As Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence in 2025, the nation is gearing up for greater changes amidst an increasingly complex landscape. The manufacturing sector, the second largest contributor to Singapore’s GDP currently, will continue to be a critical driving force of the nation’s economic growth. To maintain its momentum of transformation and realise its goals of becoming a global advanced manufacturing hub, Singapore must navigate the disruptions of technologies like AI and learn to balance the intersection of technology with human potential to create a more resilient manufacturing ecosystem.

Themed “Smart Collaboration: Humanising the Future of Manufacturing in the Age of AI”, Manufacturing Day Summit 2025 showcased the transformative role of AI in manufacturing while emphasising the irreplaceable value of human creativity. Graced by Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr. Alvin Tan, the Summit saw a strong turnout of close to 1,500 attendees from the manufacturing scene as well as students from various polytechnics and tertiary institutions.

Building a Collaborative and Sustainable Manufacturing Ecosystem

Key highlights at the Summit include the launch of the MNC-SME Alliance, a transformative initiative where SMF serves as the key facilitator and orchestrator. This Alliance brings together multinational corporations, local SMEs, and crucial ecosystem partners to create a robust collaborative platform that will not only foster collaborations but actively deliver real value to both SMEs and MNCs.

With the participation of Applied Total Control Treatment Pte Ltd (ATC), Lenovo, Zebra Technologies, Continental and IBM, and ecosystem partners A*STAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (A*STAR SIMTech), UOB and the Singapore Institute of Technology’s Innovation Leadership Programme, this alliance aims to support Singapore’s Manufacturing 2030 goals by driving innovation, enhancing supply chain competitiveness, and accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing practices. It will create business opportunities between MNCs and SMEs, while facilitating knowledge sharing, capability building, and co-development opportunities to prepare SMEs for global challenges in alignment with SMF’s Industry 5.0 vision.

The Innovation Leadership Programme (ILP) is a six-day public course designed to equip SMEs with practical strategies and skills to drive innovation, enhance collaboration with MNCs, and scale their operations effectively in a competitive global market.

In the same vein of collaboration, Lenovo also unveiled how they have been working with ST Logistics, one of the largest logistics and warehousing providers in Singapore, to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency through AI, automation and robotics. The joint case study exemplifies Industry 5.0 applications and will pave the way towards a smarter and more innovative manufacturing future.

“The future of manufacturing is not about replacing humans with machines, but about creating a powerful synergy between human ingenuity and AI capabilities,” expressed Lennon Tan, President, Singapore Manufacturing Federation. “Through strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing, we are building a smarter and more resilient manufacturing ecosystem that empowers our workforce, drives innovation, and strengthens Singapore’s position as a global manufacturing hub. This collaborative approach is essential as we look towards the next 60 years and beyond.”

At the Summit, HP, Huawei, Lenovo, Schneider Electric and Zebra Technologies were also accorded Honorary Gold certifications under the Green Excellence for Manufacturing (GEM) Mark programme, part of SMF’s Chief-Sustainability-Officer-as-a-Service (CSOaaS) initiative. This prestigious certification recognises organisations that have achieved advanced sustainability levels and demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable operations. These companies have consistently excelled in sustainability reporting and continually enhanced their sustainability practices, setting a benchmark for others to follow. As a key part of SMF’s efforts to promote green manufacturing, the CSOaaS programme, launched at last year’s Manufacturing Day Summit, empowers SMEs with the tools and guidance necessary to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations, fostering a more sustainable future for the manufacturing industry.

Nurturing a Future-Ready Manufacturing Workforce

In addition, the Manufacturing Day Summit shone a spotlight on the significance of developing a skilled and future-ready manufacturing workforce that will support SG60’s manufacturing ambitions.

SMF launched its Learning and Development Solutions as a Service (L&DSaaS) to address the critical need for a skilled, adaptable workforce in SMEs. By offering tailored training workshops, leadership development, and advanced digital learning platforms, the L&DSaaS provides an avenue to build resilient businesses that thrive in competitive markets through strengthening workforce capabilities, driving innovation, and enhancing operational effectiveness.

The SMF Centre for Corporate Learning (SMF-CCL) also announced that SMF-CCL and Duke Corporate Education (Duke CE) are working on an initiative to empower enterprises to lead a sustainable future amid the climate crisis. Leveraging Duke CE’s global leadership expertise, the collaboration will culminate in an e-learning platform with curated sustainability programmes to equip organisations with the knowledge to tackle complex manufacturing and supply chain challenges, foster innovation and drive sustainable, scalable impact for long-term success.

The L&DSaaS and partnership with Duke CE will target 100 companies and benefit approximately 2,500 employees.

To further support the growth and development of manufacturing SMEs, SMF and NTUC U SME also inked an MOU to create awareness of training available for SMEs to transform their workforce. With SMEs representing 99% of all businesses in Singapore,  SMF and U SME want to encourage SMEs to adopt new technologies; support workers’ training and development; and facilitate harmonious labour-management relations. These will help SMEs become more innovative and productive, and ensure that their workers enjoy better wages, welfare and work prospects sustainably.

Beyond upskilling the existing workforce, SMF is also focused on nurturing the next generation of manufacturing talents. The association inked an MoU with Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Flexspeed Technology Pte. Ltd., which aims to enhance workforce development in Singapore’s manufacturing sector. The five-year collaboration, supported by FANUC, will promote upskilling and technology adoption of robotics automation through customised training programmes, workplace learning initiatives, and technology development projects.

“Sustainability and talent development are twin pillars of a resilient and forward-looking manufacturing sector,” said Dennis Mark, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Manufacturing Federation. “We hope that initiatives and collaborations like these will not only drive innovation and environmental responsibility but also ensure the industry is well-equipped with the talent and capabilities needed to grow Singapore into an advanced manufacturing hub.”

Gearing Up for Singapore’s Next Stage of Manufacturing Growth

A key panel at the Manufacturing Day Summit involving Enterprise Singapore, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Singapore Business Federation, Tai Sin Electric Pte Ltd and UOB dived into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The panel explored how this transformative initiative is redefining cross-border collaboration and innovation, and marked the first major dialogue following the government’s recent announcements on JS-SEZ during the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat.

With the successful conclusion of the JS-SEZ panel, SMF plans to kickstart more of such future engagements with its members by working closely with Enterprise Singapore to facilitate conversations and support members as they internationalise and grow.

After the conclusion of the Manufacturing Day Summit, members of SMF will be working closely with industry players to continue the momentum for Singapore’s manufacturing transformation. This includes organising facility visits to Schneider, Zebra Technologies, A*STAR and ATC to gain deeper insights into the evolving manufacturing landscape and the possibilities of industry 5.0 applications, inspiring innovative ideas and advancements for Singapore.

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