Anthony Tan on Construction's Digital Transformation

*Anthony Tan on Construction's Digital Transformation The construction industry has long been a bastion of innovation, shaping skylines and societies through vision, creativity, and grit. At the heart of this evolution stands Anthony Tan, the newly appointed Managing Director of Ngai Chin Construction — a company that has steadily transformed from a carpentry-focused startup to a leader in commercial office fitouts across Singapore.

Tan’s journey with Ngai Chin began in 2016 as a Project Executive. Now, nearly a decade later, he leads the charge as the company embraces digital transformation while preserving its culture of craftsmanship and collaboration.

A Culture of Growth and Learning

In conversation with our publication*, Tan reflects on the values that have driven both his personal ascent and the company’s strategic evolution.

“I’ve always believed that real progress comes from being surrounded by passionate people,” he says. “At Ngai Chin, there’s a shared commitment to excellence — not just in the work we deliver, but in how we grow together.”

That mindset shaped his early years at the company, where he rose rapidly from Project Executive to Production Director before assuming the role of Managing Director in early 2025. Each step was marked by an unrelenting focus on performance and team development.

“I was eager to prove myself,” Tan recalls. “But more than that, I wanted to learn. My mentors and colleagues were instrumental in helping me understand not just the technical side of things, but also the human element — which is often overlooked in construction.”

Leading Through Transformation

As head of Ngai Chin, Tan now faces one of the most critical challenges in modern construction: digital transformation. With technology reshaping every facet of the industry — from design and planning to execution and client engagement — staying relevant means embracing change without compromising quality.

“We’re not just upgrading our tools,” he explains. “We’re rethinking how we operate. Whether it’s integrating BIM (Building Information Modeling), streamlining workflows through automation, or enhancing communication via cloud-based platforms, the goal is always to improve efficiency and accuracy.”

But Tan is quick to emphasize that digital transformation isn’t solely about adopting new technologies. It’s about fostering a mindset shift within the organization.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the tech,” he says. “But what really matters is empowering our people to use these tools effectively. That means investing in training, encouraging experimentation, and creating an environment where innovation thrives.”

To that end, Tan has introduced regular cross-departmental workshops and mentorship programs aimed at bridging generational gaps and ensuring knowledge transfer across teams.

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce

As the construction sector grapples with labor shortages and shifting workforce expectations, Tan recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining younger talent.

“There’s a new generation entering the field, and they bring fresh perspectives,” he notes. “I want them to feel welcomed, heard, and valued — not just as workers, but as future leaders.”

To foster inclusivity and engagement, Tan has championed open-door policies and informal feedback sessions. These initiatives provide young professionals with direct access to leadership and create opportunities for candid discussions about career development and company direction.

“My office should be a place where anyone feels comfortable walking in,” he says. “Whether they need advice, want to raise concerns, or simply share an idea — I’m here for it.”

This people-first approach extends beyond internal dynamics. As Ngai Chin continues to specialize in high-end commercial interior fitouts, Tan stresses the importance of maintaining strong relationships with clients and partners.

“Construction is collaborative by nature,” he says. “The best outcomes come from trust, transparency, and a willingness to adapt. That starts with listening — to our clients, our consultants, and each other.”

Strategic Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Tan envisions Ngai Chin evolving into a more agile, tech-enabled firm capable of delivering complex projects with precision and speed. Key to this vision is a continued investment in digital infrastructure and talent acquisition.

“We’re building a foundation that allows us to scale efficiently,” he says. “That means leveraging data analytics, predictive modeling, and even AI-assisted project management. But we won’t lose sight of what makes us unique — our attention to detail, our craftsmanship, and our deep understanding of the local market.”

He also sees sustainability playing a larger role in the company’s offerings. “Clients are increasingly concerned about environmental impact,” Tan observes. “We’re exploring eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and green certification pathways to stay aligned with their priorities.”

Staying True to Core Values

Despite rapid growth and technological evolution, Tan remains committed to upholding the core principles that define Ngai Chin.

“From day one, this company has stood for integrity, quality, and reliability,” he says. “Those values aren’t negotiable. They guide everything we do — from hiring decisions to project execution.”

As he settles into his role as Managing Director, Tan is focused on nurturing a culture where tradition meets innovation, where experience complements ambition, and where every individual contributes to a greater purpose.

“In many ways, we’re still that small carpentry business at heart,” he concludes. “We’ve grown, we’ve evolved, but our spirit remains the same: to build spaces that inspire, and to build a team that delivers.”

With Anthony Tan at the helm, Ngai Chin Construction is poised to lead the next wave of transformation in Singapore’s dynamic construction landscape.