History
1987 INCORPORATION OF PCA SINGAPORE – 4 FEBRUARY 1987
Founding President, Mr Pius Fernandez, and a core team of dedicated committee members came together with a vision to unite pest control operators so as to raise professional standards and, as a collective force, contribute more effectively to improving the environment.
The focus during these early years was on building rapport and opening channels of communication between Member companies.
INTERIM COMMITTEE
These were the original members who came together to establish the PCA (Singapore)
Mr Pius Fernandez
Mr Francis Lim
Mr Thomas Fernandez
Mr Teoh Kian Seng
Mr Chung Keng Meng
Mr Ricky Ng
Mr K.C. Tan
Mr Peter Fernandis
Mr Patrick Ng Hin Swee
Mr Heng Chia Hwa
1988 THE LAUNCH OF THE CODE OF ETHICS AND THE NEWSLETTER
At the 2nd AGM, Patron of the Association, Assoc. Professor Dr. Chan Kai Lok, said that he was pleased to note that the Association was taking steps to upgrade the skills of technicians and to have formulated a Code of Ethics for all pest control operators. A quarterly Association Newsletter was launched to keep all members informed of latest developments, and to share technical information so that members could improve their knowledge.
1989 ACHIEVING GROWTH THROUGH UNIFORM STANDARDS
As competition in the industry intensified, the Association focused on uniting pest control operators so that growth could be achieved through cooperation. An important aspect of the Association’s work was establishing uniform standards for the industry.
1990 SAFEGUARDING CLIENTS
As the PCA consolidated and forged ahead as a harmonious entity, the focus shifted towards customer relations and safeguarding the interest of clients.
The PCA continued in earnest the mission to keep the industry and public informed about public health matters.
1991 BUILDING EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS – AFFILIATION TO EMAS
Fruits of five years hardwork and harmonious cooperation emerged in the form of recognition and praise from other organisations. PCA was admitted as Institutional Member of the Environmental Management Association of Singapore (EMAS).
Focus at this phase was establishing relationships with other related organisations.
Membership at 5 year mark: 33 companies.
1992 LAUNCH OF BASI TRAINING COURSE
A very active year as much had to be done to develop the contents for the PCA’s 1st Basic Training Course. The objective of the 3-day Course was to raise the level of professionalism in the industry, and to reward/motivate outstanding PCO’s employed by Member companies.
PCA secured support from the Skills & Development Fund, obtaining a 70% rebate for course fees for Member companies.
1993 TOWARDS EXCELLENCE, CREDIBILITY, AND VISIBILITY
PCA continued its relentless efforts towards excellence. The Association acquired the reputation as an organisation that one turns to for professional advice on pest-related environmental and health issues.
PCA was invited to participate in a Seminar organised by the Ministry of the Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore International Surveyors & Valuers, and EMAS.
1994 LAUNCH OF SOIL TREATMENT COURSE
Following a call by pest control companies for a standardised, professionally conducted course in soil treatment and corrective treatment, the PCA responded by organising the Soil Treatment Training Course, conducted jointly with the Ministry of the Environment.
1995 STANDARDIZED SOIL TREATMENT WARRANTY
On April 12, 1995, members of the PCA undertook to adopt a standardised Soil Treatment Warranty as the only warranty format to be issued in respect of Soil Treatment works.
The purpose is to ensure that clients receiving soil treatment:
i) are not promised warranties that cannot be fulfilled
ii) are not given lesser warranties than they should receive.”
The PCA has come to be relied upon by the public as the controlling body maintaining quality standards in this industry.
1996
A major seminar was conducted on “Current Techniques in German Cockroach Control” involving speakers from the Ministry of the Environment (ENV), National University of Singapore (NUS), University Sains Malaysia (USM), and leading figures from the pest control industry.
Rapport with related organisations in the region had a significant boost this year with a visit to Singapore by the Management Committee of the PCA (Malaysia). In addition, the Federation of Asian & Oceania Pest Managers Associations visited Singapore and invited PCA to become a Member.
Another memorable highlight was the PCA Bowling Tournament which saw an excellent turnout that reflected the strong and friendly bonds between Members.
1997 1ST INTERNATIONAL PEST CONTROL CONVENTION
A decade of harmony, cooperation and hardwork among members culminated in the inaugural 1st International Pest Control Convention. The Convention, which attracted delegates from 24 countries, was a resounding success that drew national T.V. and press coverage.
Renown international speakers who have participated in pest control conventions around the world, remarked that this was one of the best organised, both in terms of content and dynamism.
1998
The Control of Vectors and Pesticide Act 1998 came into effect on 1st September 1998. Under this Act, all persons and companies who are in the business of providing pest control services are required to be registered with the Ministry of the Environment.
In addition, all persons carrying out pest control work are required to be licensed and certified by the Ministry of the Environment (Vector Control and Research Department).
2000
After the resounding success of the 1st International Pest Control Convention in 1997, the 2nd International Pest Control Convention was held in conjunction with the 12th FAOPMA Conference. The Convention focused on challenges facing the industry in the new millennium, and was attended by delegates and exhibitors from over 30 countries. It provided a timely platform for all to meet, network and share knowledge with the biggest and brightest in the West and Asia.
2001
The Pest Control Association, Singapore (PCA) officially changed its name to Singapore Pest Management Association (SPMA), effective from 7 September 2001. This is with the support of the Ministry of the Environment, and is indeed of great significance for the Association. We certainly have come a long way since our humble beginnings in 1987, to have earned this recognition as the lead body representing the pest management industry in Singapore. And we shall continue in our mission to unite the industry and raise professional standards through Competency, Care and Cooperation.
2002 Communications and Upgrading
The SPMA newsletter “PestCraft in Print” started circulation to members, to promote and disseminate skills upgrading, pest and business management information and news. The SPMA website was also launched in the same year. SPMA started work with Singapore Computer Systems to develop an e-learning programme to train technicians under NSRS.
2003 Pest Summit, Langkawi
The Inaugural Pest Summit 2003 was jointly organised by PCA Malaysia and SPMA. The theme was “Global Innovations and Modern Techniques for Urban Pest Managers”. Harnessing new technology for better pest detection and treatment as well as business operations was the new direction. Singapore’s e-learning programme was showcased for the first time to an international crowd.
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed among the 5 Associations of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand to promote cooperation and sharing of knowledge in this part of the world. The Pest Summit happens every 2 years and will be held on a rotational basis among member countries.
2004
Industry Survey – A survey conducted estimate the industry turnover at about S$70 million, with 180 companies employing about 2400 people.
Dengue Control - SPMA organised the Seminar “New Findings and Facts on Mosquito and Dengue Control” in Q1, which was timely. The number of Dengue cases surged to an all time high in the 2nd half of the year and SPMA was roped in by NEA as a partner to combat Dengue at the
National level. Member companies responded by volunteering staff to assist in the carpet combing exercises to dengue hotspots over several weekends.
2006 Pest Summit, Singapore
Jointly organised by PCA Malaysia and SPMA, the theme “Targeting Zero Pest Infestation” was a timely reminder on the increased awareness and expectations by the public on pest issues, and the challenges faced by pest operators. An overwhelming 566 participants attended this event supported by NEA.
2009 Revamped Vector Control Courses
SPMA work together with the NEA and the Institute of Education (ITE) to revamp the vector control courses with the objective of incorporating skills training for new recruits into our industry. These courses replace the existing programmes which were set up in 1998. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed officially at a ceremony held at ITE on 23 November 2010.
2011 SPMA Celebrates 25 Years
SPMA celebrated its 25th Anniversary with 76 members.
2016 Pest Summit, Singapore
Organised by SPMA and supported by NEA, this event was held at Resorts World Sentosa. Nearly 500 participants from all over world attended this 2.5day workshop.
2017 Seminar on ‘Snakes of Singapore’
With the generous support of e2i Singapore, SPMA organised the ‘Snakes of Singapore Seminar’ that featured Dr Evan Quah, a renowned herpetologist from the School of Biological Sciences at the Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia. More than 180 participants benefitted from Dr Quah’s insight on snake identification and commonly encountered snakes in Singapore. Dr Quah also told the audience what to do when encountering a snake and explained how to handle snakes and the necessary precautionary measures PCOs are required to take in order to protect themselves.
2018 SPMA Wildlife Handling Seminar
Organised by SPMA and supported by e2i Singapore, this seminar saw over 140 participants listen to fantastic speakers from WRS, AVA and ACRES. As urbanisation continues in Singapore, a conflict emerges between animals and humans as humans are not as willing as animals to share the same space. In Singapore, it is common to see pigeons, rodents, mosquitoes and to lesser extent, monkeys, snakes and monitor lizards. Any animal needs to be handled gently and poisons or unwashed containers should not be used where it concerns an animal. More humane ways should be cultivated to trap and remove wildlife and release them back to the wild and away from human life.