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SINGAPORE: Singaporean manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will receive further assistance to adopt digital technologies under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between JTC and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) on Wednesday (21 October) .
The new JTC-SBF Industry Transformation Initiative is expected to help more than 300 companies drive or accelerate their transformation journey in Industry 4.0, or also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in the next two years by providing them access to relevant resources.
These include selected training workshops and capacity building initiatives that are tailored to a company’s level of digital readiness.
The companies will also link up with a larger group of technology partners, such as Siemens, Bosch Rexroth, Konica Minolta, as well as the Singapore Precision Engineering and Technology Association and its consortia, for the “solution mix.”
This will help companies develop the expertise to implement and scale Industry 4.0 solutions in their operations, JTC and SBF said in a joint announcement made at the Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific (ITAP) 2020 fair.
“(Companies) will gain access to successful case studies and embark on learning trips in Factories of the Future, giving them greater exposure to Industry 4.0 solutions in real production facilities,” adds the statement from press.
“This will further encourage companies to transform and remain competitive amid the pandemic.”
READ: Singapore may be ‘a more digital and stronger advanced manufacturing base’ for the world – DPM Heng
“PILAR KEY”
During the signing of the MOU, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing described manufacturing as a “key pillar” of Singapore’s economy that has remained resilient amid the pandemic-induced recession, thanks to “bright spots” such as electronics, precision engineering, and biomedical manufacturing.
In the first half of the year, the sector accounted for more than 22 percent of Singapore’s nominal gross domestic product.
With the rise of new technology in Industry 4.0, manufacturing is rapidly evolving by becoming more automated, data-driven, and environmentally sustainable.
He said: “For our manufacturing sector to remain globally competitive and continue to create quality jobs, companies must be able to integrate these technologies into their innovation and production processes.
“Those who have been able to do so can have greater visibility and control over their operations, allowing them to respond more agilely to any change.
Mr. Chan highlighted ongoing efforts to develop the sector, such as the development of the Jurong Innovation District and the launch of the Industry Connect initiative earlier this year.
The former is an advanced manufacturing facility developed by JTC, while the latter helps JTC-owned companies to improve their game through technology adoption and in areas such as talent development.
To date, more than 1,000 companies on JTC properties have been involved through the various industry outreach initiatives, and around 200 of them are embarking on Industry 4.0 transformations, the minister said.
With leading players in the business community also sharing relevant technologies and experiences, this has helped create many opportunities for local businesses and their workers, he added.
3D PRINTED BONE IMPLANTS
For example, Osteopore, a local SME that makes 3D printed bone regeneration implants, managed to redesign its workflow to improve productivity after JTC presented it with a program from consulting firm McKinsey.
As a result, the medical technology company was able to double its output despite operating half its workforce during the “circuit breaker” period.
Encouraged by the results, Osteopore plans to further automate its production process to enable 24/7 operations early next year.
It also continues to hire and train new workers of all ages to fill higher value-added roles, including a 56-year-old former hairdresser who has successfully upgraded his skills and now operates 3D printers, Chan said.
Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing delivered a keynote speech at the signing ceremony. (Photo: JTC)
He also said that supporting companies in their transformation efforts is not just the government’s role, and that industry partners, such as trade associations, play a critical role.
The latest initiative announced Wednesday will allow the combined network of JTC and SBF companies “to more easily access relevant Industry 4.0 resources.”
Chan added: “By working together, I am confident that the manufacturing sector can emerge stronger and seize new opportunities in Singapore and beyond.”
SBF Executive Director Ho Meng Kit said that the economic disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic have “led to an accelerating need for a better understanding and adoption of Industry 4.0 to help local businesses come out stronger. pandemic”.
“As the current recession is expected to drag on, we hope that through this JTC-SBF partnership, we can further encourage more companies to take a holistic view of how Industry 4.0 solutions can help their businesses transform. and prosper in the economy of the future. “
Tan Boon Khai, CEO of JTC, said: “SBF is a critical partner in driving the next phase of Industry 4.0 transformation for businesses. With our large customer base, strong partner network, and strong advanced manufacturing ecosystem in Jurong Innovation District, more companies can become pioneers of Industry 4.0. “
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