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SINGAPORE – The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) has edited a tender for its <\/p>\n new Rochor campus<\/p>\n <\/a> following criticism.<\/p>\n Among other things, the tender now includes a limitation of liability clause and provisions to ensure a more balanced tender process, the university said in a Dec 9 statement on its website.<\/p>\n In September, <\/p>\n the Singapore Institute of Architects flagged clauses<\/p>\n <\/a> in the original tender that it deemed unfair. These clauses called on bidders to provide \u201cunlimited design changes post-award with no additional fees and unlimited liability\u201d.<\/p>\n Such \u201cunlimited liability\u201d clauses typically do not specify limits on consultants\u2019 contractual liability. This puts them at risk of financial losses and makes it more expensive for them to buy insurance that covers potential liability claims.<\/p>\n SUSS said other key changes in the tender include \u201cclearer fee provisions for design development changes\u2026 a more balanced payment schedule, greater flexibility in submission requirements, better remuneration for design proposals, and refinements to administrative terms to enhance clarity and consistency\u201d. <\/p>\n In its statement, the university said these changes incorporate <\/p>\n recommendations from a government task force<\/p>\n <\/a> to improve the attractiveness of architecture and engineering jobs in the built environment sector. The Taskforce for Architectural and Engineering Consultants was\u00a0<\/p>\n set up in September 2024.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n SUSS added that its updates draw reference from current public sector procurement guidelines, and were developed in consultation with the relevant authorities, including the Education Ministry and professional advisers.<\/p>\n The tender closing date has been extended by about two months to\u00a03pm on Jan 13, 2026,\u00a0to allow firms additional time to update their proposals.<\/b> The original closing date was 3pm on Nov 18, 2025.<\/p>\n Mr Tiah Nan Chyuan, president of the Singapore Institute of Architects, said in September that clauses in the original tender \u201cundermine the sustainability of architecture practice, the built environment industry, and ultimately the quality of outcomes that benefit clients and the wider public\u201d.<\/p>\n He also said the clauses run counter to the recommendations of the Taskforce for Architectural and Engineering Consultants.<\/p>\n In response, SUSS had said the tender was developed \u201cin line with current industry standards\u201d, adding that the university was \u201ccommitted to fair, transparent and responsible procurement practices\u201d.<\/p>\n