Precision Engineering in Singapore
The precision engineering industry in Singapore
In order to support the initial industrial investments, Singapore launched its Precision Engineering (PE) initiatives in the 1970s. The precision engineering sector now employs over 2,700 firms across small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and major multinational corporations (MNCs). Many of these firms also have their headquarters and research and development (R&D) departments in Singapore.
Precision Engineering industry made up 9%, or $26 billion, of Singapore’s total manufacturing output in 2011. In 2015, the industry’s Value Added (VA) surpassed S$34 billion, and over 90,000 people were employed in it. According to a recent report, precision engineering manufacturing produced S$55 billion in 2022. The output from machines and systems, as well as the industries producing precision modules and components, is included in the value of the nation’s precision engineering manufacturing output.
The core of Singapore’s advanced industrial activity is the precision engineering sector, which supports industries including electronics, marine, aircraft, oil & gas, and medical equipment. Highly specialised skill sets are required for the manufacturing of items such as the largest drill bits used in oil exploration, the tiniest semiconductor chip, and the most sophisticated medical equipment.
Singapore is the to-go destination for advanced manufacturing in Asia (photo: the Internet)
Great potentials for the precision engineering industry in Singapore
The Singapore government has introduced significant support to boost the precision engineering industry in Singapore. Through efforts like a S$76 million plan to recruit a new generation of engineering talent and enhance our manpower skills, Singapore maintains a consistent flow of well-trained PE talent. More than 800 diploma-level alumni have received training and employment in the PE sector since the program’s inception in 2007. Another S$52 million PE vocational training project was added to it in 2012 (EDB Singapore).
According to the Precision Engineering ITM 2025 by EDB Singapore, the country aims to establish an ecosystem of new generation precision engineering enterprises that leverage digital manufacturing technologies and platforms to innovate and deliver competitive products/services for global markets. The first focus is to shift the precision engineering industry towards the digital manufacturing paradigm, by partnering companies to digitalise, develop differentiated capabilities and go global, as well as by leveraging national platforms such as A*STAR’s pilot Innovation Factory @ SIMTech to accelerate R&D collaboration. Secondly, the government aims to grow enterprise revenue for precision engineering firms within the S$10-S$500 million revenue range. Within this goal, the government aims to provide dedicated support to companies, groom local start-ups and spin-offs in growth sectors, and uplift SMEs through core digital capabilities building. Thirdly, the government aims to create good jobs for locals in growth sectors, through supporting companies in redesigning jobs, upskilling and reskilling talents for emerging roles, and encouraging young talents to enter and progress in the precision engineering sector.
With these promising supports, by 2025, it’s anticipated that the precision engineering industry transformation maps would add 3,200 new PMET employment.
Why precision engineering industry in Singapore?
With its great advantages in location, technological advancement, sustained economic scene and nation’s commitment to technology and innovation, Singapore is well-placed as the leading destination for advanced manufacturing in Asia. The manufacturing sector’s production increased year over year by 26.5% in 2021, surpassing the productivity improvement of the economy as a whole, which was 7.6% (EDB).
The thriving manufacturing sector in Singapore has attracted corporations to locate not just production facilities but also their whole headquarters, research and development, and supply chain management operations here in order to better service the area. Singapore is also a hotspot for advanced manufacturing, as in terms of manufacturing value-add, Singapore came in third place in the 2021 Bloomberg Innovation Index (EDB). Singapore, which came in second place in the 2022 Global Talent Competitiveness Index, also boasts a highly trained and flexible labour force. The Singaporean government continues to collaborate with higher education institutions and industry leaders to provide our people with the skills required for advanced manufacturing through national programmes like the SkillsFuture Series in Advanced Manufacturing (EDB).
World-class facilities for ultra-precision mould making at Micro Systems Singapore
Micro Systems Singapore has been well-established in Singapore for more than 14 years, now with a world-class facility at MedTech Hub, a purpose built Medical Device GMP designed facility. Micro Systems Singapore enables us to support and service customers operating in South East Asia. Micro Systems Singapore can provide efficient and cost effective precision engineering solutions for ultra-precision moulds with very short lead times, mainly for the medical and optical industries. Micro Systems Singapore also provides mould testing and validation for small parts and micro moulded components with Micro Systems’ 50 micro moulding machines, conventional electric injection moulding machines Fanuc 15T – 100T, duplicating the production moulding capabilities in the UK. Micro Systems Singapore is ISO 9001 accredited, with cleanroom facilities for clean manufacturing environments.
Micro Systems Engineering Solutions Pte Ltd
JTC Medtech Hub 05-02, Singapore 618305
Contact us today to discuss your precision engineering projects!
