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 precision engineering sector is central to Singapore’s advanced industrial activity, supporting industries such as electronics, marine, aerospace, oil & gas, and medical equipment. Manufacturing components ranging from large drill bits for oil exploration to the smallest semiconductor chips and complex medical devices requires highly specialised skill sets.
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, Singapore aims to develop an ecosystem of next-generation precision engineering enterprises, leveraging digital manufacturing technologies and platforms to innovate and deliver competitive products and services for global markets. The first focus is to transition the precision engineering sector to a digital manufacturing paradigm, supporting companies in digitalisation, capability development, and global expansion, while leveraging national platforms like A*STAR’s Innovation Factory @ SIMTech to accelerate R&D collaboration. Secondly, the government aims to boost enterprise revenue for precision engineering firms within the S$10-S$500 million range, providing dedicated support to businesses, nurturing local start-ups and spin-offs, and strengthening SMEs through digital capability building. Lastly, the government seeks to create quality jobs in growth sectors by helping companies redesign roles, upskill and reskill talent for emerging roles, and attract young talent to advance within 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 strategic location, advanced technology, stable economy, and strong commitment to innovation, Singapore is ideally positioned as Asia’s leading hub for advanced manufacturing. In 2021, the manufacturing sector saw a 26.5% increase in production, significantly outperforming the overall economy’s productivity growth of 7.6% (EDB).
Singapore’s robust manufacturing sector has attracted global corporations to establish not only production facilities but also their headquarters, R&D, and supply chain operations, enhancing their ability to service the region. Ranked third in the 2021 Bloomberg Innovation Index for manufacturing value-added (EDB), Singapore is a leading hub for advanced manufacturing. Additionally, with a highly skilled and adaptable workforce, as reflected by its second-place position in the 2022 Global Talent Competitiveness Index, Singapore continues to strengthen its talent pool. The government works closely with educational institutions and industry leaders to equip the workforce with advanced manufacturing skills through national initiatives 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!
