Singapore Advanced Manufacturing
As the world progresses towards industry 4.0, sectors in advanced manufacturing are growing in importance to help materialize this vision. The pandemic and the ensuing global lockdowns and shortages in both raw materials and workers have contributed to the recent supply chain hiccups and the desire to strengthen the domestic manufacturing base in Singapore. However, manufacturing has been a key driver of Singapore’s economy for the past 50 years. Over the years, Singapore’s economy has transitioned from low-cost, labor-intensive production to high-value manufacturing. To remain competitive and continue its growth trajectory in Industry 4.0, the manufacturing sector has set its sights on digitalizing the industry and increasing output through technology adoption.
Advanced manufacturing comprises electronics, semiconductors, automation, 3D printing (additive manufacturing) and robotics. Semiconductor manufacturing consists of 80% of all electronic manufacturing in Singapore, which accounts for 11% of the global semiconductor market and 20% of global semiconductor equipment manufacturing. The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) seeks to strengthen additive manufacturing capabilities in Singapore. Companies specializing in artificial intelligence and its applications in areas such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are crucial to attaining Singapore’s manufacturing vision.
The “Singapore Manufacturing 2030 vision” is a 10-year plan for Singapore manufacturing to grow 50% by 2030. The plan’s 3-pronged approach includes the following:
• Singapore aims to continue attracting the best global and local companies in niche areas to remain critical in the global value chain.
• Singapore will increase its efforts to grow the capabilities of local enterprises in advanced manufacturing to create better job opportunities for Singaporeans.
• The government will work closely with educational institutions to make engineering and manufacturing attractive sectors to students.
Currently, Singapore has successfully attracted frontier investments from leading semiconductor firms to set up operations here. Leading global semiconductor firms such as GlobalFoundries, Siltronic and UMC have invested in Singapore due to skilled talent and ease of doing business here. To help equip the workforce with relevant skills and to better prepare companies for the transition, the government has launched the M2030 careers initiative to develop attractive career options in manufacturing and make them accessible to locals. Companies in this sector, especially SMEs, must have the capability, resources and skills to embrace digital and smart manufacturing.
To enhance the manufacturing sector, Singapore has also launched other programs. One is the Industry 4.0 Human Capital Initiative, which helps companies adopt Industry 4.0 solutions such automation and robotics while also helping to upgrade the skills of their staff. Another is the setting up of a digital manufacturing laboratory facility to help develop next-generation manufacturing execution systems. It is expected that such programs and initiatives will help Singapore companies to increase the use of advanced technologies including 3D printing, enhance productivity, improve efficiencies, optimize production and also be more sustainable and greener.
Despite the pandemic and geopolitics affecting the industry, other Southeast Asian countries are also introducing various policies and incentives to build up their advanced manufacturing capabilities which can complement Singapore who has been the front-runner.
For more information, please contact Commercial Trade Specialist CHAN Yiu Kei.