can obtain accreditation by going through a training programme that covers areas such as the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA) framework, application of the BMSMA, building services, communication and office administration.

Since the start of the training programme in June last year, more than 300 MAs have completed training and met the criteria to be accredited.