Description
A Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore (Second Edition) is the all-encompassing solution to the problems faced by the strata community. It provides an up-to-date account of the significant amendments of the Building Maintenance & Strata Management Act (BMSMA) which came into effect on 1 February 2019. In this easy-to-follow guide, the author walks readers through the day-to-day operations of strata management, ranging from operations management, administrative management, financial management, to the recommendation of standard operating procedures (SOP) that could help practitioners prevent pitfalls. By focusing on the issues encountered by the strata community, this book provides a holistic approach with practical solutions that will make strata management an exciting and interesting profession that many will find passionate about.
Praise for the book
I would recommend A Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore (Second Edition) to developers, residents and council members of strata developments as a guide to refer to frequently. This book is a gem to strata managers as it contains many practical tips and insights from a guru in strata management who has walked the talk.”
Professor Joseph Ooi
President, International Real Estate Society
Vice-Dean (Academic), School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore
I first got to know Teo Poh Siang and his company in 1993 when he was the Managing Agent for Bukit Timah Shopping Centre. I was impressed by his capability to support the management corporation to claim a substantial sum from the developer. Subsequently, I got to know Poh Siang better when his company was the Managing Agent in the few management corporations in which I am a council member. Poh Siang is knowledgeable with the Building Maintenance & Strata Management Act (BMSMA) which he practises in his managing agent role, as well as a trainer at some academic institutions. It is no small feat for him to write the first edition of this book, keep abreast of the revised BMSMA and then update the book with a second edition. There is a lack of written knowledge on this field in the market. I admire his generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience through this book, which will be useful for council members, to guide them in the discharge of their fiduciary duties, as well as for subsidiary proprietors, strata managers and other relevant stakeholders. Keep up the good work, Poh Siang.
Helen Ong Boot Lian
Chairman (2013 to 2020), Regency Suites (MCST Plan No. 3380)
Chairman (2015 to 2020), Midpoint Orchard (MCST Plan No. 728)
Secretary (2003 to 2020), Ming Arcade (MCST Plan No. 835)
It was eight years ago that the author, Teo Poh Siang, first approached me to pen a personal note for his book, A Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore, which he wrote and was about to be published. I felt immensely honoured to be asked to be a part of his glory and achievement in publishing his first book where he unselfishly shared his experience so painstakingly gained in his last 28 years as a practitioner in the world of strata management. It was a book filled with comprehensive insights detailing statutory requirements of the Building Maintenance & Strata Management Act (BMSMA), plus actual practical knowledge sharing. I found the book extremely beneficial for students and practitioners alike, so much so that I purchased some copies to be placed in my office for my co-workers to benefit from. With this newly updated second edition, amendments to the BMSMA in 2019 are thoroughly covered and explained here. Again, it is a must-read for those involved in strata management. They will find that this book contains a wealth of knowledge and information.
Tang Chee Charn
Former Executive Director and Head, Real Estate Management Services, Colliers
International Consultancy & Valuation (Singapore) Pte Ltd
In land scarce Singapore, the number of management corporations (MCSTs) has been increasing. In 1987, there were about 1,200 MCSTs and 54,000 strata units. These numbers increased to 2,700 MCSTs and 170,000 strata units in 2004 and about 3,400 MCSTs and 354,200 strata units in 2017. Since the end of 2019, new MCSTs that are constituted have been allotted 4700 series numbers. There is a need for capable Managing Agents. Poh Siang has been in the business of managing strata title properties since the 1980s when I was still in law school. I first got to know him about 20 years ago when he was managing the condominium next to our row of townhouses. I recall that he was approachable and it was easy for us to settle things, such as pruning trees along our common boundary. Over the years, Poh Siang has contributed much to this industry. He made representations to the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Building Maintenance and Management Bill. Some of his suggestions were accepted and can be found in the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act. Managing Agents do not just help the council in the day-to-day running of the estate. They play a pivotal role in managing the often competing expectations of different groups of owners. They are expected to know the law yet exercise discretion and practical common sense on the ground. Poh Siang is one of those experienced professionals in this field that is capable of doing all these.
Toh Kok Seng
Senior Partner, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Lee & Lee
Homeownership in Singapore has peaked at 90 per cent and policymakers are pushing for 100 per cent. It is no wonder that many Singaporeans are keenly aware of the laws of the management and maintenance of strata-titled private properties. Teo Poh Siang’s book, A Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore, first published in 2012, has been a useful and practical guide. With the substantial revisions in the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act on 1 February 2019, this revised edition will be a good reference book for every strata manager and property owner.
Chan Kok Hong
President, Association of Strata Managers
Wisely 98 Pte Ltd has been the Managing Agent for Grandeur 8 for the last six years. Mr Teo Poh Siang adopts a proactive supervision over his team. I have found A Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore a very pragmatic book. This second edition, with updated legislations and case studies, is timely and useful for the strata community. The chapter on Operations Management details the statutory compliance for strata buildings and the application of the Personal Data Protection Act, which will provide a good guide for managing agents, strata managers and council members.
Justin Seah Mui Huat
Chairman (2018 to 2020), Grandeur 8 (MCST Plan No. 3108)
We have known Poh Siang for several years and his company was managing a project developed by our company. During the approximate two years which his company managed the estate on behalf of the developer, we witnessed first-hand Poh Siang’s dedication to his profession. Poh Siang continues to share his property management experience and thoughts in the second edition of his book. In it, he covers the significant changes to the amended Building Maintenance & Strata Management Act which had come into effect on 1 Feb 2019. Some of the changes have proven to be challenging to some Managing Agents, council members and subsidiary proprietors who do not have a solid grasp on the amendments yet. Coupled with illustrations and recent cases from the Strata Titles Board and judicial courts, Poh Siang’s book is extremely helpful and timely for practitioners and other stakeholders.
Clarence Hwee
Assistant General Manager, Property Management, For and on behalf of Keppel Land Realty Pte Ltd
A book with updated and useful information on strata management written by an experienced strata management professional. A must-read for those seeking knowledge on managing stakeholders and the myriad issues in this demanding industry.
Dr Quah Lee Kiang
Director, Real Estate and Construction Centre/Real Estate & Construction Academy
I came to know Mr Teo Poh Siang when his company, Wisely 98 Pte Ltd, started managing The Spire and Enterprise Centre in 2012. His company is still our Managing Agent today. I congratulate Mr Teo on his success in writing A Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore (Second Edition). This book is very useful for me to understand the changes of the Building Maintenance & Strata Management Amendment Act. In addition, Mr Teo also shares his view on various recent cases from the Strata Titles Boards. The chapter on Stakeholders in a Strata Community is particularly helpful for me to understand the role of the Strata Titles Board better. I would like to recommend this book for all the practitioners and layman.
Winston Wang Swee Kit PBM
Chairman (2016 to 2020), The Spire/Enterprise Centre (MCST Plan No. 2736)
Congratulations to Poh Siang on the publishing of the second edition of A Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore. This is a timely update as the Building Maintenance & Strata Management Act in Singapore has just been revised from 1 Feb 2019. It is a comprehensive, well-written and must-read book for those who want to know the ins and outs, and the dos and don’ts of the Singapore strata market. As a professional himself, Poh Siang is able to bring out the essence of the Act and articulate the key principles clearly. Well done, Poh Siang!
Tony Khoo
President, Singapore International Facility Management Association (SIFMA)
I have known Mr Teo Poh Siang for over four years and in 2018, we appointed his firm to manage our executive condominium of 628 units. That was our first time working together. No doubt he is a seasoned practitioner in strata management, he attended all our trainings and meetings. A tough character, Mr Teo is always willing to share and pass on his knowledge and expertise to his staff. His dedication to improve the professionalism of Managing Agents and his continuous strive to learn and gain experience in all stages of estate development and management is commendable. From the working journey with him to reading the first edition of this book, I am sure Mr Teo is able to offer more valuable advice and practical insights in this second edition. This is a book that all those involved in strata estate management should read.
Annie Ooi
Senior Manager, Property Services, Developments & Projects, Frasers Property Singapore
Poh Siang adopts a pragmatic approach to resolving matters to advise the management council with the optimal outcome. He has an in-depth knowledge and practical understanding of the Building Maintenance & Strata Management Act. He has also developed a robust framework and processes for high performing teams to drive the Managing Agent operations. The sections on Private Enclosed Space (PES), Personal Data Protection Act and the definition of common property are insightful and helpful to both the management councils and practitioners.
Alan Ang Chin Heng
Chairman (2018 to 2020), The Luxurie (MCST Plan No. 4283)
I wish to congratulate Poh Siang on his second edition of A Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore. His first book has benefited many in the strata management industry including other stakeholders. This edition updates the previous one with the latest changes, including the practical applications, and reference cases from the STB and the courts so that professionals can understand that the BMSMA can be looked upon from different perspectives with multiple interpretations. I am grateful to Poh Siang for his passion in uplifting the standards of strata management in Singapore and urge follow professionals to support him in his endeavour.
Andrew Lioe
Executive Director, A4 International Ptd Ltd
I have read A Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore when the author, Teo Poh Siang, presented me with a copy when we first met in 2014. I found the book practical and telling of what a real strata management practitioner needs to possess and know in order to execute a professional role. I am glad that Teo Poh Siang has now published an updated version of his book. This second edition contains updates of the amendments to the Building Maintenance & Strata Management Act, their applications, including the application of the Personal Data Protection Act in the context of the management corporation and its exceptions. I encourage managing agents, strata managers, council members, strata property owners and anyone who wish to know more about strata management to read this book.
Henry Mok
Chairman (2014 to 2020), Bugis Cube (MCST Plan No. 791)
When Poh Siang published the first edition of this book in 2012, I was privileged to be given a front row seat to his work and to provide a testimonial of the dedication and commitment that he brings to his profession. For this second edition, I received the equivalent of a backstage pass to his work, and consider myself privileged to be involved in exchanging views with Poh Siang on a select list of issues presented in this book. Poh Siang writes in an engaging and reader-friendly format, which I am certain would appeal to both the seasoned strata management practitioner, as well as owners and stakeholders of strata lots and buildings. The practice of strata management is in a state of continuing development in Singapore: Amendments to the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act have recently come into force and voluntary accreditation of Managing Agents will soon form part of the landscape. In this dynamic environment, Poh Siang’s book is a timely contribution by a strata management professional to his profession. I commend this publication to practitioners, owners and stakeholders.
Lim Tat
Managing Partner, Aequitas Law LLP
I found the first edition of A Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore a very useful book for strata practitioners and council members like me. Most people found strata management too widespread in topics. The first book provided an overview and the essentials about strata management, and the relevant statutory requirements, in particular the Building Maintenance & Strata Management Act (BMSMA). I am privileged to know that the second edition tells about statutory compliance in the amended BMSMA, like convening a general meeting or a council meeting. There are also discussions on legal cases which will provide insight into how the common law operates in addition to the statutory legislation. This second edition will be as helpful as the first edition, if not better, for anyone who wish to learn more about strata management in Singapore.
Thomas Lai
Chairman (2017 to 2020), La Fiesta (MCST Plan No. 4463)
This book is written by a dedicated and competent person in his field. Poh Siang is one of the veterans in this industry. He is always committed to shaping a better strata management and profession in Singapore. He shares many useful information through his valuable experience in this industry. This book will definitely benefit many new professionals, as well as new council members of the MCST by giving them a quick orientation of the ins and outs of strata management, the procedures involved and the legal regulations. The recent changes to the legislation and updates of the Building Maintenance & Strata Management Act are also captured in this book to give readers a better understanding of the changes. I personally gained many valuable information from the first publication of The Practical Guide to Strata Management in Singapore and I am certain that this second edition will add value to many stakeholders reading it.
Kelvin Yoon
Project Manager, EL Development Pte Ltd
Teo Poh Siang brings his depth of industry knowledge to this updated book. Giving an overview of all aspects of strata management in Singapore, including the recent Personal Data Protection Act requirements, the book provides a comprehensive list of commitments essential to strata managers and how they interact with the current legislation. Useful not only for strata managers, this handy desk reference enables council members and owners alike to better understand the work that is required to effectively manage an estate. This helps them to better engage with their property managers and appreciate the trade-offs in balancing the efficient delivery of estate services required by residents and the law with their cost. I found the first edition an invaluable resource and believe this second edition adds additional value.
James Whittred
Chairman (2008-2020), Emerald East (MCST Plan No. 2578)
