Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to collaborate on enhancing SIT students’ career opportunities through SIT’s Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP), and on upgrading manpower capabilities in productivity improvement for the manufacturing sector. 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) witnessed the signing.

To keep pace with economic changes, Singapore’s manufacturing industry has to grapple 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 the development of a sustainable workforce of innovation-driven graduates equipped to tackle productivity challenges.

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.

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.

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.”

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 industry-ready 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 will also help to draw in new talents to the industry.”