Singapore Economic Development Board - EDB

On the horizon: More opportunities for Singaporeans to upskill, innovate, and lead in the exciting world of AI! The National University of Singapore and IBM are joining forces to create a cutting-edge AI research and innovation centre here.

This groundbreaking initiative will be the first of its kind in Asia-Pacific, featuring a full-stack AI infrastructure system on the NUS campus. For students, this means they can tap into IBM’s advanced AI infrastructure and open-source models to accelerate AI research and innovation.

The centre will focus on key areas like Green AI and AI Safety, ensuring that Singapore remains at the forefront of responsible and sustainable AI development. It will also provide a platform for local startups and SMEs to access advanced AI tools and resources, fostering a thriving deep-tech ecosystem and contributing to Singapore’s National AI Strategy.

So, whether you're a student, a researcher, or an entrepreneur, get ready to seize the valuable opportunities that AI has to offer! Learn more: https://go.gov.sg/edbnews160824fb

that the Dyson Airstrait™ hair straightener was developed in Singapore?

Global brands like P&G and F&N are choosing Singapore as their hub, placing local at the forefront of groundbreaking developments. More R&D and innovation jobs in businesses across different industries are being created for the local workforce, in addition to the 50,000 researchers, technicians and supporting staff in our R&D ecosystem.

For instance, at P&G's Singapore Innovation Centre, over half of the 500 R&D staff spearheading global innovation for consumer brands like SK-II are Singaporeans. Dyson's global HQ in Singapore has 1,920 employees, including 845 scientists and engineers who take projects from the design stage to manufacturing.

Read on to discover how Singaporeans are contributing to the creation of made-in-Singapore products that shine on the world stage.

Made in Singapore For global brands and local companies doing R&D, we are home to innovative products such as RFID chips for car keys and road material made from plastic waste.

As Singapore prepares to celebrate its 59th birthday, we're shining a spotlight on industrial automation leader Yokogawa and power solutions and machinery manufacturer Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia.

These two global companies have been part of our economic journey for half a century. Beyond business growth, they have also pursued development, , and partnerships with the local business ecosystem.

Yokogawa, which employs over 800 people locally, partnered ITE College East to create a VR Training Simulator. Over 1,200 (and counting!) students have experienced hands-on chemical plant operations without ever leaving the classroom!

Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia offers scholarships and internships to students, while collaborating closely with our local institutions to shape curricula relevant to the needs of the aerospace and marine sectors. Employees in its 300-strong workforce also have the opportunity to do overseas attachments at its headquarters in Germany.

Want to know more about the operations of these global companies? Read the full story here.

Growing with Singapore: Yokogawa and Rolls-Royce mark their 50-year milestone here In the first of this three-part series, we spotlight two MNCs that have expanded operations and continue to drive innovation from Singapore.

Singapore – Southeast Asia’s most innovative city according to the Global Innovation Index 2023 – isn’t short on R&D talent. Meet AMD’s Cheryl and Dion, EssilorLuxottica’s Yee Ling, and Wilmar’s Glen. They have worked on projects to combat myopia, pioneer green chemical processes and advance semiconductor technology.

They honed their R&D skillsets through embarking on postgraduate degrees and research projects under EDB’s Industrial Postgraduate Programme (IPP).

Through the IPP, they were able to take their experience from a corporate R&D environment and apply this to their research projects in an academic setting, bridging the gap between scholarly concepts and practical industry needs.

Armed with postgraduate degrees, they are now ready to play an even more pivotal role in Singapore’s R&D landscape, to drive innovation and make a global impact from Singapore.

Find out more about their journeys.

How Singapore partners with global companies to groom top local R&D talent Hear from 4 individuals on how the Industrial Postgraduate Programme helped them hone critical R&D skills while employed at globally-leading companies

SMARTT Precision Mfg, a startup specialising in high-IP gas delivery solutions, opens its first advanced manufacturing facility in Singapore. Through technologies like AI, digital twinning, and Automated Mobile Robot (AMR), the 17,000 sqm state-of-the-art facility will offer cutting-edge automation capabilities that will enable 24/7 quick-turn production.

Over the next year, the automation leader aims to grow its team over two-fold, creating high-skill jobs in the areas of advanced manufacturing, computer analysis, testing and quality management. SMARTT was established in 2023. It currently employs 70 staff and aims to grow to a team of 150 by 2025.

The facility will also house 2,000 sqm of cleanroom space, including the largest ISO 5, 6 and 7 certified cleanrooms in Singapore.

Companies like SMARTT contribute to Singapore’s diverse advanced manufacturing ecosystem that creates good jobs for Singaporeans.

Learn more about SMARTT’s new manufacturing facility: https://go.gov.sg/edbnews020824fb

Ramona Koh is no stranger to change. From an engineer to online shoe store co-founder to starting a walking tour business, this mum of two has had a range of job experiences.

In 2021, after having been a stay-at-home mum for two years, Ramona took up the Skills Ignition SG (SISG) programme, comprising a 3-month online digital marketing course, followed by a 6-month attachment with the Google Pay team. It was a chance that changed her life, she says.

Today, she's a Programme Manager with Google's Data Centre team. What keeps her going? Being kind to herself and showing her kids that she is chasing her dreams.

"Keep learning, keep exploring, take that class, book that trip, set up that meeting with the manager you've been inspired by."

Find out how Ramona landed her dream job in tech: https://go.gov.sg/edbinsights020824fb

SISG helps Singaporeans like Ramona build in-demand skills for the digital future, unlocking new personal and professional growth opportunities. Learn more about the different pathways offered by the programme.

Managing the flow of patrons and staff across the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort is no easy feat – but Finnish company KONE has got it covered. Through its innovative suite of passenger and freight elevators that are catered to different user needs, it has helped ensure the seamless movement of people and goods.

Today, KONE continues to be a leading player in Singapore’s built environment sector, pioneering intelligent solutions in living, such as the integration of industrialised facial recognition into turnstiles. With the support of EDB, the company has expanded its programme to develop new products that are focused on environmental sustainability. The aim is to build integrated solutions where climate technology, AI and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities can be used to generate insights on how best to reduce energy consumption in buildings.

With Singaporeans comprising 80% of KONE’s technology and innovation team, the company remains committed to nurturing local talent in the sector. The programme’s expansion will also see the creation of new roles like strategic designers, which will further facilitate the co-innovation of new solutions with industry partners in the local ecosystem.

Discover how KONE is transforming urban environments in the region through its pursuit of innovation in : https://go.gov.sg/edbnews010824fb

Photos are courtesy of KONE.

A new platform in Singapore, launched by EDB and IETA, will provide businesses with easier access to high-quality carbon credits aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The Singapore Carbon Market Alliance (SCMA) – the first platform in Singapore – will connect international carbon credit developers and suppliers with companies here that are committed to climate action

Singapore continues to attract new regional headquarters and manufacturing plants from MNCs with a strong interest in purchasing carbon credits to meet their global sustainability goals. With regulations allowing Singapore companies to offset up to 5% of taxable emissions with international credits starting in 2024, the SCMA will be an essential tool for businesses to meet their sustainability objectives while contributing to Singapore’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

As Singapore progresses towards a low-carbon economy, the SCMA will be a key resource for businesses and an important addition to our carbon market ecosystem to strengthen Singapore’s leadership in carbon services and trading.

Learn more about the SCMA: https://go.gov.sg/scma-sg

Collins Aerospace, one of Singapore’s first companies, is investing more than S$336m in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility right in the heart of Singapore’s aerospace hub. Employing over 2,000 staff locally, the company will relocate its operations from its existing Bedok plant to a new site located at Seletar Aerospace Park, which is managed by JTC.

The facility is scheduled for completion by 2027 and will serve as the company’s innovation hub, leveraging cutting-edge technology to support the design, development and production of aerospace components. Its new location at Seletar Aerospace Park, which is home to over 70 industry players, will enable the company to boost its production capabilities and collaborate more closely with other leading aerospace companies in driving .

These include global aerospace players such as Pratt & Whitney and Barnes Aerospace which have announced significant investments in Singapore as well. The number of workers in the sector has increased by almost 3,000 to more than 21,000 from 2021 to 2023, with seven out of 10 aerospace jobs taken up by locals.

Learn more about how Collins’ investment will strengthen Singapore’s aerospace industry: https://go.gov.sg/edbnews250724fb-2

Aerial shot of Seletar Aerospace Park is courtesy of JTC.

Singapore will gain access to Quantinuum’s advanced H-series quantum computers for joint research and training, through an MOU signed with the leading quantum computing company.

Quantinuum, together with Singapore’s National Quantum Office, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National University of Singapore and National Supercomputing Centre Singapore - NSCC, will collaborate on R&D for quantum computing use cases with a focus on computational biology, developing hybrid solutions, and training and workshops to nurture quantum in Singapore. These collaborations will enable knowledge exchange between researchers from Singapore and Quantinuum, while contributing to Singapore’s growing quantum community.

had earlier announced its National Quantum Strategy to strengthen our position as a leading hub in the development and deployment of quantum technologies. An additional S$300 million will be invested to enhance scientific and engineering capability development, grow and build a quantum-ready workforce, and develop strong company and ecosystem partnerships here.

Find out how this strategic partnership with Quantinuum will strengthen Singapore’s quantum technology ecosystem: https://go.gov.sg/edbnews250724fb

Singapore’s sector is a highly advanced and sophisticated industry that contributes more than 8% to the country’s GDP and employs over 35,000 people.

A key driver of the sector’s growth is partnerships between leading semiconductor MNCs and Singapore enterprises. Our homegrown solution providers and co-development partners of semiconductor giants include:

⚪ ELH Additive Manufacturing: A local precision engineering company that moved into Additive Manufacturing for metal/polymer materials. It works with MNCs across industries such as aerospace, defense and semiconductor manufacturing.

⚪ Gauss Labs Inc.: A Singapore-based industrial AI startup focusing on AI-based solutions that can improve high-volume semiconductor manufacturing efficiency by reducing process variability by 30%.

⚪ Gurobi Optimization: A Singapore-based company specialising in computational mathematical programming and prescriptive analysis that can help companies leverage data to optimise business decisions.

Through such collaborations, MNCs can easily harness the expertise and networks within Singapore’s ecosystem for growth. Their local enterprise partners also get the opportunity to upgrade their capabilities through such partnerships, especially in more specialised and niche areas.

The Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) has helped encourage these partnerships. SSIA’s annual Business Connect event took place this week and was themed "Empowering SMEs through Collaboration and Innovation”. It brought together MNCs, Singapore-based enterprises, including local small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutes and government agencies to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration within the semiconductor ecosystem.

Read on to learn more about Singapore’s vibrant semiconductor manufacturing scene: https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/business-insights/insights/semiconductors-101-chips-wafers-and-how-they-are-made.html?cid=soc-fb-semicon101-bau-cotnt-202407-nil-ot:ge:na:am:at:na:sy&utm_medium=soc&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=bau_edb_content_semicon101_nil_202407&utm_content=others-general-notapplicable-advancedmanufacturing-article-notapplicable-syndicated&source=na

Photos courtesy of SSIA.

US biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer has officially opened its expanded state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tuas Biomedical Park. The facility incorporates the latest manufacturing technologies, enabling the production of novel and life-saving oncology, pain, and antibiotic medicines for patients globally. It will feature flexible and modular manufacturing, integrated smart factory capabilities, and sustainability features.

The expansion is expected to create over 250 highly skilled jobs. Pfizer is one of many globally leading players within Singapore’s vibrant biopharmaceutical ecosystem expanding its presence. The company established its first office in Singapore in 1964 and has grown its footprint to encompass manufacturing, R&D, and regional HQ functions. Today, Pfizer is the largest contributor to pharmaceutical manufacturing output in Singapore.

Biopharmaceutical manufacturing is a key contributor to Singapore’s economy, with the sector hiring more than 9,000 workers. This number is set to grow significantly over the next decade as large manufacturing investments create new opportunities. There are ongoing programmes to develop talent for the sector, such as the Industrial Postgraduate Programme.

Learn more about this exciting development and how Singapore stands to benefit: https://go.gov.sg/edbnews230724fb

From management trainee to deputy general manager of Denka Singapore’s Seraya plant, Jeffrey Tok, 36, has risen the ranks at the Japanese chemicals manufacturer during his 11-year career. As a new joiner, he did a three-year stint at Denka’s Chiba facility, taking on rotations across production units to gain valuable technical skills. Most importantly, he built a strong rapport with his Japanese colleagues.

“Until today, I continue to draw on the hard and soft skills gained from my overseas stint, to lead Seraya plant members to achieve production excellence and safety,” recounted Jeffrey.

Jeffrey’s story is just one example of how Denka has been investing in local talent in Singapore for 40 years. From its beginnings as one of the first Japanese chemical manufacturers here, Denka Singapore has grown into a 300-strong team and is a cornerstone of Singapore’s chemicals industry.

With four industry-leading plants and a regional R&D hub, Denka Singapore continues to prioritise innovation. One such initiative is its smart factory conversion plan, which has improved efficiency and reduced power consumption, aligning with Singapore's sustainability goals.

As Denka marks 40 years in Singapore, we look forward to their continued contributions to innovation, sustainability, and talent development within Singapore’s vibrant chemicals industry.

https://denka.com.sg/celebrating-40-years-of-denka-singapore

Obayashi Corporation, the Japanese construction giant that built Singapore's MRT tracks and constructed JEWEL Changi Airport, is transforming the construction industry through advanced technologies such as robotic solutions. Its newly established Obayashi Construction-Tech Lab (OCLS) within BCA Academy will serve as a hub for collaboration and knowledge transfer among ecosystem players.

Obayashi will launch a joint lab with the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore to develop sustainable construction materials and advance 3D printing technologies. Additionally, Obayashi will also collaborate with the SUTD Singapore University of Technology & Design to integrate robotic and artificial intelligence solutions for construction.

With the support of the Building and Construction Authority (Singapore), Obayashi is set to deploy advanced construction technologies such as concrete levelling and trowelling robots in Singapore, significantly reducing the manual labour traditionally required in construction projects. This initiative will enhance productivity and address the critical challenge of manpower constraints in the industry.

Learn more about how OCLS will advance Singapore’s construction industry through innovative technologies: https://go.gov.sg/edbnews240719fb

Chemicals manufacturer PCS marks 40 years in Singapore this year! Formerly known as the Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore, PCS is a pioneer of the chemicals industry. It now has two world-scale crackers on Jurong Island supplying essential feedstock to companies that make products for high-growth markets – from EVs to electronics, solar panels and more.

Through the years, PCS has been a strong supporter of Singapore’s net zero efforts, embarking on sustainable production to reduce emissions, and water and energy usage. Singapore is working with PCS and the industry to implement larger-scale carbon abatement projects such as and pursue more bio-based or circular production pathways to develop sustainable products.

A standout achievement for PCS – they have achieved a major safety milestone of 20 years without any Lost Time Incidents, reflecting the vigilance of their employees, the organisation’s commitment to safety and strong partnership with their contractors. Singapore will continue to partner chemicals firms here to shape a sustainable and innovative future for the industry.

Read more about PCS’ journey in Singapore below.

The Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN) recently marked its 2nd anniversary! Supported by EDB and the Human Capital Leadership Institute, SGLN has doubled its membership to more than 2,000 members, creating a robust network of peers and mentors to support Singaporean business in their personal and professional growth.

As part of the celebrations, Singaporean executives in the SGLN Fellowship programme had an engaging fireside chat with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. They discussed how corporate leaders can navigate an increasingly complex business environment, what Singaporeans can do to be ready for international roles and the importance of leading with empathy and open-mindedness.

Among the participants was SGLN Fellow Sueann Yeo, CAIA, Head of APAC Private Wealth at EQT Group, who gave a thumbs up to the Fellowship programme for offering enriching perspectives from leaders of diverse industries. Sueann's mentor Savita Iyer, CFO of Southeast Asia for The Walt Disney Company, said she wished there were such programmes when she first started on her leadership journey but is happy to be able to give back by supporting up-and-coming corporate leaders.

The SGLN Fellowship aims to equip Singaporeans with the relevant skills and experience to become global-ready leaders. There are currently 60 SGLN Fellows. Find out more about the programme here: https://www.sgln.hcli.org/sgln-fellowship-2025

plays an outsized role in Singapore’s economy, employing over 12% of the workforce and contributing nearly 20% of our GDP.

Many manufacturing activities here are high-tech and take place in “lighthouse factories" which are state-of-the-art facilities that use digital technologies, data analytics and smart manufacturing processes. A strong research ecosystem and a ready pool of local enterprises – including 286,000 SMEs – means manufacturers have ready access to innovation and supply chain partners. There are also ongoing efforts to help all businesses, including manufacturers, decarbonise and adopt green solutions as they serve growing demand across Asia.

Read this article to learn more about how is strengthening its advanced manufacturing ecosystem – and hear from EDB’s Managing Director Jacqueline Poh about our ongoing efforts to build factories of the future.

How Singapore can partner businesses in their advanced manufacturing journey in Asia From digital transformation to driving innovation and sustainability, hear from EDB’s MD Jacqueline Poh on Singapore’s partnership with companies to build factories of the future.

Around 8 in 10 Singaporeans are concerned about job displacement due to , according to a report by professional services firm Accenture.

The company’s Singapore Country Managing Director Mark Tham says it’s up to bosses to create an environment where people feel inspired to adopt and adapt to AI for business growth. This includes training employees in technical competencies to work with AI-infused processes and ensuring there are domain experts who know how to apply data in real-world settings. Leaders should also consider the new occupations that might be created – from linguistics experts and AI quality controllers to even AI editors and prompt engineers.

Read this Q&A for insights on how businesses can ensure they and their employees are fully embracing the potential of AI.

How Singapore can serve businesses as a hub for AI innovation and growth Accenture Singapore’s Country Managing Director, Mark Tham, outlines how Singapore’s AI ecosystem and government initiatives can drive AI adoption and acceleration for businesses.

You've heard of 5G, but what about 6G wireless communication? 🤔

Taiwanese semiconductor company MediaTek marked its 20th anniversary in Singapore by signing an MoU with SUTD Singapore University of Technology & Design to collaborate on 6G technology research. The findings will not only put Singapore on the map for 6G development but also advance our 5G ecosystem.

MediaTek, which has developed local talent and collaborated with Singapore's SMEs through its activities, will also invest S$500m here over the next five years to advance its R&D capabilities with next-generation System-on-a-Chip (SoC) technologies.

With over 400 employees in Singapore, MediaTek Singapore is the largest Integrated Circuit (IC) design house here, developing some of the world's most advanced technologies for the chips that power our essential tech devices. Locally, the IC design sector currently employs over 2,500 R&D engineers, and a key priority is to double this to 5,000 by 2030. To develop our local talent pipeline, EDB recently launched a new S$5.4m programme to train digital IC designers for the industry. New initiatives to train analogue IC designers and support IC designers for postgraduate training are also in the works.

Singapore's semiconductor sector contributes significantly to our GDP and is a key pillar of our economy. Partnerships between industry players like MediaTek and academic institutions like SUTD are instrumental in advancing our semiconductor ecosystem.

Congratulations to MediaTek on its 20th anniversary! We wish you many good years ahead!

Learn more: https://go.gov.sg/edbnews010724fb