Advanced Manufacturing: Turbo-charging Singapore’s Economic Growth

Global Industry 4.0 is thriving. Growing demand for greater efficiencies and new business models, coupled with increased government digitalisation funding, have propelled technology-intensive industries forward, with 10% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) projected between 2019 and 2027.

In Singapore, Advanced Manufacturing has continued its upward momentum, despite the pandemic. According to the latest data released by the Economic Development Board, manufacturing output increased by 24.2% in September. The Jurong Innovation District has attracted $420 million in investments in 2020 alone.

Global-Asia Hub for Advanced Technology, Innovation and Enterprise

Singapore’s unwavering commitment to continuous innovation, workforce development and infrastructure investment has drawn a diverse base of leading industrial MNCs to locate best-in-class facilities here. Amongst them are ABB Group’s robotics packaging centre, Accenture’s IoT Centre of Excellence, Siemens' Advanced Manufacturing Transformation Centre, and Hyundai's Innovation Centre.

Reflecting its position at the forefront of key sectors, including aerospace, biomedical sciences, electronics and precision engineering, Singapore has been ranked second globally in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Readiness for the Future of Production Report 2018 and top of the 2017 DII Global Industry 4.0 Readiness Index, ahead of 120 countries.

Yet, Singapore is not standing still. It has set its sights on developing new cutting-edge capabilities to become an even more resilient global Advanced Manufacturing hub in Asia.

Making an Impact in Asia’s Advanced Manufacturing Industry

At the Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific (ITAP) conference held in October this year, Singapore announced initiatives to enhance its digital, maritime and air connectivity – the essential foundations for Advanced Manufacturing. It also unveiled plans to boost Southeast Asia’s industrial transformation and growth by promoting cross-border business linkages and setting global standards, leveraging the Singapore-developed Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) to be jointly rolled out with the WEF.

To spearhead human capital development, Singapore will launch the new regional Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy. Other collaborations, like the Asian Development Bank-Singapore Polytechnic ‘Global Technology Innovation Village’ initiative, will train regional government and business leaders in emerging technology areas, including artificial intelligence and 5G.

Singapore’s planned investments, together with the industry growth prospects, promise rewarding career opportunities for qualified individuals in Asia’s Advanced Manufacturing sector.

Seize the Opportunity to Build an Exciting New Career

There is no better time to jumpstart your entry into this growth industry in this sector. One of the ways in which you can do so is to take up the SGUnited Skills Advanced Manufacturing Programme. The programme is open to jobseekers with at least two years of experience who hope to level up their skill sets.

It equips learners with the current business knowledge and in-demand skills in Advanced Manufacturing. The programme covers the latest technology, business and management skills, such as additive manufacturing, predictive analytics, robotics, design thinking, cybersecurity, blockchain, business contract law, supply chain management, and much more.

Such skills are fundamental for taking on high-demand jobs, including the likes of product and design engineers, technicians, technologists, supply chain, procurement, quality assurance and work safety specialists.

With significant growth on the horizon, now is the time to embrace new opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing!