Market Intelligence
Equipment and Machinery Singapore Trade Development Trade Promotion

Singapore Industry 4.0

As the regional powerhouse for advanced manufacturing technologies, Singapore provides an excellent platform for U.S. companies to enter the ASEAN region. Manufacturing represents a significant component of Singapore’s GDP — approximately 20% — and is highly valued and supported by the Singapore Government. Over 2,700 precision engineering firms supply critical products and expertise needed to manufacture complex components and equipment used in industries such as semiconductors, medical technology, marine, offshore and aerospace. Some of the world’s biggest pure-play foundries have manufacturing facilities here, as do many other top outsourced semiconductor assembly and test companies. Singapore’s position as the premier regional trading hub for the Asia-Pacific, numerous R&D grants and its highly skilled, English-speaking workforce are catalysts for U.S. companies to test and implement new technologies prior to further expansion within the ASEAN region.

To position Singapore as a resilient advanced manufacturing base in ASEAN, the Government has announced various initiatives to develop and grow cutting edge capabilities such as in robotics and 3D printing. Such initiatives will help to maintain the momentum of the manufacturing sector which grew 3.5% year on year for the first half of 2020 despite the challenging times due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • A new training program office called the Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy will collaborate with schools and training providers to help ensure the manufacturing workforce has emerging skills and knowledge.
  • A one-stop advanced manufacturing location called the Jurong Innovation District where the first phase will be completed in 2022 but has already attracted more than US$300 million in investments in 2020.
  • A partnership with the World Economic Forum to launch the Singapore-developed Smart Industry Readiness Index globally as an internationally recognized standard for Industry 4.0 transformation. 

All these initiatives are expected to help Singapore and ASEAN manufacturers be more resilient by rethinking production and supply chains in a more sustainable manner as well as adopting Industry 4.0 technologies such as AI, data analytics and IoT. Opportunities for advanced manufacturing technologies are expected to be in semiconductor, 3D Printing and Robotics. Despite global economic headwinds, Singapore is still one of the world’s strongest economies. Anchored in political stability, low corruption rates and transparent public institutions, the country is a trusted partner for businesses. Sound monetary and fiscal policies, together with a robust judicial system, underpins the country’s low-risk economy. Internet connectivity is also very important and is part of Singapore’s focus on being a smart nation.

For more information, contact Y.K. Chan at yiukei.chan@trade.gov

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