Singapore Pest Management Association

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 CODE OF ETHICS
.. LAUNCH OF 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 GROWTH THROUGH COOPERATION
... 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 BASIC 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, 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 STANDARDISED 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.

Footnote: For events after 2001, please refer to PestCraft in Print.