CBM Pte Ltd is on a mission to deliver cutting-edge integrated and total facilities management services to the burgeoning Singaporean market. Roy Chiang, President and CEO, details the company’s sustainability, innovation, and customer-centric approach.
FRONTRUNNERS IN SINGAPOREAN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Ensuring the efficiency and safety of the built environment, the integrated facilities management (FM) sector in the increasingly diverse landscape of Singapore has undergone significant transformation over the last 20 years, evolving from traditional, reactive operations to a technology-driven, predictive, and strategic industry.
Indeed, major trends, milestones, and significant events have accelerated digital transformation and smart FM operations across the country, including the green certification of notable buildings, such as the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark Certification Scheme, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sector has also witnessed an increased focus on sustainability, most pointedly demonstrated by the introduction of the Singapore Green Building Masterplan (SGBMP), which has given rise to the development of the government’s Smart Nation initiative.
As a result, energy efficiency technology, including building and energy management systems and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and devices, can be leveraged far easier.
Such developments have also led to better resource management – particularly regarding electric, water, gas, waste, and manpower – as well as greater data analysis and optimisation and the emergence of integrated FM platforms.
“The use of these technologies formed the model for data-driven, technology-enabled, and sustainable FM, such as automated work order systems, asset lifecycle management, and overall integration with sustainability goals,” opens Roy Chiang, President and CEO of CBM Pte Ltd (CBM) – Singapore’s leading integrated FM services provider at the helm of this evolution.
“A focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric service continues to underpin both our growth and reputation in the market,” Mr Chiang prides.
ACHIEVING SUSTAINED GROWTH
Originally known as City Building Management, CBM was founded in 1971 as a subsidiary of City Developments Limited (CDL).
Its initial mission was to provide basic in-house engineering, cleaning, and security services for CDL’s property portfolio, ensuring internal quality control, operational efficiency, and high standards within the group.
CDL has been a critical driver of CBM’s steady growth, providing robust corporate backing in the form of financial strength, sound governance, and a ready base of properties within its wider portfolio.
“Such a strategic anchor not only helped CBM navigate its formative years but also enabled sustained investment in people, technology, and expertise – investments that would shape our long-term trajectory,” Mr Chiang affirms.
“Understanding CBM’s enduring success is incomplete without recognising this foundation of corporate stability and strategic support.”
Later, in 2007, the company underwent significant transformation thanks to Mr Chiang’s proactive leadership, which resulted in CBM shifting from being CDL-centric to serving a much broader client base, both locally and internationally.
The company’s growth during this period was achieved by leveraging and strengthening its core competencies, developing new growth platforms, expanding its current business footprint, and refining its internal processes.
Following this transformation, CBM achieved a number of key milestones, including the diversification of services by implementing value-adding integrated FM solutions, project and managing agent services, car park operations, system integration, commercial laundry, and green consultancy.
In 2009, it launched CBM Solutions, one of the few accredited Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in Singapore, to focus specifically on the latter.
CBM enjoyed considerable geographical expansion in the following years, entering into Qatar, Thailand, and Taiwan in 2009, 2013, and 2024, respectively.
The company simultaneously underwent substantial digital and technological transformations. For example, CBM has developed mobile apps for various services, including asset lifecycle tracking, and built smart in-house software solutions platforms using IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, and data analytics solutions.
Combined with 5G and robotics, this enables integrated, predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and more efficient FM operations.
“A focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric service continues to underpin both our growth and reputation in the market”
Roy Chiang, President and CEO, CBM Pte Ltd
SUSTAINABLY ORIENTATED, INNOVATIVELY MINDED
Upholding a customer-centric philosophy enables CBM to create tailored, cost-effective solutions based around sustainability and innovation.
“Our solutions help both clients and companies gain a competitive edge, enhancing brand value and enabling customers to fulfil their business objectives, which leads to improved relations and long-term success,” Mr Chiang highlights.
As such, the company’s belief in innovation and investing in the development of new and sustainable products also sets CBM apart from its competitors.
To meet the growing needs of its clients in an ever-evolving digital landscape and industry, the company has developed digiHUB, a smart property management system with a remote facility dashboard that leverages IoT, AI, machine learning (ML), analytics tools, and other technologies such as remote security surveillance systems.
Additionally, CBM has implemented various sustainable practices internally that have helped distinguish it in recent years.
“Energy-efficient technologies, like the upgrading of the Central Laundry Plant to use continuous batch washers, are one of many initiatives which not only result in a quantum leap in our productivity but also help save on resource use,” explains Mr Chiang.
CBM is also endeavouring to reduce carbon emissions by electrifying 100 percent of its internal combustion engine fleet by 2030.
This will help boost its reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who use its services.
The company’s dedication to delivering quality service and operational excellence has led to various international accreditations, including being the first company in Singapore to achieve ISO 41001 for establishing and maintaining effective FM management systems, ISO 9001 for quality management systems, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety management systems, ISO 14001 for environmental management systems, and many more.
Its industry-leading position is additionally emphasised by the fact CBM sits on one of the subcommittees of the Real Estate Industry Transformation Map – a government initiative launched in 2018.
“Our vision involves transforming various aspects of the integrated FM sector today for the future of FM. This includes shifting from a high reliance on manpower to reducing on-the-ground manpower and improving productivity, maximising the operational efficiency of buildings, and upskilling the workforce to bridge the gap between building tech and integrated FM skills,” Mr Chiang explains.
ENDURING, ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS
As Singapore’s integrated FM sector shifts its focus to sustainable living, prioritising the SGBMP and looking for ways to be less reliant on manpower, government bodies have begun to craft their contracts to be more comprehensive and have longer tenures.
“The latter allow us to invest in technological solutions and encourage more resilient relationships with our clients. The larger and higher value contracts also lead to a more rigorous screening of service providers with proven track records like us,” Mr Chiang adds.
The trend towards longer, more outcome-driven integrated FM contracts gives CBM a natural competitive advantage as extended contracts offer more predictable, recurrent income streams that keep the business afloat and allow it to invest in technology and skills development, improving overall efficiency.
Thanks to its sound fundamentals and proven history, CBM is able to more than meet the requirements detailed in government contracts and break ground in both technology and sustainability.
The company is equally able to perform to specified key performance indicators (KPIs) and retain relationships with government agencies and clients alike that have high expectations.
“Due to our strengths and wide competency range hitherto, CBM has been successful in establishing long-term relationships with many government agencies, some on total FM services and others in specific expertise,” Mr Chiang elaborates.
For example, CBM provides FM services for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), and operates car parks across the island for clients like Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) and the Housing and Development Board (HDB).
NEXT-GENERATION DEVELOPMENTS
Aside from MINDEF and MHA, CBM has also been involved in undertaking other iconic government projects, including being the first managing agent to provide engineering services for facilities in Gardens by the Bay, as well as providing 400 housekeepers to service 6,000 rooms daily for 5,000 athletes and team officials in the world’s first Summer Youth Olympics in 2010.
The company is also involved in multiple commercial contracts spanning the private sector, particularly under its parent company.
Naturally, CBM is proud to be the FM service provider for most of CDL’s investment properties, especially its flagship building – Republic Plaza, and Singapore’s first eco mall – City Square Mall (CSM).
For the former, CBM has been hard at work driving the smart transformation of integrated FM services, which are anchored by digiHUB to address manual routines, slow response times, and labour-intensive management.
More specifically, the digiHUB dashboard leverages cutting-edge technologies that harness the power of IoT and AI for predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring, advanced analytics for data-driven decision-making, and autonomous equipment such as ECOBOT Scrubber 50s, i-mops, and SpaceVac systems for efficient cleaning.
digiHUB also facilitates smart toilets through smart toilet monitoring systems. These systems ensure hygiene and operational uptime by enabling ground staff to monitor ammonia levels, toilet usage, and stocks of resources such as toilet paper, which further enable employees to anticipate maintenance needs for each loo.
On the security front, video analytics and security robots are utilised for enhanced surveillance, and FacilityOS solutions are adopted for seamless visitor management services.
“This ecosystem automates repetitive tasks, enables proactive issue resolution, and provides real-time insights into property operations.
“The state-of-the-art technology that we implemented in this venture increased the efficiency of integrated FM operations and improved the productivity of staff, allowing Republic Plaza to demonstrate its attractiveness as an iconic Grade A office building for tenants in the Central Business District,” Mr Chiang details.
digiHUB and its unparalleled ecosystem are also present at CSM, with an added focus on operating as an ecocentric mall.
Additionally, CBM’s project management team helped install the CDL MicroFarm – a vertical hydroponics farm – at the Singapore Sustainability Academy on Level 6 of CSM. This innovative urban farming concept not only maximises space but also supports local food production and lowers the carbon footprint associated with traditional farming and transportation.
“All these efforts help support CSM to be the place for families to shop, dine, play, and learn fun eco-facts.”
AT THE COMPANY’S CORE
With a workforce of over 2,000 people, CBM’s people are the driving force behind its success, bringing passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence every day, no matter the challenge.
Beyond their professional skills, employees also embody the company’s core values – customer- orientated, being the best, making a difference, and teamwork.
“We are proud of the diverse strengths and experiences our employees bring, which not only drive our success but also create a vibrant and supportive culture. It’s their dedication and collaborative spirit that allow us to consistently deliver quality service to our clients,” Mr Chiang smiles.
In order to ensure its staff become the best in what they do, CBM emphasises building a culture of lifelong learning in the workplace.
This is materialised by the company’s specialist training arm, which facilitates and provides continuous learning and upskilling for all age groups, alongside the annual CBM Learning Day, where skills, knowledge, and insights are shared across the business.
“This gives everyone an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the groundbreaking technologies and methodologies the company is adopting.”
On top of this, CBM is committed to supporting employee welfare through its well-being framework, which centres around five core ideas – positive health, cohesion, sense of security, workplace harmony, and personal growth.
In aid of these objectives, staff enjoy free annual health screenings, comprehensive health insurance plans, and wellness programmes tailored to support their physical and mental well-being.
Equally as important is the company’s dedication to a respectful and harassment-free workplace, which is reflected by its Anti-Harassment at Work policy.
“By fostering an environment of cohesion and teamwork, we ensure all employees thrive without fear of harassment.”
Together, these initiatives reflect CBM’s holistic approach to ensuring every employee can flourish in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.
Such efforts were recently recognised after the company was ranked as Singapore’s top 250 employers for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025) by The Straits Times and Statista, as well as receiving the Silver award at the SkillsFuture Employer Awards.
“In an ever-evolving industry, client demand continues to grow and change. Thus, there is a mandate to continuously expand our capabilities through training and staff development”
Roy Chiang, President and CEO, CBM Pte Ltd
LASTING POSITIVE CHANGE
CBM’s corporate purpose involves offering both sustainable FM services to clients whilst giving back to the community through FM expertise.
“We believe in involving our people to engage in the surrounding communities so we can create lasting, positive change in the industry, society, and the world,” Mr Chiang reflects.
To do so, the company has participated in various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, such as planting trees along Compassvale Road as part of the National Parks Board’s OneMillionTrees movement and celebrating Earth Day by cleaning up Singaporean beaches.
CBM is also involved in two major annual CSR initiatives, namely the Home Refresh Programme and Assisi Fun Day.
The former delivers pro bono, maintenance, and deep cleaning services to public housing estates for elderly and underprivileged individuals.
This collaborative effort involving the People’s Association (PA), St Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC), and local Residents’ Network (RN) fosters multi-generational and multi-stakeholder engagement in community care. With the help of the RN and PA, students from SAJC and staff from CBM can socially connect with the residents and are exposed to the challenges they face in their day-to-day living, whilst the company fulfils the home maintenance needs of these communities.
The Home Refresh Programme also gives staff at CBM the opportunity to empower residents in these communities by teaching them basic maintenance skills.
In 2026, CBM aims to expand the scale of this initiative and serve 1,000 units.
“Through the Home Refresh Programme, we foster camaraderie and an understanding of living across generations – from SAJC students and working executives to the silver generation,” Mr Chiang points out.
Elsewhere, organised annually by Assisi Hospice and CDL, the Assisi Fun Day is a charity carnival with over 100 stalls offering food, games, and entertainment.
Proceeds from coupon sales go towards funding compassionate care for terminally ill patients and supporting their families.
As the event’s facilities partner, CBM assists with booth set-up, goody bag preparation, car park marshalling, and ensuring the venue remains safe and clean throughout the day.
“CBM staff play an active role in enabling the smooth running of the event and contributing to its charitable mission,” Mr Chiang informs us.
A PREMIER PROVIDER
Going into next year, CBM strives to continue working towards its vision – to be a premier provider of total FM services, offering sustainable solutions to all its clients.
“In an ever-evolving industry, client demand continues to grow and change. Thus, there is a mandate to continuously expand our capabilities through training and staff development,” Mr Chiang insights.
As CBM empowers its staff with new skills, such as improving their literacy so they can leverage AI and solve problems, the company increases efficiency to meet the business demands of prospective clients.
Additionally, CBM will focus on developing and adopting technologies whilst exploring mergers and acquisitions to broaden its service delivery.
“This will further solidify our position as the leading total integrated FM service provider in Singapore, as well as other markets in Thailand, Qatar, and Taiwan,” he concludes.
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