A Balanced Sustainable World

The Facilities Management (FM) industry is at a critical inflection point, where traditional practices are being tested by complex challenges, while new opportunities for growth and innovation are emerging. Rising operational costs, shifting workplace dynamics, and evolving client expectations have created both turmoil and the potential for transformation. As FM companies grapple with identity crises, labor shortages, and market fragmentation, those who adopt forward-thinking strategies are turning these challenges into avenues for long-term success. Navigating the Core Challenges of Facilities Management Redefining the Role of FM One of the industry's long-standing challenges is the lack of clarity in defining FM’s scope. Often pigeonholed as a cost-center handling only janitorial or maintenance services, FM’s broader impact on workplace experience, sustainability, and strategic planning remains underappreciated. This misperception hinders its value proposition and limits its infl...

  Understanding Emotional Ignorance by Dr. Dean Burnett Dr. Dean Burnett’s book Emotional Ignorance: Lost and Found in the Science of Emotion provides a deep dive into the science of human emotions. Drawing from personal experiences, including the loss of his father to COVID-19, Burnett examines the neurological and psychological underpinnings of emotions, their functions, and their impact on everyday life. The book explores fascinating questions such as: Why does hunger impair rational thinking? What is the purpose of nightmares? Why do embarrassing memories persist so vividly? Are gut feelings actually reliable? Why do we find comfort in nostalgia and even enjoy sad music? Through a blend of scientific research, humor, and personal anecdotes, Burnett emphasizes that emotions are not merely irrational impulses but essential components of human cognition and identity. Rather than being obstacles to rational thought, emotions shape our behaviors, relationships, and decision-making...

Integrated Facility Management (IFM) has evolved from traditional operational oversight to a multidimensional framework that unites the supply chain and value chain . This synthesis drives efficiency, aligns operational goals with strategic objectives such as sustainability, and enhances stakeholder satisfaction. This article explores the interplay between these critical constructs in Facility Management (FM) and strategies for effective integration. Conceptual Foundations: The Supply Chain and Value Chain in FM In FM, the supply chain functions as the operational backbone, ensuring seamless delivery of resources, materials, and services. Activities such as sourcing, procurement, logistics, and inventory management focus on cost optimization and resource availability. Its primary objective is operational readiness and efficiency. Conversely, the value chain emphasizes the creation and delivery of value through activities that enhance user experience, sustainability, and long-t...

Bridging the Gap: How Leaders Can Succeed in Roles Outside Their Expertise In today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving workplace, leaders are often placed in positions where they lack technical expertise. Whether it's due to organizational restructuring, promotions, or the broadening of leadership responsibilities, many leaders find themselves managing teams or projects that fall outside their area of specialization. This presents a unique set of challenges that, if not addressed, can lead to feelings of isolation both for the leader and their team members. The question is: how do leaders navigate this gap between their leadership role and the technical expertise they lack? More importantly, how can they do so without alienating their team or losing ground support? The Challenges of Leading Outside Your Expertise Leaders in unfamiliar territory often face multiple hurdles. Here are some of the most common problems they encounter: Lack of Confidence : Leaders may feel uncertain about...

  Sustainable living, production, and enjoyment are not only concepts of modern environmentalism but also deeply rooted in religious and spiritual frameworks. Across various traditions and belief systems, the core principles of sustainability resonate with long-held religious and spiritual teachings on care, balance, and interconnectedness with the Earth. Religious Perspectives on Sustainability: Many world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, emphasize humanity's role as stewards of the Earth. This stewardship extends to a moral responsibility to care for and preserve natural resources. For example: Christianity calls on believers to protect creation as part of their divine duty, promoting the idea that the Earth is entrusted to humankind by God. Islam upholds the principle of Khilafah (stewardship), urging balance and conservation in the use of resources. Eastern traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism emphasize the interconnectedness of all li...

  As climate change intensifies, the Facility Management (FM) sector in Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore, faces increasing challenges that threaten the health, safety, and productivity of its workforce. With rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and a surge in vector-borne diseases, the region’s FM workforce—responsible for maintaining buildings and facilities—must become more resilient to ensure business continuity and worker well-being. This article explores key climate-related risks and introduces innovative trends that can help strengthen the FM sector’s ability to cope with emerging challenges. Heat-Related Hazards and Solutions Climate change is driving a rise in temperatures across Southeast Asia, with average temperatures in Singapore projected to increase by 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius by 2050 (SkillsFuture SG, 2020). FM workers, particularly those involved in outdoor maintenance and repair activities, are at heightened risk of heat-related illnesses and accidents....