The Cleaning Sector in Singapore has witnessed a surge in demand, particularly for disinfection services, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has prompted the need for increased manpower in the sector while exploring technological advancements to enhance efficiency, improve productivity and achieve a Zero Waste vision. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has proposed legislation to raise hygiene standards and promote technology adoption, fostering cultural changes within the sector.

Local companies will need to transform as the industry is faced with a poor perception from the public and jobseekers are not keen to join the sector, which is an issue that will continue to prevail. As we look ahead, we can expect emerging roles to be introduced and existing job roles to be redesigned, which will drive significant shift in job roles and requirements. Job roles such as Operations, Supervisors, and Technicians will undergo redesign or augmentation to incorporate Robotics and Automation, RFID/Sensors, SMART, and IoT into daily operations.

The increasing development of autonomous robots and the integration of communication technologies into cleaning operations are transforming the way cleaning companies operate.

In the coming years, the adoption of sensors and robots will become more prevalent. Changi Airport, along with other partners and Institutes of Higher Learning, has implemented a centralised facility that provides end-to-end hassle-free cleaning services for all its outlets. For example, Chye Thiam has implemented cleaning robots to reduce interior cleaning time, freeing up cleaners to focus on disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as elevator buttons and escalator handles. Lionsbot, the world's first company to offer cleaning robots on a subscription basis is making it possible for cleaning companies to utilise robots without having to invest in or maintain them, which could help encourage companies to adopt the use of robots.

The adoption of autonomous robots and communication technologies in the cleaning sector is changing the nature of cleaning work and the skills required to perform it, particularly for general cleaners. While these technologies are reducing the need for manual labour, they are also presenting opportunities for growth and innovation within the sector. Cleaners are shifting towards more specialised tasks, such as troubleshooting operational issues and improving communication and service to customers. It is important for cleaning companies to provide training and support for their workers to adapt to these changes and take advantage of these opportunities.

Impacted Job Role:

• General Cleaner

The evolving landscape of the Cleaning Sector, propelled by technology trends, is generating new job opportunities. As the sector grows and responds to customer needs, traditional boundaries of the cleaning industry are being reshaped, leading to the emergence of new roles:

1. Disinfection Specialist: The rising demand for disinfection services, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, will make this role more prevalent in the next 2-5 years. Disinfection services are becoming a fundamental aspect of the cleaning sector.

2. AI Hygiene Controller: With increased usage of AI machines and robots, proficiency in operating these smart technologies becomes essential. This role increases productivity levels and allows operators to perform their duties without being exposed to unsanitary environments. Potentially, this can solve one of the challenges in the cleaning industry of attracting more locals to pursue jobs as cleaning professionals.

3. RFID/Sensor Controller: This role involves managing sensor-based technologies. For instance, sensor-based smart washroom systems can alert cleaners when toilet paper or hand wash liquid needs replenishing, freeing them up to focus on other cleaning tasks. This enhances productivity, facilitates effective deployment, and optimises resource utilisation.

4. Quality Assurance Specialist: As the sector transitions into outcome-based contracting, reinforcing the implementation of quality assurance guidelines becomes crucial. These specialists will assist in developing and implementing quality assurance frameworks for stakeholders within the cleaning sector, ensuring compliance with hygiene, waste management, and other green or sustainability components.

5. Long-term roles such as Data Analyst, Process Improvement Specialist, and Integrated Environmental Services Facilities Manager: While these roles may not be immediately required, once the transformation efforts have stabilised, they will be in demand. For example, the Integrated Environmental Services Facilities Manager will need comprehensive knowledge not only in cleaning services but also in Waste Management and Pest Management, enabling them to strategise and plan for the entire location while ensuring compliance with specific environmental regulations.

Staying relevant in Singapore's dynamic Cleaning Sector requires technology adoption where workers have to embrace new innovation, technologies and incorporate them into daily operations. Mindset shifts towards adopting a proactive attitude towards upskilling and reskilling are also essential, especially in relation to technology adoption. Skills upgrading is further necessary where workers enhance their capabilities to take on more complex tasks for job redesign or career progression and staying abreast of industry developments.

The Skills Framework

The Skills Framework (SFw) is a SkillsFuture initiative, designed to promote skills mastery and lifelong learning for the Singapore workforce.

For more information on each job role (complete list of skills, critical work functions and key tasks), please refer to Skills Framework for Environmental Sector