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PRESS RELEASE
30 January 2015
SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS SINGAPORE MANUFACTURING
FEDERATION TO UPGRADE MANPOWER CAPABILITIES IN PRODUCTIVITY
1.
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF)
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to collaborate on providing SIT students with
career opportunities through SIT’s Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP), as well as
opportunities to upgrade manpower capabilities in productivity. The MOU was signed by Professor
Tan Thiam Soon, President, SIT, and Mr Douglas Foo, President, SMF. Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief
Executive of Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) also attended as the witness to the
signing.
2.
To keep pace with economic changes, Singapore’s manufacturing industry has grappled with
the shift from labour-intensive activities to more technologically-advanced, knowledge-based
activities. SIT will work with SMF to address the manufacturing industry’s need to overcome the
existing manpower crunch through a sustainable workforce of innovation-driven graduates equipped
to tackle productivity challenges.
3.
In view of this, SIT has partnered SMF to identify gaps in national manpower skills in the
manufacturing industry and to collaborate on productivity enhancement projects. SMF has further
demonstrated strong support for SIT’s IWSP by agreeing to provide SIT students with IWSP
opportunities in 10 companies under SMF’s umbrella. In addition, SMF will also offer 10 positions in
its Business Immersion Programme for the SIT students.
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4.
Professor Tan Thiam Soon, President, SIT, said, “SIT’s partnership with SMF is a significant
step for us to contribute towards Singapore’s productivity needs and talent training. We envisage
that our collaboration will help to bridge the gap between technological advancement and existing
industry practices, and help companies raise their productivity levels.
5.
Through the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP), SIT graduates will experience
firsthand what the productivity needs of industry are. Our focus on applied learning encourages
students to tackle these challenges using creative and innovative means through the projects they
take up. Our aim is not only to upgrade the knowledge and skills of our students and the
manufacturing industry, but to also create a functioning ecosystem where SIT and industry can work
symbiotically to achieve productivity gains and transform businesses. This is in line with the
SkillsFuture national movement, which aims to develop, an integrated system of education, training
and career progression for all Singaporeans.”
6.
Mr Douglas Foo, SMF President, said: “There is a need to be more focused on applied
learning and technical skills. Hence, SMF is pleased to work with SIT to develop market and industryready graduates. SkillsFuture requires the active participation and ownership of stakeholders from
across the Singapore landscape. SMF is pleased to play a part in this national movement to train
and develop talent for the manufacturing sector. With a strong membership base, SMF can provide
the necessary industry connection as well as experienced consultants and advisors who can work
with the interns and the faculty members on projects in the companies. Through this MOU, we will
facilitate better alignment of the supply of and demand for skills in the manufacturing sector, and
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will also help to draw in new talents to the industry.”
About Singapore Institute of Technology
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is Singapore’s new autonomous university of applied learning. It aims
to be a leader in innovative university education by integrating learning, industry and community.
SIT offers applied degree programmes targeted at growth sectors of the economy. As a new university, SIT
offers its own applied degree programmes with a unique pedagogy that integrates work and study. It also
offers specialised degree programmes in partnership with world-class universities.
To find out more about SIT, visit singaporetech.edu.sg.
About Singapore Manufacturing Federation
Established since 1932, Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) represents the interest of the Singapore
manufacturing community, driving its competitiveness and sustainable growth through serving industry-specific
needs. Supported by 10 industry groups and 6 Centres of Excellence, SMF enhances the competitiveness of the
industry by encouraging capacity development and capability building, innovation and productivity.
It provides opportunities for companies to collaborate, network; and to grow and expand both locally and
internationally. Current membership stands at more than 3,000 corporate members ranging from SMEs to
MNCs.
To find out more about SMF, please visit www.smfederation.org.sg
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Joyce Chen
Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: 6592 1165/ 9784 2625
Email: [email protected]
Ms Corinna Choh
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: 6592 1154/ 8126 5075
Email: [email protected]
Ms Wendy Poh
Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: 6286 3034 / 9298 8779
Email: [email protected]
Ms Kiki Zheng
Senior Executive, Corporate Communications
Tel: 6286 3013 / 9150 9237
Email: [email protected]
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