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SMF
onnect
a publication of the SMF \ MICA (P) 113/03/2020
MAR
#SGUNITED:
2021
ISSUE
EMERGING STRONGER,
TOGETHER.
HIGHLIGHTS
Singapore Budget Statement 2021 -
Post Budget Coverage
INSIGHTS
Renewed Hopes of Growth and Optimism
- Singapore Equity Market Outlook
SUCCESS STORIES
Transform to Emerge Stronger
www.smfederation.org.sg
FOREWORD
President’s
Foreword
W
elcome to the very first issue of SMF Connect for the Year 2021! The
year 2020 has been a turbulent year for all due to the pandemic
and we have seen our members brave through the storm as they
pivoted their businesses in their own ways to stay buoyant during this tough
time. Despite the challenges faced, Singapore’s manufacturing sector saw Editorial Advisors Editorial Team
an overall increase in output by 14.3 per cent year-on-year in December last John Kong Nicholas Ngoh
year, which brought an overall growth for 2020 to 7.3 per cent, exceeding Zhang Jia Lin Jessica Loo
estimates. Betty Tan Jane Lee
Birch Sio Ng Wee Kok
Lawrence Pek
As we enter into 2021, a new chapter begins with new challenges and
greater opportunities ahead of us. Singapore is slowly inching towards the For editorial contributions, write to
recovery of the pandemic, and Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Chan Chun contact@smfederation.org.sg
Sing has set a new 10-year plan at the start of this year to grow Singapore’s
manufacturing sector by 50 per cent. This plan will raise the global Publisher
competitiveness of the manufacturing sector and the SMF looks forward to Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF)
2985 Jalan Bukit Merah
be part of this ongoing plan.
Singapore 159457
Tel: +65 6826 3000
In this issue of the SMF Connect, the focus would be how Fax: +65 6826 3008
the manufacturing sector is emerging stronger together Email: contact@smfederation.org.sg
with the SMF. Much like the Singapore Budget 2021 that Website: www.smfederation.org.sg
was announced in February, this issue will highlight events
SMF Connect is a quarterly magazine by the
by the SMF that has benefitted members in all aspects of Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF).
the manufacturing sphere. You will be seeing a wide
array of content ranging from this year’s Budget The SMF takes every reasonable care to ensure
that the information in this publication is
Statement, highlights of events held at the SMF such accurate at time of print. The opinions expressed
as dialogue sessions and soirees, to member success in this publication rest solely with their
stories. This issue will also feature some of our contributors/writers and do not constitute an
endorsement by the SMF.
members who utilise technologies such as cobots
and artificial intelligence (AI) to increase their The SMF reserves the right to accept or reject
efficiency. As the Singapore Budget Statement all editorial or advertising material, and assumes
2021 announced a cut in the S Pass sub-DRC for no responsibility for the return of unsolicited
artwork or manuscripts.
manufacturing, this will be an area of focus for the
manufacturing community. The SMF will continue No portion of this publication may be
to help our members relook their business models reproduced without the permission of the SMF.
as well as implement digital solutions to soften the Distributed to more than 3,000 organisations.
reduction of foreign manpower. Do enjoy this latest
issue of SMF CONNECT. I look forward to meeting
our members in the numerous events and activities
to come!
Mr Douglas Foo Publishing Consultant
President
Singapore Manufacturing Federation
MultiNine Corporation Pte Ltd
Company Registration No. 200408623H
GST Registration No. 20-0408623-H
2 Jalan Rajah #02-06/08
Golden Wall Flatted Factory
Singapore 329134
Tel : (65) 6281 8888, (65) 6254 5995
Fax : (65) 6256 6681, (65) 6254 8468
Email: sales@multinine.com.sg
Website: www.multinine.com.sg
1
contents
HIGHLIGHTS Go Global
The SMF in the News 4 Sistema Asia Group visits the SMF 20
Singapore Budget Statement 2021 Business China visits the SMF 20
– Post Budget Coverage 5 21
YCH Group visits the SMF
Jobs Growth Incentive (JGI) 6 Singapore Ambassador Designate to the Socialist
Dialogue with Secretary-General of the National Trades Republic of Vietnam visits the SMF 21
Union Congress (NTUC) Mr Ng Chee Meng 7
Closed-door dialogue between SMF Council and Enterprises
Enterprise Singapore 8 EEN Singapore Pitching to EEN Global Webinar –
Get to know The Transformation & Technology “Meet our international partners: Enterprise Europe
Function Committee 9 Network Singapore” 22
New members of the SMF getting the mark as “Enhancing Your Exports to Europe for Medical
Supportive Employers of NSmen 10 Devices: Legislations & Certification” Webinar 22
Christmas Soiree 2020 @ the SMF 11 Place-and-Train Programme 23
Hiring in the midst of the Pandemic Webinar 11 Global Ready Talent 25
New Taskforce! Singapore COVID-19 Cleaning and GS1 Singapore 26
Disinfection Industry Taskforce 12 Success Stories from SME Centre@SMF 28
The Packaging Times Redesigning the Roles of Your Talents to be
Future-Ready Workshop 29
What are the 3Rs? 13 Food Standards Committee Strategic Planning
Session 30
WSH Launch of Singapore Standards SS 662:2020 31
Amputations in Metalworking 14
TR78 Virtual Workshop 31
Insights
Renewed Hopes of Growth and Optimism 16 Spotlight
Welcome New Members! 32
Success Stories
Transform to Emerge Stronger 18
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Executive Committee Chairman, Transformation and Lifestyle Mr Ng Tian Beng
President, SMF Technology Mr Kimming Yap Dell Technologies | Channel, Asia
Mr Douglas Foo, BBM Mr Vincent Wong Creativeans Pte Ltd Pacific Japan
Sakae Holdings Ltd Continental Automotive Singapore Mr Lee Tiong Heng
Pte Ltd Life Sciences Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deputy President / Mr Mohan Kumar Mr Yeo Cheong Guan
Chairman, Innovation & Chairman, Membership & Strides Pharma Global Pte Ltd Eng Bee Paper Merchant Pte Ltd
Productivity Function Committee Industry Groups Ms Margareta Laminto
Mr Alessandro Perrotta Mr Patrick Chang Medical Technology Fullerton Health Pte Ltd
Interplex Holdings Pte Ltd Paclin Office Products Pte Ltd SMF Secretariat
Ms Vivian Chua
Metal, Machinery & Engineering HP PPS Singapore (Sales) Pte Ltd
Honorary Secretary Chairman, Youth Network
Mr Ryan Chioh, PBM Ms May Ng Mr Chan Hai Kiang Mr Chua Chee Seong
FarEastFlora.com Pte Ltd ARQon Pte Ltd Flexspeed Technology Pte Ltd Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific
Pte Ltd
Honorary Treasurer Packaging Council of Singapore Ms Zhang Jia Lin
Industry Group Chairmen Ms Betty Tan, PBM Inflo Health Sciences Pte Ltd
Mr Saw Ken Wye
CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd
Building Products & Sin Cheong Containers Mtg Co Pte Ltd
Construction Materials Mr Neo Eng Chong
Makino Asia Pte Ltd
Mr Jason Kurek Smart Automation
Vice President Allegion (Asia) Pte Ltd Mr Adam Hamid
Mr Poh Choon Ann, PBM SMF Secretariat
Naina Mohamed & Sons Pte Ltd
Poh Tiong Choon Logistics Limited
Electrical, Electronics and Allied NB: In alphabetical order by industry Dr Ricky Souw
Mr Teo Eng Cheong Industries group Sanwa Plastic Industry Pte Ltd
Ms Joyce Seow Mr Lim Meng Wee
Emeritus President Watson E.P. Industries Pte Ltd SP Consulting (International) Pte Ltd
Mr Renny Yeo, BBM COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mr Lennon Tan
Energy & Chemicals ADERA Global Group NB: In alphabetical order by company
Chairman, Ethics & Corporate Mr Simon Li
Governance / Public Relations & Feoso Oil (Singapore) Pte. Ltd Ms Angeline Suparto
Angeline Suparto Law Corporation SMF Secretariat
Corporate Communications Mr Lawrence Pek
Mr John Kong Food & Beverage Mr Low Beng Tin, BBM (L) Secretary-General
M Metal Pte Ltd Mr Cheong Chung Kin Assimilated Technologies (S) Pte Ltd
Win Sin Pte Ltd Mr Birch Sio
Chairman, Health, Safety, Concord Associates Pte Ltd
Security & Environment
SMF Secretariat
Information is accurate as of March 2021
FOLLOW
THE SMF
FOR THE LATEST UPDATES!
#SGUNITED
Stay Connected!
Singapore Manufacturing
@smfederation Federation
@smfsg @smfhelps
@smfederation
HIGHLIGHTS
The SMF in “Many of our members acknowledge that it is a necessity
to transform and inculcate digitalisation, resiliency and
the News
sustainability into their business models for manufacturing
of the future,”
SMF President Douglas Foo, Singapore
aims to grow manufacturing sector by
50% over next 10 years, Channel News
Asia (25 January 2021)
“作为拥有88年历史、代表4000名会员的新加坡制造商总会的
会长，我很高兴地指出，就最近宣布的劳资政工作小组，本联
合会支持它针对低薪员工的福利问题展开研究。” SMF President Douglas Foo said the key goals of the
“As the President of the Singapore Manufacturing Government’s 10-year plan for the sector are attainable
Federation (SMF), with its 88 years of history and in with the “unified efforts of different stakeholders”.
representing our 4000 members, I am happy to state that
the SMF supports the work of the recently announced “The SMF welcomes all who are interested to join us on the
Tripartite Workgroup, looking into the welfare of lower- journey we have already started in driving manufacturing
wage workers.” forward into the future”
SMF President Mr Douglas Foo,
SMF President Mr Douglas Foo, Manufacturing sector seeks new edge,
符标熊：劳资政合作的结晶 faster growth, The Straits Times
Lianhe Zaobao (27 November 2020) (26 January 2021)
“如果中小企业，尤其是新加坡的制造业不充分利用这个难得的 “The key goals of the 10-year plan are a challenge, but the
百年一遇的机会，就太可惜了。那将是亚细安的顶峰，之后不太 SMF believes that they are a necessity, and are attainable
可能从第四位再升上第三位。” with the unified efforts of different stakeholders.”
“It would be a pity if small and medium-sized enterprises,
especially those in the Singapore manufacturing sector, do
not make full use of this rare once-in-a-century opportunity. SMF President Mr Douglas Foo,
That is the peak of ASEAN; it is unlikely that it will rise up to Singapore manufacturing value
third place after that.” targeted to grow 50% over 10 years,
The Business Times (26 January 2021)
SMF President Mr Douglas Foo,
制造商总会会长符标熊： 借力深圳同业 抓住
亚细安黄金机遇 “The next 10 year plan will only be able to succeed if
Lianhe Zaobao (30 November 2020) we have more people who are interested to get into
the manufacturing sector. Whether as enterprises, or as
professionals, the deep skill sets they are able to bring
into the enterprises, to transform for the future.”
Douglas Foo, president of the Singapore Manufacturing
Federation, expects growth in the sector to come from
SMF President Mr Douglas Foo, Budget
lean manufacturing and the adoption of new business
2021: What is the manufacturing sector
models that make better use of technology.
hoping to see, Money FM 89.3
(9 February 2021)
SMF President Mr Douglas Foo,
Beyond 2020, the Edge Singapore “Over the years, SMF is proud that many of our members
(24 December 2020) have used innovative design and materials for their
packaging, while fulfilling its purpose of protecting the
product in the package.”
The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) stands “Such innovative thinking and practices will stand
together with Aware and SNEF in taking a stand firmly businesses in good stead, as diversification in supply
against any form of workplace discrimination. chain will always contribute to better business resiliency.”
SMF Secretary General Mr Lawrence Pek,
A less hostile mediation approach is SMF President Mr Douglas Foo,
often better than legal means in tackling Cardboard boxes to get pricier as prices
workplace discrimination: SMF, Today of brown paper shoot up, The Business
Online (6 January 2021) Times (22 Feb 2021)
4
HIGHLIGHTS
Singapore Budget
Statement 2021
– Post Budget Coverage
SMF President Mr Douglas Foo represented the manufacturing community to provide their views
on the Singapore Budget Statement 2021, which was delivered on 16 February 2021 by Deputy
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat. Below are some of the coverages:
“The future is not about making it in bulk. The future
“Manufacturers should hasten their adoption of digital is about customising it. Enterprises that are able
technology and transform their business operations to build a model that understand the needs of the
towards automation. Staff upskilling and retraining are consumers, able to get their products and services
critical... in these challenging times” ready and timely, and customise their products and
services to consumers’ needs are going to be the one
Regarding how wage support helps the manufacturing that are successful.”
sector, The Straits Times (21 Feb 2021)
In Ep 38 of Money Mind: Budget 2021 – Emerging Stronger
Together, Channel News Asia (20 Feb 2021)
“制造业在过去四五年不断地积极转型，通过使用大数据、
数码科技等方式，来减少对人力的依赖并提高生产力，因此
我相信对业者的影响不大。” “The SMF will continue to help our members
“The manufacturing industry has been actively relook their business models and implement
transforming in the past four or five years, reducing digital solutions to soften the reliance on foreign
its dependence on manpower and increasing manpower”
productivity through the use of big data, digital
technology, etc., so I believe it will have little impact Quoted by the Business Times and The Straits Times
on how the SMF will help members cope with the S
on the industry.”
Pass cut (19 Feb 2021)
In the article “S准证比率顶限下调影响不大疫情冲击未减制造业促
灵活实施新措施”
Lianhe Zaobao (18 Feb 2021)
“The Budget is able to target the short-term
challenges that enterprises are facing, so it’s very
“Job seekers need to balance their expectations focused on some of those groups that are heavily
and acquire skill sets needed by firms that are impacted, like aviation and tourism, and at the same
transforming.” time... there are also initiatives helping those on
the rebound to do even better, and to innovate and
On providing more help for gig workers, transform for the challenges and the opportunities
The Straits Times (20 Feb 2021) going forward.”
Mentioned during the ST-UOB Roundtable,
The Straits Times (20 Feb 2021)
“因为他们都是出口到国际的，所以他们对于国际市场的竞
争力，也促使他们很快的，也走上数码化的一个新的转型政
策。”
“Because they export globally, competition in the
global markets have pushed these industries to
quicken their transformation towards digitalisation.”
On the question of why some industries have digitalised,
制造业S准证持有者比率将在接下来两年收紧, 8world (17 Feb 2021)
SMF President Mr Douglas Foo on 8world News, 17 Feb 2021
Scan this QR code to see the SMF’s Media Release on
Singapore Budget Statement 2021
5
HIGHLIGHTS
Dialogue with
Secretary-General of
the National Trades
Union Congress (NTUC)
Mr Ng Chee Meng
I
n our final dialogue session for 2020, the SMF was questions from training challenges, support for
honoured to have the Secretary-General of the businesses that are actively hiring, as well as ongoing
National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Mr Ng Chee challenges for employers as the pandemic continues
Meng take part in a dialogue session with our members. to take its toll.
The session covered a wide range of topics from
training and employment challenges arising from the In response to members’ questions, Mr Ng stated the
pandemic, competitiveness of the Singapore workforce main benefit of an NTUC membership is the protection
and the support available for businesses from the NTUC of the workers in partnership with employers. NTUC
network. co-creates partnerships with the companies, and is a
pillar in Singapore society with a broader strategy for
Mr Ng started the session noting the key role that win-win-win for all parties in the tripartite alliance. Mr
manufacturing plays - besides being a key contributor Ng urged companies to plug into the NTUC network to
to the GDP, more importantly, the sector is a crucial access support for training, operations and technology
employer. Especially with the ongoing pandemic, the road mapping and other schemes.
resilience of jobs in the manufacturing sector is a key
pillar for the Singapore economy. Mr Ng also noted that Mr Ng concluded the session with the conversation on
the world is changing, and this change is accelerated the future of manufacturing, with the direction towards
by the pandemic. For the manufacturing sector, advance manufacturing. It is a conversation that needs
Industry 4.0 (i4.0) comes to the fore and adoption of to be supported by the discussion on the future of
technology and acquisition of skills is now imperative. work. It is increasingly critical that the workforce is
It was especially timely that e2i launched the Worker aligned with the necessary skills as well. Singapore
4.0 programme in 2019 to equip the workforce with enjoys a strong foundation with one of the best
i4.0 ready skills. The continued focus and investment workforce in the world. However, Mr Ng stressed that
in worker training will create a future-ready workforce, our success is hard won; we came from a third world
as well as one that is resilient to disruptions and in county, and are now a first world, cosmopolitan state
demand in the international community. Mr Ng added within 50 years. What this means is that in this time,
that trade associations like the SMF are key partners our population was actively learning and upskilling.
to the NTUC. As part of Singapore’s tripartite alliance, Younger workers who now make up two-thirds of our
the SMF and NTUC need to work closely together to workforce, have an immense learning capacity. They
overcome challenges and identify new opportunities. are proactively signing up for learning courses and
have a strong learning quotient. This is the value that
Members took the opportunity to ask a range of will fuel Singapore’s continued growth. n
Members present at the Dialogue Session SMF President Mr Douglas Foo presenting NTUC Secretary-General Mr Ng Chee Meng
Token of Appreciation to NTUC Secretary- (left) and SMF President Mr Douglas Foo
General Mr Ng Chee Meng (left) (right) at Dialogue Session
7
HIGHLIGHTS
Closed-door dialogue between
SMF Council and
Enterprise Singapore
T
he SMF was pleased to have a closed-door
dialogue session with the CEO of Enterprise
Singapore (ESG) Mr Png Cheong Boon and
his team on 22 January 2021. Plans on how both
organisations can further grow the manufacturing
sector in Singapore through their joint efforts were the
key topics for discussion.
SMF President Mr Douglas Foo kicked off the dialogue
session by sharing some initiatives that were rolled out
to help members in the current pandemic and thanked
ESG for their support. Mr Png then in turn expressed
his gratitude for the support that the Council and
Secretariat staff at the SMF have provided to ESG. He
then added that the Industrial Transformation Asia-
Pacific (ITAP) trade fair has been a continued success
which positioned Singapore as the manufacturing base
to showcase the best and latest expertise by companies
in Singapore. SMF Secretary-General Mr Lawrence Pek
also shared some of the SMF’s initiatives and plans for
the future during the dialogue session where Mr Png
expressed his excitement to see what was in store for
the SMF. Dialogue Session with Enterprise Singapore (ESG) at SMF Concourse
Auditorium
The dialogue session also covered the current
trends and challenges in the manufacturing sector
in Singapore and how both organisations can work
together to improve the manufacturing community.
The overall focus is to find ways to create jobs that
Singaporeans would want to work in as well as market
the manufacturing industry to the younger generation
to join the sector. Mr Png then suggested ways that
the SMF can continue to champion the manufacturing
sector and assist to champion upgrading of workers’
capabilities and uplift the industries.
As the SMF is the largest trade federation that
represents the manufacturing community, ESG SMF Secretary-General Mr Lawrence Pek presented SMF Member’s
commented that the SMF is in a good position to Feedback and SMF’s future plans
draw on others and leverage on leading companies to
uplift weaker companies so as to strike a balance in
the manufacturing community and grow as a whole.
He also highlighted the importance of having foreign
competition in Singapore to allow companies to know
their competitors and ensure that every company in
Singapore will prosper together.
The SMF is grateful for the feedback and suggestions
received from ESG and looks forward to continuing its
collaboration with the government to better prepare
for the future of manufacturing in Singapore. n
SMF President Mr Douglas Foo presenting a token of appreciation to
ESG CEO Mr Png Cheong Boon (left)
8HIGHLIGHTS
Get to know The
Transformation &
Technology Function
Committee
4. What are the emerging trends you foresee that will
impact the manufacturing sector?
I foresee the following three manufacturing trends:
1. Digitalisation
As manufacturing transits into the Industrial Internet of
Things (IIOT), the availability of high quality production
data will enable businesses to make smart and timely
decisions and optimise processes. Operations adopting
data analytics will gain business competitiveness
with higher yield, shorter downtime and greater asset
efficiency and utilization. Cybersecurity solutions will
play a bigger role to secure our connected factories
T&T FC Chairman, Mr Vincent Wong
against cyber threats and authenticate products
T
he Information & Communications Technology & 2. Robotics
New Technologies Function Committee (ICT FC) Smart factories will have a seamless integration of
has recently gone through an overhaul with a robotics solution to augment the existing automation
new name change to the Transformation & Technology systems. Cobots will complement the human workforce,
Function Committee (T&T FC). The SMF Connect while autonomous mobile robots will provide flexibility
team sat down with the T&T FC Chairman Mr Vincent needed for agile and lean manufacturing.
Wong to find out his vision and plans for the FC to help
manufacturers emerge stronger together. 3. Additive Manufacturing (AM)
With the advancement of AM technologies and
1. Why is there a need to change the name to T&T FC? materials, businesses can produce complex products
We have two great reasons to do so: and reduce material waste, logistic costs and inventories.
• The emergence of new innovative technologies in It is suitable for catering to specific low-volume high-
manufacturing mix production.
• And the exciting transformation currently happening
in the manufacturing industry. 5. What is your advice to members who are still
A name change of the committee reflects our new focus considering adopting digital tools?
areas. With rising operational costs and labour shortages, the
manufacturing sector has to undergo a transformational
2. What is the direction of the renewed FC? phase towards digitalisation. The Manufacturing Vision
The committee aims to identify and introduce new, 2030 announced earlier this year will also further push
emerging yet practical technologies to SMF members our sector to transform so that it will continue to sustain
and the local manufacturing community. growth. Therefore, I will advise members to enhance
their business competitiveness now by adopting
3. How do you intend to create awareness of new Industry 4.0 (i4.0) model to overcome the challenges
and emerging technologies to the manufacturing mentioned. n
community?
We intend to run a series of new technologies seminars The T&T FC* comprises of:
T&T FC Chairman Mr Vincent Wong (Continental Automotive Singapore)
and host visits to state-of-the-art manufacturing T&T FC Deputy Chairman Mr Ng Tian Beng (DELL Technologies)
facilities and research centres. Surveys and working T&T FC Member Mr David Chia (Beckhoff Automation Pte Ltd)
T&T FC Member Dr Anton Ravindran (Global ICT Training &
group sessions will also be launched to understand Certification Pte Ltd)
technology adoption rates. This will help the committee T&T FC Member Mr Lee Theam Wah (Opex Consulting group LLP)
to further shape awareness events that will serve our
* as of 22 Feb 2021
manufacturing community.
9HIGHLIGHTS
New members of the SMF
getting the mark as
SUPPORTIVE
EMPLOYERS OF NSMEN
“
National Service (NS) is vital for Employers and businesses can support
a strong defence force, which in NSman employees to harmonise work-
turn provides a secure and stable life-NS commitments by implementing
environment for the country to thrive pro-NS practices, creating a supportive
and prosper. Better recruitment environment and facilitating a better
prospects and talent retention are just understanding of NS. This will allow
some examples that employers can NSman employees to have peace of
expect if there is a work environment mind during their NS training and to
that is supportive and appreciative of concentrate better and give their best
NS. when back at work, thus creating a
better quality workforce.
“The Singapore Manufacturing
Federation (SMF) will continue to be Employers and businesses are
an active advocate for National Service encouraged to pledge their support
within the manufacturing community,” and sign up for NS Mark today! Find
said Mr Ian Lee, Director of Membership out more about NS Mark at www.
and Global Business at the SMF. NSmark.sg or email NSOutreach_
NSD’s booth at the SMF event NSD@defence.gov.sg for more details.
n
and is heartened that many of our
members have since signed up for
the NS Mark. We will continue to
encourage our members to support
our servicemen in performing their NS
duties for a safe and secure Singapore,”
said Mr Douglas Foo, President of the
SMF.
The event, split into two sessions to
adhere to safe management capacities
Mr Ian Lee highlighting the importance of in the current COVID-19 situation, was
employer support for NS, in his opening attended by representatives from
address
40 companies. About 50% of these
companies pledged their support on
He was speaking at a networking the spot after engaging with staff from
event for new SMF members on 14 NSD.
Jan 2021. National Service Directorate
(NSD), which was one of four external While a few expressed that they had
agencies invited by SMF, set up a little awareness of the scheme prior to
booth to raise awareness of employer the event, they were heartened that
support for NS and how their members MINDEF recognises employers that are
could be recognised as supportive supportive of NS.
employers through NS Mark.
“We have always been supportive of
NS Mark is a national-level accreditation our national servicemen but we did
scheme to recognise businesses and not know MINDEF recognises such
employers who demonstrated support supportive acts through the NS Mark.
for NS and Total Defence. It is a very good initiative,” said Mr
Jude Ananth, Business Development An employer pledging his support
“The SMF is proud to be a steadfast Manager, Electromech Technologies
partner with NSD over the years Pte Ltd.
10HIGHLIGHTS
Christmas Celebration
2020 @ the SMF
T
he SMF held its annual Christmas celebration during its new members’
soiree on 9 December 2020, with support from the event partner RHB
Bank Singapore. Over 50 SMF Member companies (in two separate
sessions due to Safe Management Measures) participated in the festivities.
The celebration kicked off with a welcome speech by SMF’s director for
Membership and Industry Groups (MEMIG) Department, Mr Ian Lee, where
he encouraged attendees to use the Christmas Soiree as a platform to
exchange ideas and explore new possibilities as well as to create long-term
relationships with one another.
SMF Secretary-General Mr Lawrence Pek
giving out lucky draw prizes to our winners
The attendees were welcomed to the event with goodie bags generously
sponsored by a few SMF members including Theo10 Pte Ltd and Cheng Yew
Heng Candy Factory Pte Ltd.
During the Chistmas celebration, attendees got to participate in a Christmas
Quiz and networking session. Prizes included a Nescafe Coffee Machine and
Apple Airpods. At the end of the celebration, the attendees gave feedback
that they fully enjoyed the festivities that were planned out for them.
The celebration concluded with light refreshments where attendees were
treated to a sumptuous snack box filled with traditional Nonya Kuehs and a SMF Secretary-General Mr Lawrence Pek,
gingerbread cookie to cater to the festive mood. n together with Ms Jacqueline You-Seah from
RHB Bank Singapore giving out the 1st prize of
the lucky draw – a pair of Apple Airpods
Hiring in the midst of
the Pandemic Webinar
T
o support the employment opportunities that companies could manpower challenges. If you are
facilitation efforts and lower tap on to solve their manpower facing any manpower issues or
the unemployment rate in issues. require job matching support, please
Singapore, the SMF has their own contact Mr K Gopalakrishnan at
Human Resource Project Manager The HRPM stationed at the SMF is 6826 3071. n
(HRPM) to help match Singaporean always ready to help resolve your
candidates with SMF Member
companies to meet their manpower
needs.
On 13 January 2021, the SMF held a
webinar that was jointly-organised
with the Institute of Technical
Education (ITE) and Singapore
Institute of Management (SIM) titled
“Hiring in the Midst of the Pandemic”.
In this webinar, companies got to
learn about the hiring challenges in
2021 and solutions to resolve these
challenges. Besides that, both ITE
and SIM shared some internship Human Resource Project Manager Work-Study Diploma
11HIGHLIGHTS
New Taskforce!
Singapore COVID-19
Cleaning and Disinfection
Industry Taskforce
T
he SMF has launched a new taskforce – the Singapore • Products to be excluded from the cleaning and disinfectant
COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfection Industry product list
Taskforce (CDITF). This is an initiative by the SMF • Safety measures to manufacture cleaning and disinfectant
Energy & Chemicals (E&C) Industry Group (IG) to set up a products
platform for the disinfection and hygiene industry.
• Product quality management – maintaining standards of
product quality
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has
been a sudden surge in demand for cleaning, disinfection • General requirements for cleaning and disinfectant
and hygiene products for both consumers and institutional products
use. This has also brought about a lack of clarity and • Label requirements to display on cleaning and disinfectant
confusion over the correct products to use that will clean products
and disinfect the surrounding to protect people from the • Claims advisory related to efficacy
virus. As the virus continues to ravage the world, it is critical
for the business community to work together to promote
Webinar with the Independent Commodity Intelligence
safe and quality cleaning products to the SIngapore
Services
population. Therefore, the CDITF is set up with the aim to
achieve the following objectives: During the launch of the Guidance, the Taskforce held
a webinar together with the Independent Commodity
• To discuss COVID-19 related issues relevant to the
Intelligence Services (ICIS). Market Development Director
Cleaning, Disinfection and Hygiene industry
Ms Malini Hariharan and Markets Editor Ms Yuanlin Koh
• Promote innovation through capacity building of technical from ICIS shared how the markets for isopropyl alcohol
expertise in the industry (IPA) ethanol and fatty alcohols experienced significant
• Share and support best practices to encourage industry disruption in 2020 due to pandemic-led demand and
competitiveness supply disruptions playing a major role. They also gave their
• Collaborate with Government agencies and academia to insights on key issues and the outlook scenario for demand
build public trust and supply of disinfectant raw materials for 2021.
• Ensure quality and safe products for consumers and
institutional customers
• Educate the public on best practices for cleaning,
disinfection and hygiene
The taskforce currently consists of founding members
from companies such as 3M Singapore, Procter & Gamble,
PZ Cussons, SuperSteam Asia Pacific, Aik Moh Paints &
Chemicals.
Disinfectant Industry Guidance
The Taskforce has recently launched the Disinfectant
Industry Guidance on 20 January 2021. This guide is a
collaborative effort with the National Environment Agency
The CDITF held a webinar for the Cleaning and Disinfectant Industry
(NEA) and it references to overseas standards such as the and launched the Disinfectant Industry Guidance on 20 January 2021.
European Standard - EN 1040 and EN 13697.
The guidance serves as an informational guide to provide The Taskforce is inviting representatives from organisations
industry benchmarks for quality, safety and efficacy of in the Cleaning and Disinfectant Industry to join the
surface disinfectants. While it does not replace any existing Taskforce to provide better representation for the industry.
regulatory obligations, it provides additional information For more information on this taskforce, please contact SMF
that may assist the industry in meeting existing regulatory Secretariat Ms Prasunna Ramadas @ 6826 3045. n
obligations. The guidance also seeks to foster the
appropriate use of products as directed.
The Disinfectant Industry Guidance covers the following
areas:
Scan the QR code to view the Guidance!
12THE PACKAGING TIMES
What are THE 3Rs?
T
he 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) is one of Resource Guidebook for Packaging 3Rs
Singapore’s key strategies for solid waste
management. In land scarce Singapore, the The Packaging Partnership Programme (PPP) will be
3Rs are key to encourage and promote sustainable launching a Resource Guidebook for Packaging 3Rs
consumption. The 3Rs stand for1: which aims to help organisations develop and implement
• Reduce – To minimise the amount of waste that needs packaging 3R initiatives through the showcase of
to be treated or disposed of by reducing the amount relevant and successful case studies. Through these
of material used at source case studies, organisations will be able to learn practical
and useful information relating to packaging 3Rs, and
• Reuse – To use an object or material again, either for
the measures that they can implement to their operating
its original or similar purpose, without significantly
processes.
altering the physical form of the object or material
• Recycle – The process of transforming waste materials The Resource Guidebook will help organisations that are
into a reusable form which may or may not be similar seeking to improve their packaging resource efficiency,
to the original product as well as obligated companies that are required to
submit their packaging reports and 3R plans to comply
The benefits of practising the 3Rs go beyond reducing with the Mandatory Packaging Reporting (MPR)
the amount of waste disposed of. There are other requirements to learn, plan, and implement relevant 3R
benefits that could be be reaped such as the competitive practices within their operations. Do look out for it!
advantages that companies can gain through
improvement in resource efficiency, reduction of waste Workshops and trainings under the PPP
disposal costs and enhancement of its corporate image.
The PPP conducts workshops and trainings regularly
What is a waste management hierarchy? to familiarise companies with the MPR requirements
and build industry capability in sustainable packaging
Avoid and reduce waste at the source Most Preferred waste management. To read about past workshops and
trainings or to find out more on upcoming programmes,
do visit our website: http://www.packaging-partnership.
Reuse waste org.sg.
Recycle waste
SIGN UP AS A PPP MEMBER TODAY!
Recover Least Preferred
energy If you would like to receive first-hand news on upcoming
workshops and trainings, as well as the latest information
Diagram 1. Waste management hierarchy2 on the MPR, sign up as a PPP member now! To sign
up, simply visit http://www.packaging-partnership.
org.sg/PPP-membership-application-form or scan the
The waste management hierarchy highlights the most QR code below. Membership is free! Please email the
preferred waste management method to the least Secretariat at secretariat@packaging-partnership.org.
preferred. The most preferred approach is to avoid and sg or call 6826 3042 for more information. n
reduce the generation of waste, followed by reusing
the material as much as possible, and lastly to recycle
the waste, so that resources can be recovered for use.
With reference to the waste management hierarchy,
companies can think about some of these packaging
waste minimisation processes:
• Can you reduce the amount of materials used in
the packaging while still serving its functions (e.g. 1. https://www.nea.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resource/3r-guidebook-
protecting the product)? for-hotels.pdf
2. Adapted from the Food Waste Management Hierarchy (https://www.
• If you cannot reduce the amount of materials used, nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/3r-programmes-and-
can your packaging be reused after it has served its resources/food-waste-management)
original purpose?
• If the packaging cannot be reused, can your packaging
material be recycled after it has served its original
purpose?
13WSH
AMPUTATIONS IN
METALWORKING
O
f all the manufacturing sub-sectors • Repairing and maintenance of rebars,
in Singapore, the metalworking wood and metals using mechanised
sub-sector contributes to majority tools
(~15%) of all hand and finger injuries that • Cutting of rebars and beams using
have resulted in amputations. These cutting machines and mechanised tools
incidents happened when workers were • Manual handling of metal items such as
engaged in the following activities: steel plates, pipes and bars
Source: Amputations at work: What do we know about it? WSHI Institute, WSH Institute Annual Report 2017
CASE STUDY OF AMPUTATION INCIDENT
IN A METALWORKING COMPANY
A worker’s thumb was severed when covered the top half of the disc cutter,
using a rotating abrasive disc cutter to leaving the bottom half of the disc exposed
cut a flat metal bar. This occurred when he for cutting works. The worker proceeded
tried to steady the disc cutter by holding with the cutting by holding the metal bar
down the metal bar while the machine down with his right hand, even though the
was vibrating violently. metal bar had to be clamped on the vice
before work could start. This resulted in his
It was found that the disc cutter was right hand coming in direct contact with
mounted on 4 castor wheels and hence, the rotating disc cutter, which eventually
started to vibrate as it was not balanced caused his right thumb to be cut off.
or maintained properly. A fixed guard
14WSH
The following recommendations 1
and learning points can be taken
into consideration when doing Risk
Assessment: 2
• The fixed machine guard should be
designed to cover the disc cutter so that
the cutting edge exposed is minimal. It
can be replaced with a self-adjusting
guard that exposes the cutting edge
3
only when needed during cutting.
• Grinding or abrasive cutting machines 1. The handle for moving the abrasive disc for cutting
should not be mounted on castor wheels 2. The abrasive disc
3. The vice for clamping material for cutting
as it creates instability during cutting
operations.
1
• Workers should be specifically trained
to operate the disc cutter machine. The
training should also cover the emergency
response procedure on what and how to
react under situations when operation is
2
‘abnormal’. e.g. Noisy or strong vibration
• Safe Work Procedures should be
developed to be in line with operation 3
manuals. New hires or staff new to the
job should be given on-the-job training
and supervision till they are ready to
work with the equipment safely. 1. The handle for moving the abrasive disc for cutting
2. The “on/off” push button control for activating the disc cutter
3. The metal guard that exposed the bottom half of the abrasive
Source: Case Studies for Metalworking Industry, WSH disc for cutting
Council
WSH COUNCIL MATERIALS FOR MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
1. WSH Guidelines on Managing Safety and Health for SMEs in the
Metalworking Industry
2. WSH Guidelines on Safe Use of Machinery
3. Case Studies for the Metalworking Industry
4. Checklist for Working Safely with Machines
5. 6 Handy Tips for Safe Hands
6. Look. Think. Do. – 6 Basic WSH Rules for Working with Machines (English,
Mandarin)
15Insights
RENEWED HOPES
OF GROWTH AND
OPTIMISM
Singapore equity market outlook
Contributed by Research Department of RHB Bank Singapore
Economic output showing signs of recovery correlated with Singapore’s GDP growth. At the time of
from the severe downturn in 2020 writing, STI is already up 8.3% YTD and is amongst the
best performing markets in Asia.
I
n 2021, Singapore’s economy is expected to grow by
5.8%, better than the 5.5% expansion predicted earlier, There is a positive correlation between STI returns
according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s and STI EPS growth with Singapore’s GDP growth
survey of professional forecasters published in March 80% 25%
2021. RHB’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth
20%
forecast for Singapore stands at 5.5%, which is slightly 60%
higher than the midpoint of 4%-6% forecast provided by 40%
15%
the Ministry of Trade and Industry. 10%
20%
5%
The Government’s ability to contain the COVID-19 0%
outbreak and provision of continued fiscal support for 0%
-20%
businesses and people has led to an increase in optimism -5%
on the improvement of domestic economic activities. -40% -10%
Expected acceleration in the pace of inoculation in
-60% -15%
Singapore and globally, leading to the resumption of
May-09
May-11
May-13
May-15
May-17
May-19
Jan-08
Sep-08
Jan-10
Sep-10
Jan-12
Sep-12
Jan-14
Sep-14
Jan-16
Sep-16
Jan-18
Sep-18
Jan-20
Sep-20
travel, offers material upside risk for Singapore’s growth
outlook.
STI returns (YoY) Real GDP (YoY) (RHS)
2021 budget offers balance between continuing 40% 25%
support and focus on long term growth 30% 20%
20% 15%
While the measures announced in Singapore’s 2021
Budget shows an appropriate moderation of last year’s 10% 10%
significant stimulus, the continued fiscal support for 0% 5%
businesses and people that continue to be impacted by
10% 0%
the pandemic will materially support the level of activity
20% 5%
in the economy. The budget was also notable in its tilt,
from last year, towards a focus on securing Singapore’s 30% 10%
long-term economic growth prospects e.g. upskilling 40% 15%
of workforce, digitalisation initiatives and building a
Sep 08
May 09
Sep 10
May 11
Sep 12
May 13
Sep 14
May 15
Sep 16
May 17
Sep 18
May 19
Sep 20
Jan 08
Jan 10
Jan 12
Jan 14
Jan 16
Jan 18
Jan 20
sustainable Singapore.
STI BF EPS growth Real GDP (YoY) (RHS)
Singapore’s Straits Times Index (STI) has Source: Bloomberg
generated strong returns in years of positive
economic growth Amidst expectations of an economic recovery, Street is
also holding on to its expectations of strong earnings per
The expectations of further improvement in Singapore’s share (EPS) growth for the STI in 2021. Positive business
GDP growth over the next 12 months should be positive updates and more optimistic guidance provided by
for the equity market. This is because, historically, the corporate management since 3Q20 earnings season has
STI’s forward EPS growth and returns have been closely offered hope that Street has been too conservative on
16Insights
the earnings outlook for STI. The Street has upgraded We have an overweight rating on banks, property,
the 12-month forward EPS estimate for STI by 13% since land transport and consumer sectors as we expect
end September 2020. During the latest earnings season, these sectors to be long-term winners in an impending
the positive earnings’ surprises came from the financial, economic recovery. We also like long-term value in
commodities, and telecom sectors. We have seen technology manufacturing sector given the expected
earnings’ upgrades in multiple sectors, with material robust demand for IT-related infrastructure and life
upgrades in the financial sector. We expect STI EPS to science equipment.
grow 30% and 13% in 2021 and 2022.
In the Large-cap space, our Top Picks are CapitaLand,
Valuations for the STI is quite compelling as well. ComfortDelGro, DBS, SingTel, ST Engineering, Thai
The index is trading at the lowest forward P/E when Beverage and Wilmar. In the Small and Mid-cap space, our
compared to its ASEAN peers and offers one of the Top Picks are ARA Logos Logistics Trust, China Aviation
highest dividend yields amongst Asian markets. Oil, Frencken Group, Fu Yu Corp and Prime US REIT.
Position your portfolio to take advantage of the Key risks on the outlook
economic recovery
While expectations are gradually being shaped by
We recommend investors employ a balanced investment prospects of an end to the virus-related disruption, the
strategy that combines tactical positions in cyclical risk of virus mutation still implies that the outlook can be
value stocks while retaining long-term positions in very uncertain. In addition, there are also risks for further
defensive high yielding stocks. We see opportunities escalation of trade war between the US and China. On
for underperformers of 2020 playing catch up in 2021 the upside, a more certain upturn than what is built in
as businesses revert back to some sort of normalcy the baseline could come about if vaccination rates pick-
towards 2H21. 2021 could be a year where we could see up in the next few months and the inoculation targets
a wide dispersion in the returns generated between are reached earlier than expected, coronavirus mutations
winners and losers. are contained, and fiscal policy imparts a stronger than
expected impulse to private spending. n
RHB Top Picks
Source: RHB, Bloomberg. Price and ratings are accurate as at 15 March 2021
17Success Stories
Transform to
Emerge Stronger
Baker’s Oven Pattisieries –
Opportunities through automation
caterers, corporate offices, hotels, airline generated during production activities by
industry, private receptions and event 2% and doubled its production capacity.
organisers for all occasions as well as The quality of its products improved
their six retail stores. with the automated production line by
providing a consistent quality of all its
To cope with manpower issues, prevent products. This was one of the concerns
food safety hazards, and reduce wastage that was raised by customers.
of ingredients, Baker’s Oven Pattisieries
invested in a fully automated production Baker’s Oven Pattisieries now aims
line where everything from the production to generate more revenue as it opens
of pastries to packaging of its products itself to more export opportunities. It
is automated. The implementation of the also plans to focus more on research
fully automated production line is made and development to produce more
possible with grants from the Enterprise innovative products to keep its business
Singapore (ESG) to help fund the sustainable. Lastly, it plans to prioritise
transformation. Another technology the digital marketing with the aim to reach
Mr Jason Ng, Founder of Baker’s Oven
Pattisieries company implemented to its operations out to more customers and expand its
is the POS system at its retail stores that brand awareness. n
B
aker’s Oven Pattisieries is one of helps to improve the overall efficiency of
Singapore’s leading manufacturers its sales at the physical stores.
and wholesale supplier of frozen
bakery products, cakes, bread, traditional Upon the implementation of these
Asian biscuits, and festive seasons’ technologies, Baker’s Oven Pattisieries
products. It provides customisation of reduced almost 50 percent of manpower Scan this QR code to watch
bakery products for corporate clients and that is required to operate on the Baker’s Oven Pattisieries’ fully
supplies to hypermarkets, supermarkets, production floor. It also managed to automated production line in
cafes, petrol kiosks, food caterers, school reduce the amount of wastage that was action.
Delphic Manufacturing Solution –
Digitalising Operations for its Workers
E
stablished in 1995, Delphic implementation of these technologies,
Manufacturing Solution is a the nature of the company transformed
service provider in Singapore where its operations become more
that specialises in High-Mix Low- data driven and its staff ventured more
Volume precision tooling, with a focus into fact finding and approached their
on engineering processes and quality problems differently.
checks. The company also produces
parts and tools for its customers’ The company tapped on grants to
production line. help fund some of the technologies it
implemented in its operations. One of
The company came up with an which is the work-life grant which helped
Operational Technology Roadmap (OTR) to fund its digital HRM system. The
and decided to digitalise its operations purpose of implementing this system
and upskill its workers to keep up with is to allow staff to work from home. It
the trends in the industry. The company was fully implemented by the company
implemented several technologies in 2019, which was a step ahead as the Mr Tan Ru Ding, Director of Delphic
like additive manufacturing and laser company was prepared to work remotely Manufacturing Solution
cutting to increase the efficiency of even before the COVID-19 pandemic
its production processes as well as happened. The company is currently
an Overall Equipment Effectiveness applying for the Enterprise Development
Monitoring System (OEEMS) to help keep Grant (EDG) to digitalise its welding
track of the activity and effectiveness of processes as well as collect data on its
each machine used in production. The welding work.
company also implemented automated
inspection machines to assist its older Delphic Manufacturing Solution’s next
workers to carry out inspection processes step is to fully digitalise its operations Scan this QR code to watch the
easily and more effectively. Upon the and roll out the Industry 4.0 solutions to technologies in action.
be implemented in its processes. n
18Success Stories
Strides Pharma Global Pte Ltd –
Working hand in hand with machines
S
trides Pharma Global Pte Ltd is execution of process operations, technologies where productivity, quality
a pharmaceutical formulation improve production output, regulatory of its products and labour issues have
manufacturing and export company compliance and data integrity. These seen great results. This also increases
based in Tuas Biomedical Park, Singapore. include the implementation of paperless its level of compliance for Good
Strides Pharma manufactures tablets and batch record and electronic logbooks Manufacturing Practice (GMP), which
capsules in finished forms primarily for for both production and laboratory is a system to ensure pharmaceutical
the US markets. operations. With these technologies, the products are consistently produced and
company can significantly reduce human controlled according to quality standards.
The company has implemented errors and improve its compliance and
several technologies to maximise their quality objectives. Strides Pharma is working towards
productivity and be less reliant on achieving its design capacity and hiring
manual labour. It implemented a highly The company has seen improvements new headcounts to support the increasing
automated laser-based tablet inspection ever since the implementation of these volumes with the introduction of new
machine that uses a 3D camera system, value added products. It is also looking
which is capable of identifying defects to fully implement the Manufacturing
as low as 20 microns. This allows for a Execution System (MES) system to
high level of quality control and reduces achieve paperless manufacturing
manpower crunch as the machine operations. Lastly, the company plans
only require at most two operators as to invest in new equipment that include
compared to 10 operators conducting a second filling and packing line, third
the inspection manually. tablet compression machine and another
tablet inspection machine to further
Another technology the company improve its processes. n
implemented to aid its manufacturing
processes is an Automated Continuous
Coater which is able to complete coating
a single batch of tablets in five hours as
compared to a conventional batch coating
machine which would take 24 hours to
do the same job. Besides automation, Scan this QR code to see the
Strides Pharma has also implemented Mr Mohan Kumar, CEO & Managing Director of technologies used in their
Strides Pharma Global Pte Ltd processes in action.
a few IT systems to ensure an effective
IX Technology Pte Ltd – MOVING INTO CLOUD
Ltd to transform its legacy spreadsheet Management System to increase its
and paper-based processes into a fully efficiency. The operations team is now
integrated data platform. This is a cloud- able to respond and perform day-to-day
based, mobile-first technology that allows operations swiftly.
workflow automation around client, site,
asset, contract, service request, resource The company aims to further develop
and work order management, scheduling its business intelligence and analytics
and dispatch, field enablement, mobile capabilities with the system to track
application, digital check lists and service KPIs and improve on the operational
reporting functions. and business health of its service
operations. It also aims to leverage
Before the implementation of the system, on IoT and machine learning to work
Mr Steven Lee, Managing Director of IX IXT had a paper-based system which was towards condition-based and predictive
Technology Pte Ltd complex, time consuming, error-proned maintenance strategies. This is to reduce
and slow. The system was tedious to equipment downtime by predicting and
I
X Technology Pte Ltd (IXT) is a organise. Dispatchers used to struggle acting on impending problems before
professional Mechanical & Electrical with emergency job planning and it was breakdown while optimising resources
(M&E) Infrastructure Solution Partner difficult to make accurate adjustments by performing work only when needed. n
that specialises in turnkey design on the fly. They also had no visibility on
and build solutions, additional and whether technicians run into problems,
alteration (A&A) enhancement works, delays or complete jobs ahead of
preventive maintenance services with schedule. Miscommunications occurred
technical support, data centre audit, and frequently along the broken process as
consultancy services for mission-critical the company lacked a proper system to
environment. monitor KPIs and analyse its operations
and service efficacy. Therefore, tapping Scan this QR code to watch
IXT uses the Field Service Management on the Enterprise Development Grant, the Field Service Management
System developed by FTV Labs Pte it implemented the Field Service System in action.
19GO GLOBAL
Sistema Asia Group
visits the SMF
E
xecutive Director of Sistema Asia for start-up companies and SMEs. In Mr Foo mentioned that the SMF could
Group, Mr Leonid Musatov and order to reach out to more companies help link SMF member companies with
Chief Executive Officer of Sistema to cement Singapore’s position as a Sistema Asia Group member companies
Asia Capital, Mr Edward Tay, paid a business hub among ASEAN countries, from Russia, Europe, USA and India. This
courtesy visit to the SMF on 8 January the company is keen to explore will help business to be diversified for
2021. SMF President Mr Douglas Foo collaborative opportunities with the SMF growth opportunities. n
warmly welcomed both leaders and such as exchanging of business leads.
shared the role of the SMF and the local
manufacturing sector.
During the visit, Mr Musatov shared how
the Sistema Asia Group has supported
businesses in developing their expertise
and reduce financial risks globally. He
also indicated that Sistema Asia Group
is currently partnering with Enterprise
Singapore (ESG) on the SG-tech
innovation network to boost the tech
economy in Singapore.
Mr Tay also introduced their venture Mr Leonid Musatov (third from left) and Mr SMF President Mr Douglas Foo presented a
capital arm, Sistema Asia Capital, which Edward Tay (first from left) visited the SMF. token of appreciation to Mr Leonid Musatov
(middle) and Mr Edward Tay (left)
offers long-term growth opportunities
Business China
visits the SMF
C
EO of Business China and Member During the visit, Ms Tin emphasised the She also shared that, Business China
of Parliament for MacPherson role of Business China in Singapore’s has set up an internship fund to sponsor
constituency, Ms Tin Pei Ling, bilingual efforts at the macro level. In internship immersion in China in order to
visited the SMF on 11 January 2021. the context of the rapid globalisation provide more opportunities for young
SMF President Mr Douglas Foo warmly era, Singaporeans must continue to Singaporeans to learn about China.
welcomed Ms Tin and her team of build on their bilingual capabilities and
delegates from Business China and bicultural recognition. Multilingualism Mr Foo then mentioned that the SMF
shared the role of the SMF in the local and understanding of multi-cultures will could help Business China cross-promote
manufacturing sector to explore business serve as an advantage for Singaporeans, member companies to further improve
opportunities for regional partnerships ensuring that they remain relevant to an business alliances and partnerships to
involving China and ASEAN. increasingly competitive environment. cultivate coherent relations to further
leverage business opportunities. He also
revealed that the the SMF has recently set
up a Shenzhen liaison office to facilitate
business support services for companies
between Singapore and China. n
Ms Tin Pei Ling (middle) and team paid a visit Mr Douglas Foo presenting a token of
to the SMF. appreciation to Ms Tin Pei Ling
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