ENGAGING INDUSTRY 46
E N GAG I N G ENGAGING INDUSTRY INDUSTRY Upgrading industry through technology and knowledge transfer 47
ENGAGING INDUSTRY ENGAGING INDUSTRY SIMTech supports companies in the The Manufacturing Productivity Technology Knowledge Transfer manufacturing sector with a three-pronged Centre was established to promote industrial approach: Industry Assist, Technology productivity and strives to create increased value Knowledge and experiences gained in Transfer, and Knowledge Transfer. with innovation and development of high-value R&D are propagated to the industry through manufacturing activities. seminars, workshops, and courses. In partnership with the Singapore Workforce The Precision Engineering Centre of Innovation, Development Agency (WDA), certified supported by SPRING Singapore and A*STAR, Industry Assist technology courses with case studies and lab SIMTech collaborates with companies on industry-directed sessions are organised to upskill professionals, serves as a resource centre to assist companies managers, executives, and technicians. In R&D, leveraging on their domain expertise and the institute’s with precision engineering-related issues. addition, SIMTech’s researchers are seconded technologies to fulfil deliverables within a defined time line. to companies through industry attachments and Companies can also access the comprehensive array of The Sustainable Manufacturing Centre engages the SPRING Singapore supported T-Up scheme diagnostic and measurement equipment housed at the and encourages the local manufacturing community for SMEs. institute. to push the boundaries in developing and implementing technologies that improve the eco- Three Innovation Centres have been set up as performance of their products and manufacturing technology showcases and industry interface to engage processes. companies. Technology Transfer Licensing of our technologies to companies reflects the relevance and usefulness of the intellectual properties (IPs) generated from our R&D. SIMTech promotes open innovation and encourages the industry to co-develop product applications using our technologies. Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd (ETPL), the IP commercialisation arm of A*STAR, works closely with us to facilitate and support technology transfer to the industry. 48
INDUSTRY @ A GLANCE ENGAGING INDUSTRY industry sectors served 4% 11% 11% 6% Biomedical Sciences 16% 14% Chemicals Electronics 6% Engineering & Environment Services Precision Engineering 32% Transport Engineering Institute/University Others types of companies SERVED COMPANIES SERVED 65% 3% MMNNCC 32% SMSME E >1300 GGLCLC COMPANIES Licensed rses seconded to companies funding from Industry R&D technology COLLABORATIONS > 130 > $188 Million > 80 49 > 5300
ENGAGING INDUSTRY Innovation Centres As a technology provider, it is Manufacturing Productivity Technology Centre (MPTC) important for SIMTech to provide touch points to showcase, promote, The MPTC promotes the use of technology to enhance MPTC has launched initiatives in High- and engage the industry on specific manufacturing productivity by improving efficiency and Mix Low-Volume Manufacturing, Lean technologies and applications. This effectiveness. It also strives to create increased value with Manufacturing, Operations Management is done through the setting up of a innovation and development of high-value products and and Innovation (OMNI), RFID for Resource number of innovation centres. services. Tracking, RFID for Supply Chain Track 50 The centre performs the following roles: and Trace as well as Overall Equipment Effectiveness. Showcase and Promotion • Highlight productivity gains from the use of technologies, providing comparisons between “before” and “after” technology adoption • Feature success stories of improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, and value innovation • D isplay tools and techniques for achieving lean manufacturing • Organise industry outreach to gather feedback on industry needs and conduct end-user adoption- sharing sessions Knowledge Transfer • Conduct courses in productivity improvement and train productivity champions Technology Transfer • Develop and implement productivity toolkits Industry Development • Gather feedback and understand the productivity challenges faced by the industry
Innovation Centres ENGAGING INDUSTRY Precision Engineering Centre of Innovation (PE COI) The PE COI is a national initiative launched by SPRING Singapore and A*STAR to Technology Transfer help PE SMEs leverage on state-of-the-art technologies for innovation and growth. • Develop capabilities, technologies, and intellectual properties Housed in SIMTech and supported by A*STAR and its research institutes, the PE COI offers a broad spectrum of technologies, manpower training, consultancy, Industry Development and comprehensive facilities to meet the manufacturing needs of local PE • Assist precision engineering companies venture companies. into high growth industries The centre performs the following roles: • Provide advisory support and consultancy • Share resources Showcase and Promotion PE COI has launched several initiatives in aerospace, medical technology, • Help companies innovate through business models, material and processes, oil & gas, complex equipment, surface finishing, heat treatment industries operational innovations as well as in engineering design and simulation. • O rganise annual conferences, overseas mission trips, seminars, workshops, roundtables and networking sessions Knowledge Transfer • Specialist skills training: Precision Engineering (PE) Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Specialist and Graduate Diploma courses 51
ENGAGING INDUSTRY Innovation Centres Sustainable Manufacturing Centre (SMC) The SMC is spearheaded by SIMTech and supported by government agencies and Technology Transfer industry-related associations. It aims to showcase and promote sustainability in • Develop tools and technologies manufacturing and bring together relevant government agencies, industry, and • Develop solutions for eco-performance improvement in products and research communities to develop and implement sustainable manufacturing manufacturing processes technologies. Industry Development The roles performed by the centre are: • Innovate technologies for better eco-performance in manufacturing • Help companies venture into sustainable manufacturing Showcase and Promotion • Feature success stories in sustainable manufacturing To further promote awareness and participation in sustainable manufacturing, • Organise industry outreach to gather feedback on industry needs, and end- the centre has launched initiatives in carbon footprint assessment and reduction, user adoption-sharing sessions green manufacturing, and remanufacturing. Knowledge Transfer • Disseminate knowledge on trends, best practices, technology adoption, and innovations • P rovide Workforce Skills Qualification Graduate Diploma course in Process Technology (Sustainable Manufacturing) • D evelop and conduct training courses on technical capabilities 52
SIMTech Membership ENGAGING INDUSTRY Reduce risks and increase opportunities The SIMTech Membership (SMS) was launched in overviews and updates of research projects December 2005 as a pro-active industry platform undertaken at SIMTech, technical abstracts of for our researchers to engage local manufacturing journals and conference papers published by our companies and collaborate on R&D initiatives researchers, as well as periodic industry intelligence that help reduce R&D investment risks while and technology trends reports. A web-based creating new business opportunities through the Expert-on-Line service provides timely responses membership network. to manufacturing-related technical enquiries from members. The SMS facilitates the formation of Industrial Chapters, Special Interest Groups, Collaborative The Technology Commercial Intelligence (TCI) Industry Projects, and industry-directed Research forums and member networking nights further open Consortia. It also provides members with regular up avenues for members to network and interact. 53
ENGAGING INDUSTRY INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP SIMTech works with companies on COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY D-SIMLAB Technologies industry and service projects and, over the years, many of these Component Technology Pte Ltd (Component Tech) is Incorporated in October 2006, D-SIMLAB companies have become our long-term partners in technology an SME with 20 years of experience in the distribution Technologies, a spin-off company from SIMTech development. They comprise multinational companies, local of wire/die bonder and X-ray inspection systems for with subsidiaries in Dresden, Germany and companies, SMEs, and start- ups. In each case, the sustained the semiconductor industry. In 2006, SIMTech and Phoenix, USA, provides high-fidelity simulation- collaboration has borne significant outcomes. Component Tech jointly conducted a study to measure based business analytical solutions for asset- the 3D wire loop under the environment of specular, intensive industries. D-SIMLAB’s flagship products metallic surface reflection, which was an unsolved are D-SIMSPAIR®, a planning and optimisation issue for 15 years. Subsequently, Component Tech system for spare parts inventory network planning set up a new company, In .D Solution, and recruited and optimisation in aviation, and D-SIMCON®, 30 RSEs with PhDs and Masters degrees to work a software solution suite for production logistics with SIMTech for developing the world’s 1st 3D management in semiconductor manufacturing. The optical wire bond measurement system. The core simulation engine of these solutions was licensed system was showcased at Semicon Japan in from SIMTech in 2007. Subsequently, D-SIMLAB December 2008. To date, over 150 high-speed worked with SIMTech on additional R&D projects to 3D wire bond inspection systems have been further enhance this technology. For its achievements, integrated into production lines. Today, SIMTech D-SIMLAB won the 2010 Red Herring Global accolade. has helped Component Tech successfully migrate from being an equipment distributor to an original equipment manufacturer of 3D wire bond inspection systems. 54
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP ENGAGING INDUSTRY LHT Holdings MAKINO ASIA LHT Holdings Ltd, public listed in 1999 on the Singapore Stock Exchange, is the 1st timber company Makino Asia is a fully-integrated manufacturing company, to set up a wood waste recycling plant producing a series of ‘Innovative Process Product Conversion’ complete with R&D, engineering, production, and business (IPPC) pallets, boxes, and crates made of wood waste materials. administration. The company produces milling, die sinking electrical discharge, and wire electrical discharge machines. Its subsidiary, Kim Hiap Lee (Pte) Ltd (KHL), a pallet pooling company, leased standard ECR (Efficient The International R&D (IRD) Centre is the only R&D facility Consumers Response) pallets for the fast moving consumer goods industry. With manual tracking of outside Japan of the Makino Milling Machine Company. the leased pallets, many paper documentations were required for ECR leased pallets in the supply SIMTech works in tandem with Makino Asia in a wide range of chain ranging from food manufacturers to distribution centre (DC) to hypermarkets/ retail and DC / areas, including machine structure vibration testing, machine manufacturer. Some of the pallets were occasionally lost, or miscounted, leading to discrepancies, dynamic characterisation, warehouse re-design, and operations which adversely affected KHL’s business relationships with its clients. To overcome this, the streamlining. A close partnership has evolved as Makino Asia taps RFID Pallet Leasing & Tracking System, designed by SIMTech and developed based on the on SIMTech as an extension of their own R&D resources for new EPC Information Services (EPCIS) standard, now manages pallets leased to 100 customers. An ideas, technologies, and facilities. In turn, the senior management Electronic Product Code (EPC) Gen 2 RFID tag was installed on its ECR pallets to provide real-time of Makino provides valuable support to SIMTech by chairing the pallet tracking system. Productivity gains from the implementation amounted to annual savings of Industry Advisory Panel of the PE COI, contributing industry inputs over S$50K for the company and around S$375K for the clients. KHL has set up a new business and assisting in the engagement of companies. venture in contracting RFID track and trace projects and supply of RFID tags. 55
ENGAGING INDUSTRY INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP PHILIPS CONSUMER LIFESTYLE ROLLS-ROYCE Philips Consumer Lifestyle Garment Care Category produces a range of domestic Rolls-Royce is a world-leading provider of integrated power systems for customers steam and pressure steam generator irons. To find alternatives to the enamel in four markets: Civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine, and energy. In 2012, and stainless steel iron soleplates, Philips set up a joint competency centre with at an investment of over S$700 million, Rolls-Royce opened a state-of-the-art SIMTech 10 years ago to codevelop wet chemical coatings based on sol-gel manufacturing research and training facility at Seletar Aerospace Park. The advanced chemistries. The SIMTech-Philips team was awarded the National Science and facility is the Group’s 1st outside the UK to manufacture large Trent aero engines and Technology Award in 2002 for the novel combination of aluminium anodising wide chord fan blades. Following a successful relationship that started in 2001, Rolls- and sol-gel coating for iron soleplates, a breakthrough that enables Philips Royce signed a Master Research Agreement with A*STAR in 2004 and specifically to maintain leadership in high-end steam irons. The R&D collaboration with partnered with SIMTech to develop key precision manufacturing capabilities in Singapore. Philips was extended from soleplate coatings to the possible application of A robotic finishing system was developed to automate the production processes of liquid forging for the production of steam generators and soleplates. SIMTech certain components used in aerospace and marine equipment. The finishing tools and participated in Garment Care’s technical planning sessions to identify processing variables for the manufacturing process were integrated into the system. A opportunities to contribute to the manufacture of Garment Care products. SIMTech-Rolls-Royce Surface Finishing Laboratory was set up in SIMTech in July 2009 to facilitate the development work and manpower training. SIMTech also collaborated with Rolls-Royce in the development of a solid oxide fuel cell, marine propeller surface finishing, corrosion technology, vibro-finishing, flow-forming process, and benchmarking studies for various manufacturing processes. 56
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP ENGAGING INDUSTRY SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC SINGAPORE ASAHI CHEMICAL & SOLDER INDUSTRIES SII, now known as Seiko Instruments Inc, set up its 1st overseas production facility for watch movements in Singapore in 1976. In 2006, Seiko Instruments established an Singapore Asahi Chemical & Solder Industries is a manufacturer and distributor R&D Centre in Singapore, mainly to collaborate with A*STAR research institutes. The of high-quality solders and related chemicals. Working with SIMTech since 1996, company started working with SIMTech in 1993 in a project on laser trimming. Other the company has leveraged on the institute’s extensive lab facilities and expertise subsequent projects included cold forging, stamping, and rotary forming to reduce to support its product and material development. The collaboration resulted in manufacturing costs and material loss. Novel forming processes were investigated the development of the world’s 1st lead-free solder that is able to operate at the to fabricate high alloy steel miniature components. A cold flow-forming process was same conditions as conventional tin-lead solder. This patented product, Viromet, developed for hard-to-form martensitic stainless steel with potential material saving is environmentally friendly and cost effective. A SIMTech researcher seconded of 50%. A series of studies on precision fabrication for mechanical components earlier to Singapore Asahi has since joined the company as a research engineer. were completed for Seiko Instruments. 57
ENGAGING INDUSTRY Industry Partnership TRU-MARINE Association Of Singapore Marine Industries Tru-Marine specialises in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of turbochargers in marine, The Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI) is a non-profit offshore, power plant, and locomotive applications. The company’s technological leadership trade association representing Singapore’s marine and offshore industry, has been endorsed by numerous business excellence accolades through the years, with which spans a wide cross-section of the local ship repair, shipbuilding, the highest honour conferred by the Singapore Quality Award in 2009. Collaborations and rig building sectors. ASMI has partnered with SIMTech to help with SIMTech date back more than a decade and included early-stage feasibility studies improve industrial productivity among its members; in particular, the to subsequent process developments and the management of proprietary technologies. shipyards and their sub-contractors. For this, the Operations MaNagement In 2003, two engineers were seconded for four years to the company under the A*STAR Innovation for Marine Industry (OMNI@Marine) Programme was initiated in SERC T-Up programme to conduct Operational Technology Road Mapping for long- partnership with WDA in 2012. To date, a number of major shipyards such as term capabilities planning. The recent project involves the development of reclamation Sembawang Shipyard, Jurong Shipyard, Keppel Shipyard, and Keppel Fels procedures using state-of-the-art Laser Aided Additive Manufacturing (LAAM) to have participated in this programme along with key sub-contractors. achieve significant quality and productivity gains. With SIMTech as a key enabler of the company’s continuous innovations, Tru-Marine is making good progress in meeting the global market’s increasing demand for relevant advanced technologies, products, and support services. 58
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ENGAGING INDUSTRY The transfer of technologies to 3D Printing of BioScaffolds industry through licensing is increasing at a steady pace. Over In 2000, Bio-Scaffold International (BSI) began collaboration with SIMTech to develop technologies for the last two decades, SIMTech has fabricating scaffolds for Tissue Engineering. SIMTech scientists worked on a novel combination of licensed technologies to over 80 manufacturing process―3D inkjet printing process in combination with conventional processing methods companies. Significantly, the majority using US FDA-approved biocompatible polymers―to fabricate bone tissue scaffolds. The combined of these recipients are local SMEs. processing methodology of solid-free forming (3D printing) and conventional methods facilitated the The following are some examples. production of scaffolds with engineered porosity and strength. BSI collaborated with the National University of Singapore and SIMTech to fine tune the process and design for developing and commercialisation of a dental application. Today, the dental product, Bioscaff Alvelac, has been successfully launched in Singapore, UK, and Taiwan, with plans to further expand to India and Europe. Currently, more than 120 dental clinics in Singapore are active users of this scaffold product and the number is set to grow. Looking ahead, BSI intends to expand the applications of its technology beyond dental implants to cosmetology and orthopaedics by leveraging on the strengths of its partner research institutes and academia. With SIMTech support, BSI has transformed from a trading firm to a biotechnology enterprise with its own R&D and production facilities. 59
ENGAGING INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER Functional Printing UltraSonic Vibration-based Machining Zephyr Silkscreen, founded in 1982, is a member of the Honsen Group. The company Delta Optics Technologies, a company spun off from SIMTech, produces ultra- is a leading solution provider for printing and label conversion. Since 2010, Zephyr precision machining services for optical mould inserts and optical components Silkscreen has collaborated with SIMTech on functional printing and has licensed such as reflectors, mirrors, and lenses. The ultrasonic vibration-based machining SIMTech’s large area roll-to-roll manufacturing technologies. Zephyr Silkscreen has system was developed at SIMTech and licensed to the company. Delta Optics since developed capabilities to print with a broad range of functional inks including remains the only commercial company, worldwide, with capabilities to machine conductive, dielectric and light emitting materials on flexible plastic substrates to hardened steel directly to produce mirror surface finishes better than 8 nm Ra. capture emerging market opportunities in functional films and printed electronics. SIMTech continues to collaborate with the company to further expand the scope One researcher from SIMTech has been seconded to Zephyr Silkscreen to pursue of products and services of the company. Since its inception, the company is product innovation. serving an international clientele. 60
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ENGAGING INDUSTRY RFID-based Personnel Tracking System TiO2 Self-cleaning Coatings The RFID-based Personnel Tracking System (PTS) was licensed to and deployed PJI Contract Pte Ltd is a leading specialist contractor for industrial polymeric by nine contractors involved in the construction of the Downtown Line MRT (Phase floors, protective coatings, and linings. The company is one of the licensees 2) enabling them to manage their personnel tracking in the underground project. of A*STAR’s patented manufacturing process for Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) The RFID-based PTS technology employs a method of tracking workers’ ingress coatings that, when applied to external building surfaces, offer significant savings or egress to confined space through the attachment of RFID tags to their safety on water and maintenance costs. The eco-friendly, self-cleaning property of helmets and the use of UHF RFID technology at access locations to capture the TiO2 coating technology has been recognised under the category of ‘Green workers’ identities by sensing the helmet tags. Accounting for the number Innovation and Features’ by the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) of workers working in confined spaces at any point in time is crucial should Green Mark Scheme. PJI has so far applied the self-cleaning coating on the rescue operations arise. This technology not only provides a more reliable building facades of its customers, including a pharmaceutical giant in Singapore. means of tracking the workers, but also provides productivity improvements, The company is set to broaden its market base with an anti-microbial coating that as a result of doing away with the manual tag exchange procedure that was comes in an easy-to-use spray can. The eco-friendly, photo-catalytic TiO2 self- implemented previously. cleaning coating is expected to become one of PJI’s top-10 revenue generators. PJI has seconded two researchers from SIMTech to continue the collaborative partnership. 61
ENGAGING INDUSTRY Knowledge Transfer It has long been recognised Manpower Training under WSQ Framework and Most Inspiring WSQ Trainee were also that knowledge transfer through courses, seminars, and workshops Knowledge transfer through the systematic manpower conferred. plays a critical role in educating companies on technology trends and development programme is a strategic drive to improve developments as well as upgrading workforce skills for productivity and manufacturing productivity and upgrade workforce skills EBM Programme under WMG-SIMTech-SIM efficiency. At SIMTech, this role is played by the Knowledge Transfer for long-term sustainability and growth. The Knowledge Partnership Office. Transfer Office (KTO) was formed in 2009 to provide In partnership with the Warwick Manufacturing 62 specialist skills and technology-based training for the Group (WMG) in UK and the Singapore Institute manufacturing industry workforce. By leveraging on of Management (SIM), SIMTech provides project cutting-edge manufacturing knowledge built up by the supervision support to the Engineering Business researchers through the years of industrial collaboration Management Masters degree programme offered and with the state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, by the WMG. A total of 56 students have been SIMTech offers unique technology and case-based trained and graduated from the programme. training to professionals, managers, engineers and technicians (PMETs) from various sectors of the local Conferences, Workshops, and Short Courses manufacturing industry. SIMTech has so far initiated As part of our support for knowledge transfer and developed 11 WSQ training programmes jointly to industry and also for promoting SIMTech’s with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency technologies and capabilities for industrial use, we (WDA) under the Workforce Skills Qualification have been active in organising industrial workshops, (WSQ) framework. By the end of 2012, we have seminars, and conferences as well as WDA-funded successfully trained more than 1000 PMETs from Master Classes on manufacturing productivity, the local manufacturing industry. In recognition of process innovation, and sustainable manufacturing our contribution to the development and expansion technologies. of the WSQ system, SIMTech was awarded the WSQ Distinguished Partner Accolade by WDA in 2010. As a milestone of growth of KTO, SIMTech hosted its inaugural SIMTech-WDA WSQ Graduation Ceremony in 2012 under the Precision Engineering and Manufacturing Process frameworks. An inaugural award for the SIMTech Best WSQ Industry Partner
ENTERPRISE Capability UPGRADING ENGAGING INDUSTRY The Technology for Enterprise Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading expertise are deployed at the company to carry Capability Upgrading scheme is a platform to directly assist The small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are an integral out the research project for up to two years. SMEs innovate and develop new capabilities and knowledge to part of Singapore’s industrial and economic ecosystem. increase their productivity and competitiveness. They need to constantly develop new capabilities in order On average, SIMTech seconds 15 RSEs to keep pace with the rapidly evolving economy, which has annually to the industry. Some of the researchers increasingly become knowledge-based and innovation- have opted to remain with the companies at the driven. end of their secondment. The T-UP has also benefitted RSEs who returned to the research R&D and technology innovation is vital for sustaining and institutes. The industry insights they gained advancing the competitiveness of our local companies. during their stint with the companies had a positive While many local SMEs are keen to engage in R&D, they influence on their future research direction, leading lack the technical expertise and resources to do so. to more impactful industry applications. The Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-UP) initiative was started in 2002 as a multi-agency effort by A*STAR, the Economic Development Board, SPRING Singapore, IE Singapore, and the Infocomm Development Authority. The initiative involves seconding research scientists and engineers (RSEs) to local enterprises seeking to access the R&D talent pool in the research institutes. T-UP helps local enterprises identify critical technologies and build in-house R&D capabilities relevant to their operations. The effort fosters a culture of innovation within local enterprises and forges strong partnerships between the research institutes and the industry. In each T-UP effort, a company initiates an R&D project and suitable RSEs with the required 63
PEOPLE 64
OUR PEOPLE P E O PL E Recognising staff as critical human assets 65
PEOPLE our people It is often said that it is the people who make an organisation. When staff have a clear sense of direction and are given sufficient motivation, successful and timely achievement of results and outcomes are made possible. By any measure, SIMTech is a complex organisation. The various functions include the research of new technologies, translating the intellectual properties into outcomes with commercial values, outreach and engagement of the industry, working with companies on contracted technology development, supervising undergraduate and graduate students, as well as executing corporate and administrative roles. Another level of complexity lies in the diversity of our people in terms of their education, training, and nationalities. Attaining cohesion by instilling a good understanding of the mission, core values, and teamwork is an opportunity we consciously work towards at SIMTech. 66
manpower @ a glance PEOPLE Staff Strength 362 Education 23Over Others 37 BachelorS nationalities represented 79 PhDs Masters 150 96 67
PEOPLE Our Management team Charting the strategic direction and steering the institute towards achieving its goals and fulfilling its mission 1 2 3 45 6 8 9 10 1. Dr Chen Wei Long, Director, SMC 7 2. Dr Lim Ser Yong, Executive Director 3. Dr Zeng Xianting, Director, Knowledge Transfer Office 4. Dr Lee Eng Wah, Director, Manufacturing System Division, and Director, MPTC 5. Dr Lee Loke Chong, Deputy Executive Director 6. Mr Lee Chee Choy, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs Office 7. Dr Wang Zhiping, Director, Research Programmes, and Programme Manager, MMP 8. Dr Stephen Wong, Director, Industry Development Office 9. Dr Zhang Ying, Director, Manufacturing Automation Division and Director, Research Liaison Office 10. Dr John Yong, Director, Manufacturing Process Division and Director, PE COI 68
Our Industry Development TEAM PEOPLE Interfacing with companies on manufacturing research and development 1 23 5 6 8 9 11 12 13 1. Mr Jason Yip 8. Dr Tan Boon Kiat 7 2. Dr Alex Thoe 9. Mr Joshua Thong 4 10 3. Mr Jeff Pan 10. Mr Irving Hu 4. Mr Wong Ming Mao 11. Mr Foo Yeong Han 5. Dr Sun Zheng 12. Mr Seow Yit Yuee 6. Dr Jeffery Chen 13. Mr Robert Lee 7. Mr Rick Yeo 69
PEOPLE Our Support STAFF Working tirelessly behind the scenes 1 4 5 Support Teams Represented by: 23 8 1. Mr Kanakasabai Kunasekaran, Facilities Office 67 2. Ms Zhang Yi, Knowledge Transfer Office 3. Ms Teo Phaik Luan, Research Liaison Office 4. Ms Lee Kim Yiang, Human Resource Office 5. Mr Ng Khoon Leong, Information Systems Office 6. Ms Lee Swee Heng, Promotion & Publicity Office 7. Ms Tay Siew Guat, Finance Office 8. Ms Lim Lee Choo, Admin Support Office 7700
SOME OF Our Researchers PEOPLE Advancing the frontiers of science and technology Dr Isakov Dmitry Dr Mustafa Shabbir Scientist Kurbanhusen Dr Bi Guijun Scientist Scientist “At SIMTech, I get the exciting “SIMTech provides an experience of transferring “ Working here gives me excellent R&D environment scientific knowledge and the opportunity to focus on that includes full support research to applied concepts fundamental research issues from the management, a that the industry can adopt” that have great potential to be competitive working style, translated into solutions for and sophisticated R&D actual industrial challenges” equipment” Ms Xie Hong Ms Xu Xiao Xia Dr Yu Xia Principal Research Engineer Principal Research Engineer Scientist “SIMTech has given me the “My work allows me to apply “One of the best things freedom to diversify into the engineering solutions to about staying with SIMTech fields I’m passionate about” advance and commercialise has been the rich exposure technologies developed in- to grand challenges from house” industry” 71
PEOPLE SOME of Our Pioneers Serving the institute with loyalty Mr Chua Kai Meng Dr Roland Lim Mr Steven Tong Principal Research Engineer Principal Research Engineer Group Manager 21 years with SIMTech 26 years with SIMTech 20 years with SIMTech “Two decades with the “For the past two decades, I “SIMTech provides me the institute...time flies when you have enjoyed the vibrancy at space to think and explore, are busy and enjoying your SIMTech that has allowed me the environment to develop work!” to learn, grow, and innovate” useful solutions, and more importantly, the opportunity to Dr Zheng Hongyu Mr Shaw Kah Chuan help companies. This has kept Group Manager Senior Specialist me motivated on a daily basis, 19 years with SIMTech 16 Years with SIMTech and before I knew it, 26 years “The biggest change for me had passed!” since I first joined SIMTech “I was a bachelor student has been the wisdom gained when I first joined the Angie Yip in direct proportion to my hair institute. Now, 16 years later, Senior Executive loss!” I am married, have got my 21 years with SIMTech degree, and am enjoying working on advanced “Just as being a mother is technologies” learning about strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed; in quite the same way, I have learnt to adapt to the changing demands of the job at SIMTech” 72
some of Our ALUMNI PEOPLE Contributing to the world of industry start-ups, industry, and academia Entrepreneurs Dr James Chen Mr Ho Nai Choon Dr Peter Lendermann Mr Leow Yong Peng Mr Darren Lim Dr Liu Xiang Dong Dr Lu Li Mr John Paul President, Sintech MD, ARISE Consulting CEO, D-SIMLAB MD, Akribis Systems, MD, IRIS Solution Pte Director, Delta Optics President, SDL MD, iCognitive Pte Ltd, Optronics Technologies Pte Ltd, Singapore Technologies Pte Ltd, Singapore Ltd, Singapore Technologies Pte Ltd, Technologies Pte Ltd, Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore Captains of Industry Mr Ajharali Amanullah Dr Margham Dr Gong Zhiming Dr Hu Banghong Mr Liu Feng Min Mr Niew Bock Cheng Dr Zhang Jing Bing Dr Zhao Jianhong Director, Semiconductor Chandrasekaran Chief Engineer, Henan Chief Expert and CTO, CEL Coatings President, Wacker Senior Director, GM, Sumitomo Technologies & CEO, Bio-Scaffold Weihua Heavy Machine Lab Director, Huawei Industries Pte Ltd, Siltronics Pte Ltd, Kulicke & Soffa Pte Ltd, Chemical Singapore Instruments Pte Ltd, International Pte Ltd, Co. Ltd, China Technologies Co Ltd Singapore Singapore Singapore Pte Ltd Singapore Singapore China Academia Dr Chen Xiao Qi Dr Dragan Domazet Dr Fang Fengzhou Dr Fu Ming Wang Dr Anders Jarfors Dr Subodh Mhaisalkar Dr Sam Zhang Dr Zhou Libo Professor, University Rector, Belgrade Professor, Tianjin Associate Professor, The Professor, Jönköping ED, Energy Research Professor, Nanyang Professor, National of Canterbury, New Metropolitan University, University, China Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Sweden Institute@NTU, Technological University, Ibaraki University, Japan Zealand Serbia University, Hong Kong Singapore Singapore 73
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MOVING FORWARD Creating greater value through partnerships and integration 7575
MOVING FORWARD Moving Forward SIMTech enters its third decade with anticipation, One of the platforms will be the strengthening of existing partners and forging renewed rigour and unfaltering determination. The new partners with the research and industry communities. The other platform is maxim of generating more outcomes with less resource to further synergise the collective technical capabilities to bring the impact and will continue to drive us on. Underpinning this will be value of SIMTech to the next level. The four key thrusts are to deepen research, two fundamental platforms and four key thrusts. enhance capabilities integration, broaden manpower development, and expand industry outreach. Broadening Expanding Industry Manpower Outreach through Development with Partnership with Industry Immersion Industry Associations Enhancing Capabilities Integration through Research Programmes Deepening Research with University Joint Labs 76
Deepening Research with University Joint Labs MOVING FORWARD One of SIMTech’s strategies for deepening research in key thematic areas with strong alignment with the needs of the manufacturing industry is the initiation of joint labs with universities. The joint labs sustain long-term collaborations with universities to conduct systematic fundamental research on particular research themes with the aim of supporting advanced manufacturing technology development in SIMTech. These labs will help build the foundations of a robust track record in the thematic areas of practical industrial significance in order to tap into various competitive funding options available from A*STAR and other government agencies. They are also a platform to attract and train R&D manpower to replenish our own R&D personnel needs or flow to the local manufacturing industry. Since 2011, we have launched three joint labs with the Nanyang Technological University in the areas of reliability, precision machining, and 3D additive manufacturing with a fourth on complex systems in the final stage of discussion. We have also launched two joint labs with the National University of Singapore in the areas of precision motion systems and industrial robotics. Each joint lab is buffered by a seeding fund to support research manpower, overseas travel, and other expenses of the labs. In addition, with the universities contributing the lab space, SIMTech has allocated research equipment and research staff to work in the joint labs and co- supervise research students. Pre-competitive Local Thematic Research Industry Universities Research Agencies Partnership Collaboration Partnership Research Manpower Joint Labs with Student Multi-disciplinary Universities Attachment Research A*STAR Visiting Programmes RIs Fellows & Associates Multi-disciplinary Overseas Universities International Collaboration 77
MOVING FORWARD Enhancing Capabilities Integration through Research Programmes Manufacturing Universities Nurture & Grow Process Multi-disciplinary the Emerging Manufacturing Research Automation Programmes Industries SIMTech Technology Platforms Manufacturing A*STAR System Research Institutes One of the key strengths of SIMTech is the wide array of process, automation, and system technologies that have been developed over the years. Many of these have successfully provided critical solutions to companies looking to develop products or upgrade their manufacturing processes. To enhance capabilities integration, the Research Programme Division was set up to spearhead the development of technologies for emerging industry sectors, leveraging on the multi-disciplinary competencies of SIMTech’s research groups. The main task of each research programme is to identify the core processes and technologies required in a specific future industry sector, to direct group research activities in the area, to establish a SIMTech technology and application platform by integrating the technologies from research groups, and to collaborate with those in application domain. To seed and grow emerging industry sectors in Singapore, each research programme caters to the requirements of a new industry and contributes to the formation of an eco-system for its growth. The objective is to provide total development support for companies covering design, prototyping, and pilot production towards volume production. 78
Broadening Manpower Development with Industry MOVING FORWARD Immersion Engineering Industry Manufacturing- Graduates Internship savvy University @ SIMTech Graduates Full-time Graduates Thematic Research Industry Research & PMETs Continuing Scientists & Education Engineers Programme on for industry Advanced Manufacturing equipped with & Productivity relevant competencies Manufacturing Productivity Associates Moving forward, manpower development will also include three manpower development programmes with industry immersion. • Internship to prepare engineering graduates for deployment in the manufacturing industry • Post-graduate research training at SIMTech’s Joint Research Labs with universities, in identified thematic research topics relevant to industry • Continuing Education Programme for industry staff and PMETs, leveraging on advanced manufacturing technology adoption case-studies to enhance manufacturing competencies and capabilities, or re-skill as Manufacturing Productivity Associates SIMTech’s proven applications of advanced manufacturing technologies and state-of-the-art manufacturing labs will form the basis of essential case-studies for the trainees, thus enhancing their readiness to work in the manufacturing industry. These manpower development programmes will be in collaboration with WDA and Industry Associations. Already, training for PMETs is beginning to take root, with the commencement of the Manufacturing Productivity Associate (MPA) Programme in May 2013 offering training in productivity improvement capabilities. 79
MOVING FORWARD Enhancing Industry Outreach Goverment Innovation Knowledge Agencies Transfer EDB, SPRING, Industry IE, IDA, WDA Industry Initiatives Industry Associations Colllaboration & Others AAIS, ASMI, Industry ASPRI, ASME, Productivity Projects Improvement Technology SIAA, SBF, New Transfer etc Capabilities Extended SIMTech R&D Lab for industry Technology Partner for R&D Moving forward, SIMTech will continue to work in close partnership with government agencies, industry associations, and companies to enhance our industry outreach. • Partnership with SMEs, MNCs, and Agencies: There will be added new emphasis on getting strong participation from local SMEs in developing manufacturing supply-chains for MNCs. A tripartite partnership (with EDB, SPRING Singapore, IDA, or BCA and their respective sectors) would leverage on the PACT (Partnership for Capability Transformation) scheme to upgrade local supplier capabilities and qualify them as local sources for MNCs. • Partnership with Industry Associations: Partnering with industry associations will enable us to effectively reach out to a wider range of companies within the associations’ membership. There will be concerted efforts towards clearly-defined strategic and technology roadmaps with the associations that would allow us to identify critical needs and gaps requiring R&D and immediate technology transfer. Collaborative industry projects are poised to develop scalable solutions for industry-wide adoption. • The Innovation Centres: MPTC, PE COI, and SMC will work closely with industry associations to drive new initiatives to enhance our industry competitiveness. Simplicity and ease of adoption will be the key features of our technology innovations and productivity improvement tools targeted at mass adoption. A “Train-Practise-Implement” approach will be used to train and mentor engineers and managers in implementing sustainable solutions within their companies. 80
MOVING FORWARD | Partnerships | Joint Labs MOVING FORWARD Acknowledgements This publication has been made possible with the contributions of many people. We thank the companies that have agreed to be featured here. We are also grateful to the members of the SIMTech staff, Joint Labs, and alumni who have given their valuable inputs to this publication.
The Publication Committee: Chua Tay Jin | Goh Jwee How Kelvin | Lee Hock Wee | Lee Loke Chong Lee Swee Heng | Leow Kian Lee | Lim Gnian Cher | Lim Li Li Chloe | Lin Wei Nandini Prashad-Isakova | Ng Tzer Liang | Nai Sharon | Teoh Ee Mei Joanne Official Photographers Michael Tan | Mika Productions Pte Ltd | Munshi Ahmed | Munshi Ahmed Photgraphy 82
Printed by: Times Printing Pte Ltd Published in July 2013 by: Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology 71 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 638075 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means – graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying – without the written permission of SIMTech. Copyright © SIMTech 83
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Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology 71 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 638075 Tel: 65 6793 8383 | Fax: 65 6791 6377 Email: [email protected] Website: www.SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg
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