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As Singapore celebrates its 59th National Day, we look at two MNCs pursuing manufacturing excellence, innovation, and sustainability here to serve Asian and global markets.
While Singapore was still in the early stages of industrialisation in 1974, Japanese industrial automation company Yokogawa recognised Singapore’s strategic location in Asia-Pacific and its young talent. It was then that it decided to establish its first factory outside Japan, in Singapore. Over five decades, Yokogawa has expanded its operations across the entire business value chain, establishing its global headquarters for industrial automation here.
Today, Yokogawa employs over 800 people at its Singapore site. Located in Bedok, the compound is home to Yokogawa’s Singapore Development Centre (SGDC) – the company’s largest R&D centre outside Japan. It includes a first-of-its-kind Co-Innovation Centre and AI Lab. The SGDC, established in 2004, has grown to house over 100 staff exploring co-innovation, digital transformation, and AI solutions with global customers.
Significant projects include those with infrastructure providers, including Tuas Power and PUB, where Yokogawa’s systems ensure smooth operations and improve the productivity of Singapore’s power plants and waterworks.
Recognising the importance of developing local talent, Yokogawa has forged partnerships with educational institutions, like the National University of Singapore and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East. With the latter, Yokogawa created an innovative Virtual Reality (VR) Training Simulator that enhances the learning experience for ITE students, preparing them for real-world scenarios in chemical plants. To date, five cohorts of students (over 1,200 students) in ITE College East’s School of Engineering have benefited from the simulator.
"The VR Training Simulator has revolutionised how we teach complex industrial processes," said Hong Saut Peng, head of Applied Sciences at ITE College East. "Students find it easier to understand procedures, they are more engaged, and it boosts their confidence for real-world applications."
Through the years, Yokogawa has devoted substantial resources to upskilling employees. Beyond traditional training, Yokogawa aims to upskill employees to become Industry 4.0 Consultants. For example, their employees undergo training by licensed Smart Industry Readiness Index (S.I.R.I.) trainers like the International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT). They emerge as Certified S.I.R.I. Assessors (CSAs) with in-depth technical know-how and understanding of process manufacturing and automation. This enables them to guide global businesses through smart manufacturing and digital transformation journeys. Yokogawa currently has 72 CSAs – the highest number of CSAs in the industry globally. Twelve of them are based in Singapore.
"Yokogawa's journey mirrors Singapore's transformation - from a manufacturing base to an innovation hub driving the future of the industry. As we look forward, our goal is to leverage our expertise in industrial automation and digital technologies to drive sustainable practices across industries "
Hitoshi Nara
President and Chief Executive Officer
Yokogawa Electric Corporation
As Yokogawa sets its sights on the next 50 years, the company is placing a strong emphasis on sustainability alongside digitalisation. Plans are underway to establish an incubation hub focused on sustainability in Singapore, leveraging Yokogawa’s strengths in process control, industrial IoT, and AI.
Currently, the group also provides support to industry players in understanding their sustainability maturity levels through its Consumer Sustainability Industry Readiness Index (COSIRI) consulting services.
These initiatives align with Singapore's Green Plan 2030 and reinforces the company's commitment to the region.
Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia is a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division, representing the "mtu" brand in Asia – Rolls-Royce’s product and solution brand for off-highway propulsion and energy supply and storage systems. It was first established as MTU Singapore in 1974. Even back then, the engine manufacturer recognised Singapore as a pivotal node in their global network, choosing the city-state for its access to the rest of Asia-Pacific.
Today, the Singapore outfit serves over 30 countries across Asia, powering ships, heavy land, rail, and defence vehicles in the region with mtu propulsion systems. This includes the ferry services to and from Batam by Majestic Fast Ferry and ultra-fast charging for EVs at select Shell Recharge stations across Singapore.
Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia has approximately 300 local employees. Over the years, the company has implemented a comprehensive, structured training programme that encompasses technical training, soft skills development, and invaluable international exposure. New hires undergo a six-month intensive training programme with classroom learning and hands-on experience. Regular overseas attachments to other Rolls-Royce facilities and customer sites are also a key feature of the programme.
One such beneficiary is Alex Lin, who joined the company in 2021 with the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Competence Centre. He has since become an integral part of Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia’s engineering team.
"The overseas exposure Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia provides has been invaluable," said Alex, who is in his 30s. "From attending factory acceptance tests in Germany, where the Power Systems division is based, to interacting with clients across Asia, these experiences have broadened my perspective and honed my skills in ways classroom learning never could."
The Rolls-Royce subsidiary’s investment in local talent extends beyond individual training. The company also collaborates with local institutions to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. This includes offering scholarships and internships and participating in industry-academia partnerships to shape curricula relevant to the evolving needs of the aerospace and marine sectors.
"Singapore's strategic location and skilled workforce have been pivotal to our success in serving the region. In turn, we've strived to contribute to Singapore's growth by nurturing local talent and driving innovation."
Giovanni Spadaro
Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia
President of Global Markets, Rolls-Royce Power Systems
Looking forward, Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia is committed to becoming a net-zero company by 2050. The company is actively working on sustainable power solutions, including engines that run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and other e-fuels produced using renewable energy.
Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia has also been a reliable partner in the Singapore business ecosystem. When Singapore shipbuilder Glow Marine sought to build an environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient fast catamaran ferry for a Taiwanese client, it turned to Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia. The ferry meets even the most stringent emissions requirements for marine applications – a first in Asia – and demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver propulsion systems that address environmental concerns and operational efficiency.
