Overview
Government initiatives and regulations drive Cleaning Sector
Singapore, the country that aspires to be litter free, is known for its strict enforcement of public cleanliness regulations. The island’s National Environment Agency (NEA) is entrusted with the task of keeping public spaces clean. To achieve this, the NEA works closely with its 3P partners: the people, public and the private sector. Singapore enforces high public health standards and educates the public of the importance of maintaining cleanliness. The country’s popular hawker centres are overseen by the NEA’s Hawker Centres Group (HCG), which implements policies to ensure a hygienic environment that benefits the hawkers and the general public.
The Cleaning Sector played a crucial role in keeping Singapore’s public spaces sanitized during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s waste management system embodies the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle – thereby reducing the work carried out by a dwindling workforce. The Cleaning Sector has countered this decrease in manpower by introducing robotic equipment to its public cleanliness operations. Nevertheless, the Government of Singapore hopes to attract more citizens to what is known as the ‘sunrise industry’, by significantly increasing wages on an annual basis, commencing 2023.
Key Trends
Dwindling manpower sparks robotic cleaning innovations
The evolution of Singapore’s Cleaning Sector is visibly apparent, especially in the maintenance of its public spaces. In 2017 alone, the country counted 1,200 cleaning companies and employed more than 58,000 professional cleaners.
Singapore introduced robotic equipment to the Cleaning Sector, which helped to ease the manpower shortage and promote a more eco-friendly maintenance structure. The robotic equipment, which was designed to function with an autonomous controller, can be fitted with scrubbing machines and other cleaning tech. In addition, it is equipped with cameras that could be controlled to maintain precision and consistency during usage. Further, this technology helps prevent water wastage and reduce the use of chemical cleaning agents.One of the main reasons for the growth of the industry, since 2015, is the efficiency achieved by automated cleaners, which reduced the cleaning time from eight hours for 30,000 square feet, to five hours for an area of similar size. The numbers stayed the same even if the automated cleaners had to repeatedly clean in traffic congested areas.
Clients in need of cleaning services could choose between general and specialized services. Most of Singapore’s Cleaning Sector offer general cleaning services, but clients do also have the choice of specialized cleaning services, which include one-time services for events, when renting or selling homes, after vacations, etc.
Since the industry also offers monthly and yearly cleaning sessions, Singapore has developed its carpet cleaning methods to reflect a more green cleaning stance – for example, the dry steaming method, which utilizes only steam. This method does not require any chemicals, making it more healthier for the environment and safer for the product being cleaned. Another method used for cleaning is the Electro Chemical Activation (ECA) method, which uses electrically charged salt water that acts as a strong sanitizing and cleaning agent.
Mandatory Progressive Wage Model and countering COVID-19 re-emergence
Singapore requires its workforce in the Cleaning Sector to possess a qualification in at least one training module of the Workforce Skills Qualifications course that is offered by specific institutions, or in any one of Singapore’s in-house Progressive Wage Model (PWM) training programmes. Such qualifications ensure a maximum level of sanitation in the country. All businesses that offer cleaning services must possess an up-to-date licence, which is provided by the Cleaning Business Licence scheme. This requirement applies to foreign and local cleaners, cleaning companies and employers of in-house cleaners.
Singapore’s cleaning companies are required to meet the proper wage requirements for their employees, according to the Progressive Wage Model. Additionally, it was made mandatory on the 1st of September 2022, for employers of foreign workers to meet the respective Progressive Wage Model requirements.
Aware of the possibility that COVID-19 may not be eradicated in the near future, Singapore works on the premise that a new level of public hygiene will be required to counter any re-emergence of the virus. With the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stating that COVID may become ‘endemic’ to Earth, the country is preparing itself to embrace the new normal. As the NEA gears up for any other potential public health hazard, it is also using robots to carry out cleaning operations, due to the high demand for sanitation and the need to maintain a virus- and germ-free environment. Singapore has also enacted laws that require the Cleaning Sector to upskill its workers, so that they are able to operate the automated cleaning machines.
Due to the effects of COVID-19 and the need to avoid human contact as much as possible, the country has been experimenting with driverless road-sweeping vehicles, which would invariably reduce the manpower requirement, ease the daily workload and increase the desirability of the job role. These driverless vehicles are environment friendly, produce zero carbon emissions and save 60% more water than usual road sweepers.
Government increases pay to encourage local youth amidst job stigma
The Singapore government aims to educate the public and youth about appreciating and valuing the cleaning workforce, more especially because of its essential role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Border restrictions on foreign workers have also spurred the government to pass laws that increase the wages of the domestic cleaning workforce. This is partly to attract the local workforce and partly to remove the stigma associated with obtaining jobs within the Cleaning Sector. With most young individuals favouring jobs such as part-time delivery drivers or salespeople, the government will be offering an increase in monthly salaries of up to SGD 1,570 per month, which will rise to more than SGD 2,210 in 2023, with the rate set to increase every year thereafter.
Key Statistics
- The revenue generated from the Cleaning Sector is USD 83.22 million, as at 2022.
- Revenue is expected to increase annually by just over 4% between 2022 and 2026.
Top Singapore MNCs in Cleaning
ISS FACILITY SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED
ISS is a facility management company which is headquartered in Denmark. The firm provides various solutions and services in over 30 countries. ISS Facility Services in Singapore has been a cleaning specialist since 1972. The company’s work ensures that the places people visit and work in are clean, hygienic and safe. Visitors are kept at ease by maintaining spotless spaces, whether a bank branch or office reception. The firm's skilled staff also commits to assisting patients on their recovery journey through healthcare housekeeping and medical equipment cleaning. Every day, cleaning services performed by ISS keep people healthy and safe while nurturing their well-being.
RENTOKIL INITIAL SINGAPORE PRIVATE LIMITED
Repeated as per client
ANTICIMEX PEST MANAGEMENT PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
ALSCO PTE. LTD.
Alsco is an American firm that distributes cleaning products globally, including microfibre mops, soaps, sanitizers, floor mats and more. The firm provides its services to healthcare organizations, the automotive industry, restaurants and industrial facilities. The company serves clients from more than 150 locations across the world. With a presence in Singapore since 2000, Alsco focuses on providing its washroom hygiene and textile rental facilities island-wide. The firm has been delivering products such as washroom essentials including soap and paper dispensers, automatic toilet and urinal cleaners, and automatic air fresheners, as well as facilities such as laundry and rental services for uniforms and linen.
ATALIAN SERVICES PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
IKARI SERVICES PTE LTD
Repeated as per client
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Cleaning
ANERGY BUILDING SERVICES PTE LTD
Founded in 1998, Anergy Building Services provides cleaning and building services for condominiums, industrial sector, and commercial complexes and offices in Singapore. Anergy offers customized solutions for every venue, such as the firm’s condo cleaning services, which are highly focused on maintaining dust-free areas such as window sills, baseboards and walls. Additionally, the company provides a variety of access techniques for cleaning external facades and high-rise buildings. It is bizSAFE STAR, IRATA, ISO 45001, ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 certified. In 2015, Anergy Building Services received the SME of the Year Award in Singapore for its cleaning and conservatory services.
SQ 1 DEVELOPMENT PTE LTD
Established in 1996, SQ 1 Development is a Singapore-based facility services company. The firm offers an array of services for commercial, corporate and residential clients, including cleaning solutions from the interior to the exterior of buildings, sanitizing and disinfection services and waste management, among others. SQ 1 Development crafts customized solutions that meet the cleaning and maintenance requirements of any business or property. Through the cleaning procedures – including glass panel cleaning, floor and carpet maintenance, and periodic cleaning – and eco-friendly tools and supplies employed by the firm, clients are assured of a dust-free and hygienic environment.
UEMS SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD.
UEMS Solutions is an Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) provider in Singapore. Incorporated in 1988, UEMS began as a business that concentrated on housekeeping services for the healthcare and hospitality sectors. The firm offers services for commercial, public, industrial, educational and religious institutions in Singapore today. UEMS provides customized services to its clients, which mainly include general cleaning such as floor, window, toilet and pantry cleaning; carpet vacuuming; periodic cleanings such as carpet shampooing, high dusting, floor scrubbing, stone care, toilet descaling, and more. UEMS Solutions also offers ad-hoc cleaning that includes cleaning of spillage, cleaning after a pipe burst, and event support cleaning.
CLEAN SOLUTIONS PTE LTD
Clean Solutions, which was founded in 1988, offers general cleaning and specialized cleaning services to its clients across Singapore. The company’s general cleaning and housekeeping solutions are customizable based on clients' schedules and sites. Clean Solutions provides facilities for events and exhibitions, and commercial kitchens. Its specialized cleaning includes restoration and maintenance of surfaces such as floors and building exteriors; removal of bacteria, mould, dirt, dust mites and allergens by carpet shampooing and upholstery cleaning. The firm is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and bizSAFE STAR certified. Additionally, Clean Solutions has been awarded the Clean Mark Gold Accreditation by NEA.
CHYE THIAM MAINTENANCE PTE LTD
Incorporated in 1979, Singapore-based Chye Thiam Maintenance is an environmental and cleaning service provider. The firm works in collaboration with many private and governmental organizations to provide periodic cleaning and maintenance services across various sectors. These services include facilities such as carpet, upholstery and staircase cleaning; polishing; high dusting; janitorial services; and internal and external facade cleaning. Chye Thiam ensures clean and well-organized venues for events such as concerts, countdown parties, marathons, and trade consumer exhibitions held by private and commercial organizations. In 2019, the firm participated in the Enterprise 50 Awards and was ranked in sixth position out of fifty companies.
HOCK SERVICES (PTE) LTD
Hock Services was established in Singapore in 1982. The company provides professional commercial and industrial cleaning services across the island. Hock Services specializes in housekeeping, cleansing, desilting and conservancy services. The company’s qualified and skilled cleaning staff handles cleaning tasks such as carpet cleaning, floor polishing, high dusting, upholstery maintenance and toilet cleaning with expertise. The firm provides its services to private residents, condominiums, commercial offices, clubhouses, food courts and industrial buildings, among others. Hock Services gained the ISO 9001 certification in 2003.
FRISCO TECHNOLOGY -u0026 SERVICES PTE LTD
Incorporated in 1982, Frisco Technology -u0026 Services is a Singapore-based company that delivers integrated facilities management, post-construction cleaning, cleanroom cleaning, janitorial cleaning, and polymer flooring services for building management. Frisco’s clients span a variety of industries. The firm has ventured into the fitness industry and has janitorial cleaning contracts with several gyms across Singapore. Frisco also carried out a post-construction cleaning project for Jem, Singapore’s third-largest suburban mall. The firm was tasked with a thorough clean-up of the area before its Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) inspection. Additionally, Frisco undertook post-construction cleanroom cleaning for the multinational semiconductor corporation, Micron.
SUN CITY MAINTENANCE PTE. LTD.
Sun City Maintenance is a cleaning and disinfection service provider in Singapore. Founded in 1995, the company has expertise in building exterior cleaning; commercial, office and residential cleaning; disinfection services; and industrial and conservancy cleaning. Sun City has achieved the NEA Clean Mark Silver Award, and certifications including bizSAFE STAR, ISO 22301, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. The firm is focused on maintaining the workplace hygiene of its clients, and also covers cleaning services that are important for their well-being at home. Regardless of the size of venues, Sun City has the expertise to maintain the immaculate condition of any environment at all times.
ENG LENG CONTRACTORS PTE LTD
Eng Leng Contractors was incorporated in Singapore in 1991. The firm’s general cleaning and janitorial services are offered to public and private venues including shopping malls, financial institutions, medical centres, sports stadiums, hotel chains, schools, private condominiums, and public access areas in town councils in Singapore. Eng Leng has been accredited with ISO 9001 certification for the provision of cleaning and housekeeping services. Additionally, the firm has been awarded a Clean Mark Silver Award from the NEA, in recognition of Eng Leng as a cleaning business that delivers high standards. The firm has expanded its operations to Thailand.
INTEGRATED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PTE LTD
Integrated Property Management (IPM) was founded in 1987. The company provides professional cleaning services to ensure a clean and healthy work environment across Singapore. IPM’s residential cleaning services also safeguard the shared spaces in condominiums including corridors, lifts and staircases, leaving them neat and allergen-free. The firm offers specialized cleaning services such as facade cleaning, carpet cleaning, and polishing of hard surfaces including granite and marble. IPM employs highly-efficient disinfection techniques that are effective even in confined spaces to protect their clients' properties from the risks of bacteria and viruses. IPM has received the Clean Mark Silver Award from NEA.
Top Singapore SMEs in Cleaning
FOURWAYS PTE. LTD.
Fourways is a licensed cleaning service provider in Singapore. Established in 1974, it has received several accolades including the SME 500, Clean Mark Silver, and SME 1000 Awards. Fourways is bizSAFE Level 3 and ISO 9001 certified. Numerous established commercial, industrial and residential buildings in Singapore are among the firm’s clients including Changi Beach Club, Singapore Sports Council, Singapore Tourism Board, Baxter Healthcare, and The Plaza. The cleaning services are contract based and can be customized according to the client’s requirements. These facilities include general cleaning, or specialist services such as carpet shampooing, marble polishing, external facade cleaning and upholstery cleaning.
BESTWAY CLEANING SERVICES PTE LTD
Bestway Cleaning Services was founded in 1995 in Singapore. The company has expertise in the provision of cleaning services to the private sector on industrial, residential and commercial projects. Bestway’s range of services includes carpet vacuuming and shampooing; hard floor maintenance using various scrubbing, polishing and waxing techniques; disinfecting and sanitizing schools and child care centres; and cleaning of external facades, glass, condos, churches, etc. The firm’s list of clientele includes names such as the National University of Singapore, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and Singapore Food Industries. In 2013, Bestway attained the ISO 9001, ISO 14001, bizSAFE STAR and OHSAS 18001 certifications.
VAC-TECH ENGINEERING PTE LTD
Incorporated in 1995, Vac-Tech Engineering is a Singapore-headquartered company with expertise in a variety of industrial services that are delivered both locally and regionally, including hazardous waste treatment services and hazardous waste transportation services. The firm has a presence in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia. Vac-Tech uses environmentally friendly methods such as hydro jet cleaning for external and internal heat exchangers and air fin coolers. The company is a recipient of the 2021 Enterprise 50 Awards certificate. In 2018, Vac-Tech’s tank cleaning team was presented with a Bronze Award by ASPRI and WSH Council. The company is bizSAFE STAR, ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certified.
WEISHEN INDUSTRIAL SERVICES PTE LTD
Founded in 1993, Weishen Industrial Services is a local facilities service provider in Singapore. Weishen has now expanded its business beyond the local market to serve countries such as China and Malaysia. Industrial and facilities cleaning are among the services provided by the firm. Weishen caters to different sectors with its general cleaning and sanitation, external cleaning, common area cleaning, road sweeping, and other facilities. The company offers disinfection services for various sites using different methods including steaming, spraying with fogging machines or electrostatic machines. These methods are used based on the customer’s needs and the space that requires disinfection.
CLEANBIO HYGIENE PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in Singapore in 2007, Cleanbio Hygiene is a firm that provides products and services for maintaining washroom cleanliness and hygiene across the island. The company offers sanitization of premises and facilities, and supplies, installs and maintains necessary washroom systems, including air freshener dispensers, urinal sanitizers, sanitary bins, toilet roll dispensers, hand soap dispensers, dust mats, etc. Owners of major buildings, businesses, and well-known MNCs are among Cleanbio's clients. The company is PSB accredited, and it manufactures and produces its own line of green products using NEA-approved active substances.
SURECLEAN PTE. LTD.
Sureclean, a professional cleaning service provider, was established in Singapore in 2013. The firm supports various industries – such as medical, childcare, education, hospitality and F-u0026B – as well as the corporate and residential sectors with hygiene and disinfection products and services. Channel News Asia and Channel 8 both featured Sureclean as a leading and reliable option for protecting childcare facilities from germs and viruses. Sureclean's range of facilities includes weekly general cleaning, post-renovation cleaning, and upholstery cleaning including mattresses, sofas and curtains. The firm has won the Promising SME 500 Top Business Luminary and the Spirit of Enterprise Awards.
LIFELINE CLEANING PTE. LTD.
Founded in 2009, Lifeline Cleaning is a professional cleaning service provider in Singapore. The company offers a range of services to various sectors including childcare centres, warehouses, retail shops, tuition centres, F-u0026B settings, hotels, medical facilities, offices and research establishments, among others. Lifeline Cleaning has expertise in services such as carpet shampooing, marble polishing, high dusting, floor scrubbing, air purification, furniture cleaning, upholstery cleaning and high glass cleaning. The cleaning company has won recognition for its work over the years, including Promising SME 500 for 2012, Singapore Brands 2011, and the NEA Clean Mark Silver Award.
1 PLUS PRIVATE LIMITED
Whissh (1 Plus Private Limited) was incorporated in 2016. The Singapore-based facility management company provides a comprehensive suite of services to homes and offices that includes cleaning and laundry. For offices, Whissh offers general cleaning services such as dusting all accessible surfaces; wiping workstations, telephones, cabinets (exterior), windows and glass partitions; cleaning the office pantry; emptying trash bins; cleaning toilets; vacuuming carpets; and sweeping and mopping floors. The firm’s deep cleaning services are customized for clients who require a thorough cleaning for their apartments or workplaces, such as move-in and move-out cleanings, post-renovation cleanings, or specialized cleaning for any festive season.
SERGENT SERVICES PTE LTD
Sergent Services is a Singapore-based cleaning services provider which was established in 1998. The company offers a comprehensive range of facilities such as commercial cleaning, food court cleaning, town council cleaning, MRT station cleaning, and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in schools by cleaning areas such asclassrooms, restrooms, offices, corridors, etc. Additionally, Sergent Services is specialized in carpet and upholstery shampooing, scrubbing and polishing floors and marble restoration. The firm received the ISO 22301 certificate for the provision of its general cleaning services across Singapore.
AO SERVICEPRO PTE. LTD.
Founded in 2002 in Singapore, AO ServicePro is a cleaning company that offers professional cleaning services to the commercial, office, industrial and residential sectors island-wide. AO provides a range of contract cleaning services that includes general cleaning for common and public areas, lifts, corridors, public washrooms, food courts, etc. Residential cleaning includes cleaning and maintenance of common areas such as car parks, walkways, playgrounds, and clubhouses of condominiums. Specialist cleaning and add-on services include marble vinyl floor polishing for common areas and homes, high-pressure jet washing of tough stains on floors and driveways, external cleaning lifts for windows and building facades, and carpet shampooing.
Top Singapore Fastest-Growing Companies in Cleaning Sector
TRUST CLEANZ INITIATIVE PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2011, Trust Cleanz Initiative provides cleaning solutions across Singapore. These solutionsinclude disinfection services approved by the National Environment Agency of Singapore, deep cleaning services and daily housekeeping facilities. Thousands of people are served on a daily basis at the selected venues operated by TrustCleanz Initiative's esteemed list of clients. Singapore Life Church and a number of other churches are among the firm's longest-standing clients. Trustcleanz Initiative was hired by Singapore Life Church for daily comprehensive cleaning of the whole facility, including the worship hall, public areas, restrooms and offices.
UEMS SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD.
UEMS Solutions is an Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) provider in Singapore. Incorporated in 1988, UEMS began as a business that concentrated on housekeeping services for the healthcare and hospitality sectors. The firm offers services for commercial, public, industrial, educational and religious institutions in Singapore today. UEMS provides customized services to its clients, which mainly include general cleaning such as floor, window, toilet and pantry cleaning; carpet vacuuming; periodic cleanings such as carpet shampooing, high dusting, floor scrubbing, stone care, toilet descaling, and more. UEMS Solutions also offers ad-hoc cleaning that includes cleaning of spillage, cleaning after a pipe burst, and event support cleaning.
SINDAC CLEANING SERVICES PTE. LTD.
Sindac Cleaning Services was founded in Singapore in 2014. The company offers facilities such as cleaning, washing and refurbishing of hard surfaces including floors, walls and ceilings; carpet and upholstery shampooing; janitorial maintenance and drainage maintenance, among others. Sindac Cleaning Services provides comprehensive cleaning service packages that cater to organizations of all levels including the industrial, commercial and private sectors, as well as residents across the island. The firm's cleaning strategies are based on the planning of required tasks, developing work site progressions, testing procedures and recruiting skilled personnel.
ANTICIMEX PEST MANAGEMENT PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
ESUN PEST MANAGEMENT PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
ORIGIN EXTERMINATORS PTE LTD
Repeated as per client
AO SERVICEPRO PTE. LTD.
Founded in 2002 in Singapore, AO ServicePro is a cleaning company that offers professional cleaning services to the commercial, office, industrial and residential sectors island-wide. AO provides a range of contract cleaning services that includes general cleaning for common and public areas, lifts, corridors, public washrooms, food courts, etc. Residential cleaning includes cleaning and maintenance of common areas such as car parks, walkways, playgrounds, and clubhouses of condominiums. Specialist cleaning and add-on services include marble vinyl floor polishing for common areas and homes, high-pressure jet washing of tough stains on floors and driveways, external cleaning lifts for windows and building facades, and carpet shampooing.
ENG LENG CONTRACTORS PTE LTD
Eng Leng Contractors was incorporated in Singapore in 1991. The firm’s general cleaning and janitorial services are offered to public and private venues including shopping malls, financial institutions, medical centres, sports stadiums, hotel chains, schools, private condominiums, and public access areas in town councils in Singapore. Eng Leng has been accredited with ISO 9001 certification for the provision of cleaning and housekeeping services. Additionally, the firm has been awarded a Clean Mark Silver Award from the NEA, in recognition of Eng Leng as a cleaning business that delivers high standards. The firm has expanded its operations to Thailand.
ATALIAN SERVICES PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
MAJOR'S PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client