Singapore Digital and Smart Manufacturing

As with many countries globally, Singapore has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic with numerous lockdowns over the past 18 months, especially since external trade is three times the country’s GDP.  Now, the Singaporean government and businesses are looking to open the economy again.

Singapore’s manufacturing sector accounts for 20% of the GDP and the government has indicated that it wants to increase it to 30% over the next 10-12 years due primarily to two reasons: supply chain issues and the accelerated trend towards a digital economy as a result of the global pandemic. Advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and internet of things (IoT) are three important transformative trends that are expected to power the manufacturing sector forward.

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 recently launched various 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.

For more information, please contact Mr. CHAN Yiu Kei at Yiukei.chan@trade.gov