The rapid advances in automation software and technology, coupled with declining costs of investment, has led to heightened interest amongst businesses around the world. For these companies, automation technology represents a potential game changer, allowing them to compete more effectively in today’s marketplace. This is largely through increasing productivity and enabling new capabilities.  

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Automation Technology in Manufacturing 

Global manufacturing has been one of the key adopters of automation technology, with the latest advancements – such as sophisticated industrial sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems – helping to create breakthroughs in many sectors. The economic case has become more compelling too, with rising wages costs in manufacturing superpowers such as China, adding to the case for adopting automation. 
 
One Western company which has recently adopted automation software and technology in a big way is Adidas. The German sport equipment giant recently announced that it is set to open its first fully automated shoe factory, called “Speedfactory” in Germany, leveraging on the latest advancements in 3D printing and robotics technology. The new manufacturing facility will help design and produce custom-tailored shoe components, while bringing its products closer to its affluent Western markets. 

Increased Adoption of Robotics in China    

On its part, China is also making a push to adopt automation technology due to its own demographic challenges, such as an ageing working population. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), China emerged as the single largest market for industrial robot sales in 2014. This trend is set to further accelerate in the years ahead, with the number of robots in operation to double to 400,000 in 2017 from today’s 200,000.
 
In 2015, Shenzhen Everwin Precision Technology in China announced that it was building its first ever all-robot manufacturing plant. When fully operational, the plant will allow the company to reduce its overall labour requirements by 90 per cent. 

Japan Looking to Solidify its Market Leadership

In the meantime, Japan has also embraced robotics as a key strategy to revive its economy and solve its demographic challenges. In May 2015, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke out, urging Japanese companies to spread the use of robotics from large-scale factories to all corners of its economy. This push is backed by the Japanese government and some 200 companies and universities, with the aim of increasing use of intelligent machines in diverse sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, construction, and health care. 
 
The country, which is already commanding some 50 per cent of the global market, is also looking to expand robotics sales from 600 billion yen (US$6.4 billion) annually to 2.4 trillion yen by 2020. In this regard, Japan hopes to fend off the challenge from China’s growing robotics industry, which threatens to erode its market leadership position. 

Software Automation in a Digital World 

The world has become an increasingly digital place, with software often functioning in the background to automate much of what is taken for granted. This digitisation has gained in pace in the last decade or so, thanks to the convergence of several trends – increase in computing power, ubiquitous high-speed internet, rapid growth in mobile devices and cloud computing technologies, as well as the nascent emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT).  
 
Experts are already predicting that the combination of Big Data analytics and AI platforms, will see digital systems taking over more of the work done by humans in areas such as financial accounting and trading markets, as well as professions such as salespersons, real estate agents, retail service officers and cashiers, among others. 

Singapore Embraces Automation and Technology 

Meanwhile in Singapore, the economy is currently undergoing an economic transformation, in which automation software and technology is set to play a greater role too. Faced with a tighter supply of manpower and increasing operating costs, more local businesses are leveraging on technology to increase their labour productivity and transform their business models.
 
Speaking at the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) Automation Technology Industry Conference in July 2013, then Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck noted the need for Singapore manufacturers to leverage on technology such as automation process optimisation to transform their manufacturing processes and move up the value chain.  Mr Teo also highlighted how the Singapore government is committed to help companies adopt these productive technology solutions, with a diverse range of support grants and schemes.
 
Another technology which offers great potential to enable greater process automation in Singapore industries is the Internet of Things (IoT). Speaking at IoT Asia 2014, Mr Teo Ser Luck noted how IoT can help businesses improve their work processes using sensors and real-time monitoring, and technology to trigger systemic responses. Such automation of functions allows businesses to better deploy scarce resources while enabling better service delivery – a definite boon for businesses in Singapore that are currently grappling with manpower shortage.
 
All of this is set against the larger backdrop of Singapore’s push to become a Smart Nation and a three-year S$500 million programme for greater adoption of Infocomm Technology (ICT) to enhance productivity and growth. With so much government support across a myriad of diverse programmes, the outlook for automation software and technology is an optimistic one for the Republic. 
 
 
 

How Singapore is leveraging on the rise in Asian Consumerism.

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Asia’s Growing Markets   

With its strategic location right in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is the ideal location for lifestyle and retail brands to tap the rising consumer boom in Asia. For many years now, the region has been the key growth engine for the global economy, enjoying exceptional growth rates that will create a major consumer market of 3.2 billion in the middle-class segment by 2030. Rising discretionary incomes amongst the region’s newly-minted middle class are expected to power the growth of Asian consumerism. It is forecasted that Asia will account for more than 80 per cent of the growth in global middle-class spending by 2030, which amounts to US$55 trillion. A good case in point is China, which already accounts for a quarter of the world’s demand for luxury goods. With the emergence of these affluent Asian consumers – with their demand for products and services that cater to their needs and preferences – more international brands and companies are setting up operations in the region to better understand and be more responsive to the market.  

Singapore, the Gateway to Asia  

Singapore is one of the major business and trading hubs of Asia, which means it is well-positioned to be a launching pad for companies looking to expand into the region. The Republic boasts of excellent connectivity to the region and beyond, with a strong logistics and supply chain management industry supporting the wide array of businesses and industries operating here. Singapore is also an important location for the world’s top logistics companies, with 20 of the top 25 global logistics players running operations here, on top of being the preferred logistics and supply chain management hub for leading manufacturers such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Infineon, LVMH, Novartis, Panasonic and more.

As an open economy built on trade, Singapore is set to benefit further when the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is implemented by end 2015, with 10 ASEAN countries morphing into a single market for goods, services, talent and investment. In addition, the Republic is also party to some 18 multilateral and bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), while continuing to pursue greater trade facilitation such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).  

Products for Discerning Asian Consumers  

Singaporean consumers are amongst some of the most sophisticated and discerning in the region, with the island city’s consumer retail scene a well-developed one too. For lifestyle and retail brands stepping into the Asia for the first time, the country – with its multi-cultural population – can provide the pan-Asian perspective that is necessary for business growth in this region. These international brands can also tap on Singapore’s consumer insight capabilities, which will allow them to better customise their products and services to the diverse markets in Asia. In 2012, Singapore launched the S$77 million initiative, Institute on Asian Consumer Insight (ACI), with the aim of being the thought-leader in understanding pan-Asian consumer needs and preferences. The institute conducts research and education programmes, helping consumer businesses identify the similarities and differences among Asian consumers.  Brands can then develop growth strategies based on these insights.  

Currently, Singapore is home to the research and development (R&D) centres of many major consumer businesses such as Procter and Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and Nestlé. With Singapore’s full ecosystem of research, innovation, manufacturing and marketing capabilities, this means international firms here are better able to fine-tune their products for individual Asian markets, while shortening their speed to market in the same instance. For international brand owners, the Republic’s strong intellectual property (IP) protection and status as regional legal, arbitration and mediation hub also makes it an attractive location. Singapore is a signatory to major Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) conventions and treaties and in recent years, has been expanding its talent pool to meet the needs of the IP sector. 

Made in Singapore, For the World  

Besides attracting international businesses to set up their manufacturing, R&D and marketing operations here, the Singapore government has also been actively encouraging homegrown companies to spread their wings and expand to overseas markets. International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is the government agency tasked with driving Singapore’s external economy, spearheading the overseas growth of Singapore-based companies and promoting international trade and helping firms become globally competitive companies (GCCs). IE Singapore is also helping businesses become global exporters, by tapping on its network of overseas centres in over 35 locations across both developed and emerging markets. 

Steadily through the years, Singapore brands have made inroads into many overseas markets, establishing a reputation in segments such as consumer electronics (Osim, Creative Technology), furniture (Scanteak), food and beverage (Ya Kun, Brotzeit), services (Spa Esprit Group), fashion (Kwanpen), consumer healthcare (Tiger Balm) and many more. Realising that Singapore’s limited domestic market size places a constraint on their growth prospects – and attracted by the vast potential in the region and beyond – more Singapore companies in recent years are investing more time, effort and resources to bring their businesses and products overseas.  

Better by Support and Design    

For Singapore companies with plans to strengthen their businesses and go international, there are a number of government assistance programmes that they can tap on. On the more basic level, all Singapore firms are being encouraged to increase their productivity levels and innovation capabilities in all aspects of their businesses, amidst tightening manpower supply and higher operating costs. For these improvements, they can leverage on the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) scheme and the Innovation and Capability Voucher (ICV) scheme. In the case of the PIC scheme, companies can receive either significant tax deductions or cash payouts on their investments in a wide range of qualifying activities such as the acquisition and licensing of IPR, registration of patents, trademarks and designs, research and development, and product and industrial design projects. 

For businesses and retailers looking to develop new capabilities, there is the Capability Development Grant (CDG) from SPRING Singapore. The CDG aims to help companies across ten development areas, including service excellence, brand marketing and strategy development, and intellectual property and franchising, by defraying up to 70 per cent of consultancy, training, certification, and equipment costs. In particular, SPRING Singapore has been urging retailers to adopt omni-channel retailing - which includes e-commerce, digital marketing and other retail technologies - increasing their competitiveness while opening up opportunities for overseas sales. In 2015, IE Singapore also enhanced its Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) grant programme to support Singapore companies venturing abroad across a whole range of areas such as overseas market set up, marketing and public relations.

Better by Support and Design    

For consumer brands and retailers – whether international or homegrown – looking to expand to Asia and beyond, it is clear that Singapore provides a wide range of competitive advantages, making it the ideal launchpad into the region. Businesses already based here should consider how best to tap on these support schemes to go regional. Meanwhile, those planning to set up here will quickly discover why Singapore has been consistently ranked by the World Bank as the easiest place to do businesses in the world.  

Across 50 years of independence, Singapore’s built environment has been constantly evolving, transforming from the backward shipping outpost of yesteryears into the thriving Asian metropolis of today. Through it all, Singapore’s building and construction industry has played a major part in shaping the landscape. Here, we look at how this important sector is shaping itself up for a new stage of growth based on increased productivity and innovation.  

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Transforming the Economy Amidst Moderate Growth

In recent times, the global economy has seen great turbulence, owing to financial uncertainties in major economies such as the United States (US) and China. Being one of the most open economies in the world, Singapore has been somewhat affected too. In its October 2015 Macroeconomic Review, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) noted the local economy to expand at a modest pace for the rest of 2015 and 2016 as it navigates through a challenging external environment. 
 
MAS has forecasted Singapore to grow between 2 and 2.5 per cent in 2015, with the following years likely to see a similar growth trajectory. In its latest report, the MAS noted that as Singapore enters the next phase of its economic restructuring, it is crucial for growth to be driven by productivity upgrades. This is amidst a backdrop of tightening foreign worker inflows and a gradually ageing workforce. 

Stepping Up Public Works Construction  

At the market level, construction demand from private property projects has seen a moderation from the heady heights that had been building up across a number of years. This has been a result of the government’s cooling measures, the ramping up of new public housing developments and the more cautious economic climate. For 2015, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) estimated that construction demand from private sector developers would ease further from S$18 billion in 2014 to between S$11 billion and S$15 billion.
 
In its place, public sector contracts have taken the limelight. In its 2015 estimate at the start of the year, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) estimated that the construction sector is expected to secure contracts worth S$29 billion to S$36 billion. Increasingly, the focus is shifting to civil engineering and public infrastructure projects rather than private property. 

Building Things Better with New Technology  

With the increase in major public infrastructure and developments on the horizon, the task of increasing construction worksite productivity and reducing reliance on foreign manpower has become even more pressing. In this, the Singapore government has been on the front foot for a good number of years now, pushing businesses in the building and construction sector to re-look at their business models and operational systems.
 
For one, the government has been encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methods to boost productivity. One of the earliest technologies it has introduced is Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM is a computer technology which allows a building’s performance to be simulated digitally, so that design conflicts can be collectively resolved upfront. This avoids costly reworking and wastage at later stages, saving time and effort.
 
In November 2010, BCA formulated the BIM Roadmap to steer the industry towards wide adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) by 2015. This includes measures such as incentivising BIM early adopters, mandating BIM for regulatory approval of building designs, and building capacity and capability. So far, more than 80 per cent of the larger consultancy firms and 60 per cent of the larger contractors have adopted BIM.

Finding New Ways, Overcoming Limitations  

Two more strategies which the government has rolled out to boost sector wide productivity is the introduction of Prefabricated, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) for use in local construction projects. CLT panel, while capable of bearing loads similar to that of concrete, are 80 per cent lighter. This allows for faster construction with less workers.
 
Meanwhile, PPVC is a method of construction in which apartment and room sized volumetric units are fully fitted out and finished, before being transported to the construction to be installed into the building by stacking on top of one another. This method has the potential to achieve achieving up to 50 per cent manpower and time savings. So far, the government has thrown the full weight of its support behind PPVC, with plans to release more land to build integrated complexes where build components can be built in a factory setting.
 
In fact, BCA hopes to have 10 such facilities operational by 2020. Speaking at the opening of SEF SpaceHub, which is the first Integrated Construction and Prefabrication Hub (ICPH) to be built on land obtained from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), then Senior Minister of State for National Development Lee Yi Shyan noted that the level of prefabrication for building structural systems and wall systems has increased. Mr Lee also said that site productivity has improved at an average of 1.4 per cent over the past four years, with a 2 per cent improvement in 2014.  

The Greening of Singapore’s Buildings 

Besides raising productivity, the BCA has also committed to the greening of Singapore’s buildings in a big way. In 2005, it introduced the BCA Green Mark Scheme as an initiative to drive Singapore's construction industry towards more environment-friendly buildings. The schemes looks to promote sustainability - promoting energy and water conservation - in buildings and raise environmental awareness among industry players throughout the building and construction cycle. 
 
Since 2006, BCA has launched three editions of the Green Building Masterplan. Amongst the early measures introduced was the introduction of a S$20 million Green Mark Incentive Scheme in 2006, an amendment to the Building Control Act to impose minimum standards for environmental sustainability in buildings and promoting research and development into green building technology. 
 
The second Masterplan in 2009 focused on the greening the large existing building stock, with the target for 80 per cent of the buildings in Singapore to be green by 2030. Most recently, the third Masterplan was launched in 2014. The focus this time round was getting building tenants and occupants to adopt energy usage changes, to reduce their overall energy consumption. 

Future Developments for the Republic  

In 2014, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) released its 2014 Masterplan, which outlined many exciting developments that will create demand for the building and construction sector. With a view towards setting the stage for economic growth and more jobs, URA has developed a three-pronged strategy of sustaining the growth of the city centre with more office and retail space, building more commercial hubs outside the city centre to provide live-work-play options for residents, and developing new industrial clusters for specific industries. 
 
The URA is also looking to develop the North Coast Innovation Corridor, a new economic corridor that will be a hotbed of ideas and provide additional land for the expansion of enterprises. The corridor will stretch from the Woodlands Regional Centre across the future Seletar Regional Centre and a redeveloped Sembawang Shipyard area to the Punggol Creative Cluster.
 
In a September 2014 blog post, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure Khaw Boon Wan also shared that the Singapore government is contemplating the possibility of developing a master plan for underground spaces. He said that the purpose is to find out how practical underground plans can complement the above-ground master plan to make the city more exciting and liveable. Among the possibilities include underground transport hubs, pedestrian links to utility plants, storage and research facilities, industrial uses, and shopping areas. 

Across the years, Singapore has undergone an economic transformation, becoming the thriving metropolis in Southeast Asia it is today. Even while it has grown at a rapid pace, the Republic has emerged as a leading light in urban planning. At the same time, its property, building and construction firms are showcasing their international ambitions, with forays into the region and beyond. Here, we look at how Singapore’s building and construction sector is bringing its expertise to the world. 

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Meeting Asia’s Demand for Infrastructure 

In spite of recent economic turbulence, Asia still remains an important growth engine for the world. With rising incomes and growing urbanisation, emerging economies in Asia will have a strong demand for urban and infrastructure development to meet the needs of its people and economy. Speaking at the Asia-Singapore Infrastructure Roundtable in April 2015, then Senior Minister of State for National Development Lee Yi Shyan noted the tremendous investment in infrastructure required by the major economies of the region. 
 
Between 2010 and 2020, it is estimated that the twin Asian superpowers of China and India will need US$4.3 trillion and US$2.1 trillion respectively for infrastructure investment. Meanwhile, the same estimates put Southeast Asia’s infrastructure investment needs in the region of US$1 trillion. For Singapore’s infrastructure, building and construction companies, this represents tremendous business potential waiting to be tapped. In fact, many Singapore firms have found strong growth prospects in the export of construction, architectural, and interior design and fit-out services.

Singapore’s Unique Urban Planning and Development Expertise 

In the 50 years since its independence, Singapore has transformed dramatically from a simple trading port to the shining metropolis that it is today. In the course of this journey, its city planners and builders have built up deep expertise across many areas. They include the building and construction of sectors from energy, public utilities, waste management to transport and connectivity, as well as coping with the constraints of limited physical space. 
 
In particular, Singapore has made sustainability a hallmark of its urban development. In the latest Green City Index report published by Siemens, Singapore was the only city in Asia to rank above average overall, and show consistently strong results across all assessment categories, especially for its policies to maintain and improve the urban environment. In 2013, Singapore also won the award for Intelligent City Infrastructure, given out by Siemens and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group to ten cities for excellence in urban sustainability. 
 
With all of this, it is no wonder that Singapore’s brand of urban planning and development know-how is well regarded amongst its Asian neighbours. Many of its major property and development corporations have built on this esteem to expand overseas. This include industry heavyweights such as Capitaland, Mapletree, Keppel Corporation and Sembcorp, with projects spanning the spectrum such as residential, retail, offices, industrial, infrastructure and integrated developments in countries such as China and India, as well as numerous Southeast Asian economies. 

Capturing Opportunities in Asia and Beyond 

Having a relatively small domestic economy has always meant that Singapore companies need to expand overseas to capture further growth and scale their business operations. This has applied to the building and construction sector, with the Singapore government actively encouraging local companies to venture forth. In the case of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) – Singapore’s lead agency for the built environment – it has even made the promotion of the sector’s niche expertise overseas one of the elements of its five strategic thrusts. 
 
As early as 2003, the BCA formed its International Development Group (IDG) to actively promote and support Singapore’s construction, construction-related, and property and real estate companies to venture overseas. It does this in a number of ways such as providing economic and construction information for potential overseas markets, up to even project opportunities. The IDG also facilitates the formation of consortia or strategic alliances for projects, as well as networking with government officials and industry players. 

Leading the Way to Overseas Markets 

There are further avenues of support for firms looking to expand overseas. International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the government agency for the external economy, has a range of assistance schemes, such as the enhanced International Finance Scheme, which helps companies secure capital financing for their international projects. There is also the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) scheme for companies looking to get help to find the right overseas business partners to start discussions. IE Singapore also offers support under the Global Company Partnership (GCP), helping firms build up its capabilities, develop its manpower, and defray the costs of setting up in new markets. 
 
One notable example of the government leading the way in securing development projects in recent times is the appointment of a Singapore consortium – comprising Surbana and Jurong International – as appointed master planners in India for the new Andhra Pradesh capital city of Amaravati and the surrounding region. The appointment was announced in January 2015, with the final master plan delivered in July of the same year. In his statement accompanying the delivery of the final plan, Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran expressed hope of continuing the partnership into implementation and development. He also noted that the collaboration has also opened up more business and investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh and India for Singapore companies. 

Building Strength and Scale for Bigger Projects 

Of late, Singapore’s building and construction sector has also witnessed a major consolidation, with JTC Corporation and Singapore investment company Temasek Holdings sealing an agreement in 2014 to merge four of their subsidiaries - JTC's Ascendas and Jurong International Holdings (JIH) as well as Temasek's Surbana and Singbridge. The single platform – with an aggregate value of around S$5 billion – will have two units, with Ascendas and Singbridge merging to become the asset investment and holding arm, and Surbana and JIH combining to become the technical unit offering construction and engineering services.
 
The resulting platform will be one of the largest integrated urban development player in the region, positioning the involved companies to tap the investment opportunities rising from Asia's rapid urbanisation. The mergers were completed in 2015, with the resulting infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong expressing its ambition to build Singapore-like cities around the globe by exporting packages of infrastructure, including industrial parks and residential dwellings. 
 
Surbana Jurong has since outlined its growth strategy through mergers and acquisitions. In June 2015, it acquired Singapore-based multi-disciplinary engineering firm KTP Consultants and China-based multi-disciplinary design institute Sinosun Architects & Engineers to gain new capabilities and increase its market reach in China from nine to 16 cities.
 
In November 2015, Surbana Jurong announced further equity investments that will entrench its presence in Africa and ramp up its building-design capabilities. This came through a 20 per cent stake in CITICC (Africa) Holding Ltd, a US$300 million investment platform launched to develop affordable housing in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as a 8.4 per cent stake in San Francisco-based building-design software company FLUX Factory for US$9.25 million.

Powering Forwards and Upwards 

All in all, Singapore’s strong infrastructure, building and construction expertise, allied with strong government support and direction, will stand in good stead as it moves to capitalise on the opportunities, arising from rapid urbanisation in the region. From China to India and the whole of Southeast Asia, the commercial potential is tremendous for those with the capability and ambition to ride on it.  
 

Since the launch of the first Green Building Masterplan in 2006, Singapore has made significant progress towards its vision of becoming a green and sustainable city-state. We look at the path the Republic has taken to get there and the milestones which have been achieved.  
Shaping a Green and Sustainable City 

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In the 50 years since its independence, Singapore has swiftly transformed from a trading outpost into one of the major business and financial hubs of Asia. Accompanying the economic progress, there has been a rapid urbanisation of the Republic’s landscape, with residential, commercial and industrial buildings sprouting up to meet the needs of its people and businesses. 
 
In recent times, the Singapore government has taken the lead in promoting sustainability of the built environment. Spearheaded by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Republic has embarked on numerous green building initiatives to realise its vision of a green metropolis. 

Success Starts with a Plan 

Singapore’s green building journey started in 2005 with the launch of the BCA Green Mark Scheme. Intended as a benchmarking scheme to encourage sustainability in the built environment and to raise environmental awareness amongst builders and developers, the BCA Green Mark Scheme has since emerged as the leading green building rating system for the tropics and sub-tropics today.
 
Following on this, the BCA launched the first Green Building Masterplan in 2006. The Masterplan comprised of several major initiatives, including the S$20 million Green Mark Incentive Scheme, which encouraged developers to achieve a higher green building rate through direct monetary incentives. Further to that, the Ministry of National Development (MND) also launched a S$50 million Research Fund to encourage the Research and Development (R&D) of green building technologies and solutions. 
 
On the legislative front, the Building Control Act was amended in 2008 to impose minimum standards of environmental sustainability for buildings, and to bring standards for all new buildings to the Green Mark Certified standard. All in all, the first Masterplan was instrumental in laying down the foundation for Singapore’s green building push, as well as setting the scene for further developments down the line.  

Making the Buildings Greener 

Building on the groundwork laid by the first Masterplan, the BCA launched the Second Green Building Masterplan in 2009. Based on consultations with the industry and experts, the Masterplan championed a sustainable built environment for Singapore, by promoting a strong business case for green buildings. The Masterplan also set an ambitious target for Singapore’s built environment, which was to have at least 80 per cent of the buildings in Singapore attain the BCA Green Mark Certified rating by 2030. 
 
To achieve this lofty goal, the Masterplan laid out a multi-pronged approach, of which one strategic thrust was to have the public sector take the lead. This meant that all new public sector buildings would need to achieve Green Mark Platinum rating, while existing public sector buildings would also need to achieve Green Mark GoldPlus Standard by 2020.
 
Meanwhile, another strategy was to look at incentives to spur the private sector in this area. Measures under this category include the Green Market Gross Floor Area (GM GFA) Incentive Scheme – which awards additional gross floor area to developers that earn higher-tier Green Mark Awards – and a S$100 million Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings (GMIS-EB), which provided financial incentives for owners of existing buildings to retrofit.

Widening the Conversation

The first two Green Building Masterplans were largely successful, generating much momentum in Singapore’s green building journey. By 2014, more than 25 per cent of Singapore’s buildings had already been greened. Against this backdrop, the Third Green Building Masterplan was launched, with the focus shifting from building developers to building owners, tenants and occupants, and getting them to reduce their energy consumption. 
 
Underlying this push is the S$50 Million Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings and Premises (GMIS-EBP), which provides incentives to building owners, occupants and tenants to undertake and adopt energy efficiency improvements and measures within their buildings and premises. Specifically, the scheme will fund up to half of the retrofitting costs of energy-efficient improvements to buildings and premises, capped at S$3 million for building owners and S$20,000 for occupants and tenants.
 
Within the Third Green Building Masterplan, the BCA has outlined several initiatives strengthening its leadership position in the local green building movement. Based on the national R&D roadmap on building energy efficiency, BCA will spearhead the S$52 Million Green Buildings Innovation Cluster (GBIC), which will research, develop and bring to market new technologies and solutions for the sector. BCA will also take the lead in providing a holistic training framework, for developing talent and specialists in the design, maintenance and management of green buildings.

Public Sector Leading the Way 

That Singapore’s green building movement has been able to take off in the relatively short span of a decade is in no small part due to the support of the government and the concerted efforts of public agencies. Chiefly amongst them is the BCA. The public has agency has also gained international recognition for major achievements such as setting up the Centre for Sustainable Buildings with the United Nations Environment Programme, and being the first government agency outside of America and Europe to receive the International Star Award from the US-based Alliance to Save Energy.
 
Another important player in the green building movement is the Housing & Development Board (HDB), which is the key agency for the development of public housing flats in Singapore. Amongst its notable initiatives include the HDB Greenprint, which is a comprehensive and integrated framework of goals and strategies to guide greener HDB town development, and create sustainable homes.
 
The HDB Greenprint is being piloted at Yuhua estate in Jurong, where 38 blocks of flats will be transformed into a “Green Neighbourhood”. Findings from this pilot project – scheduled to be completed by end 2015 – will be used to refine the HDB Greenprint model before it is rolled out to other HDB towns. If successful, residents can look forward to more sustainable and green initiatives such as solar panels, sensor-controlled LED lightings in the near future. 

Industry Role in Green Building Journey

Beyond the public sector, the industry as a collective is also contributing to the green building movement. The Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC), an industry association – with prominent members such as real estate heavyweights CapitaLand and City Developments, and public corporations HDB and BCA – is also working to promote green building design, practices and technologies here.
 
In December 2015, the World Green Building Council, together with green building councils around the world – including the SGBC - launched a new campaign #BetterBuildGreen – in support of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21). The campaign looks to promote the role green buildings can play in reducing carbon emissions, as well as benefits to society and the economy. 
 
In additional, SGBC made several key pledges, such as working with private and public partners to base procurement decisions on sustainability-centred principles. SGBC is also looking to encourage the adoption of Singapore Green Building Product certified products and materials in the built environment. These pledges are on top of its existing commitment to partner the government in efforts to have 80 per cent of buildings in Singapore achieve Green Mark standards by 2030. 

The Future is Green   

With growing awareness of the importance of green buildings, there has been a corresponding increase in demand for such spaces too. Research has shown that green residential and commercial buildings tend to command a pricing premium, thus further reinforcing the case to go green for developers. Such positive momentum, coupled with the public sector’s green building push, means that the future for green buildings in Singapore looks bright indeed.  

The world has become increasingly digitised in the last 20 years – a trend brought about by the rapid growth and convergence of the Internet, computing power, mobile electronics and cloud computing, among others. While many are still coming to terms with the changes wrought by the digital age, experts are already predicting that the Internet of Things (IoT) will usher in a new era of interconnected machines. 

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Ushering In the Growth of Digital 

In its report, research firm International Data Corporation (ICD) forecasted the global IoT market to grow from US$655.8 billion in 2014 to US$1.7 trillion in 2020. Furthermore, the number of IoT endpoints – connected devices such as household appliances, handheld devices, automobiles and more – is expected to grow from 10.3 million in 2014 to more than 29.5 million in 2020.
 
Against these wider developments, one can see why many in the technology sector are optimistic about the industry’s future prospects, given the increasing demand for more powerful and sophisticated hardware and software to run the digital world of tomorrow.

Riding the Wave of Growth 

Notwithstanding cyclical blips from time to time, Singapore looks set to benefit from the growth in digital technologies, thanks to its strong foundation in electronics. In fact, the Republic consistently punches above its weight, with its electronics sector a vital node in the design and manufacture of a variety of integrated circuit (IC) chips and parts, including processors, communication chips and power management chips
 
Singapore’s semiconductor industry is also one of the largest in the region, responsible for manufacturing one in 10 of the world’s total production of IC chips, while being home to some of the industry’s largest players, such as Infineon, Intel, Micro, NXP and STMicroelectronics. In addition, three of the leading wafer foundries and four of the top outsourced assembly and test services companies have set up operations in Singapore and are responsible for a range of activities such as manufacturing and research and development (R&D). 

A Leading Economic Contributor 

With such a strong presence of leading international players, it is no wonder electronics manufacturing is a key contributor to the Republic’s economy, making up about 5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2014. At the same time, the manufacturing of electronic products here also creates many spin-offs to other parts of the economy, such as precision manufacturing; chemicals and materials suppliers; and logistics service providers.
 
Despite a rise in business costs here in recent years, Singapore continues to be a key investment destination for international electronics firms. The electronics sector accounted for 14 per cent of the S$11.8 billion in fixed asset investments secured by Singapore in 2014. In addition, the electronics manufacturing sector also accounts for some 19 per cent of the total manufacturing workforce, of which more than half are skilled positions. It also boasts of the second highest labour productivity among manufacturing industries.

Profiting From Data Storage 

Besides its leading position in the wider electronics sector, Singapore is also the world’s largest manufacturer of hard disk media, accounting for 40 per cent of global market share. This comes from the presence of Seagate, Western Digital and Showa Denko, the three biggest suppliers of hard disk media in the world. Besides manufacturing, the three firms have also set up their R&D operations in Singapore. 
 
In June 2015, Seagate launched “The Shugart” – its S$100 million state-of-the-art R&D design centre – in Singapore’s one-north technology business park. The centre is set to house more than 900 employees and undertake R&D on
next-generation 2.5” storage drives for mobile applications. Looking ahead, Singapore also expects to see the completion of Micron Technology’s US$4 billion NAND Flash Memory Fabrication Facility. When completed, the facility is projected to create at least 500 skilled jobs, and contribute over S$1 billion of value-add to the Singapore economy each year when fully ramped up. 

Making Research and Development a Priority 

For global electronics firms, research and development is a critical investment in order to stay competitive and gain advantages for future products. With its strong R&D infrastructure, ready availability of top talent and strong support from public sector research institutions and universities, Singapore continues to attract R&D investments to complement the HQ and manufacturing of electronics principals here.
 
In fact, more than 50 electronics firms have chosen to site their R&D operations here in Singapore, with the sector emerging as one of the largest contributors to business expenditure for R&D here. This was 31 per cent of the total private sector R&D expenditure in 2013.  
 
Meanwhile, the public sector is also a major player in electronics R&D here, through the Institute of Microelectronics (IME). A member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), IME undertakes cutting-edge research and development across the entire semiconductor value chain in areas such as IC and system design, 3D packaging and reliability testing, as well as nascent technologies such as bioelectronics and nanoelectronics.

Strong Talent for Better Electronics 

In order for Singapore to stay ahead as a leading hub for electronics firms, there is a need to invest in the right talent to provide it with a competitive edge. The Singapore government – through the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) – has been looking to ensure a steady pipeline of talent to power the electronics industry. 
 
These initiatives include undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, encouraging students to further their studies in IC design at the local universities. Two of Singapore’s four public universities – the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – offer courses in electrical and electronic engineering. Meanwhile, the newer Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) also boasts a S$146 million international technology design centre, in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Keeping Nimble, Staying Ahead

With so much going for it, Singapore’s electronics sector outlook looks promising, with the potential to grow from strength to strength. Looking ahead, the Republic can be counted on to consolidate its inherent strengths and position its electronics sector to take advantage of global developments in digital technology and electronics demand. 
 

About the Event  

             

Asia’s leading business event for the oil and gas industry will return to the Marina Bay Sands Singapore from 29 November to 2 December 2016. OSEA brings together industry professionals to tackle pertinent concerns of the oil and gas industry in the region, from the changing market trends and expectations, to new business potential and the running of its daily operations. With 20 successful showings under the belt, the event has evolved to meet the increasing demand for more sophisticated technologies and solutions from companies; anchoring its position as the eminent sourcing and networking platform for today’s industry.

Key focus areas at OSEA2016 include:

• Digital Oil Field
• Engineering, Construction, Maintenance & Repair
• Geosciences
• Housing, Health, Safety & Environment
• Marine Equipment & Services
• Process Automation, Instrumentation & Control Technology
• Transportation, Pipelines & Storage 
• Conference Highlights

What Can You Expect at OSEA2016 International Conference?

In line with the industry trends and the extensive feedback from the recently concluded OSEA2014 International Conference, the upcoming Conference in 2016 will present the following trends through more interactive sessions and networking formats:

• Deepwater Exploration & Production
• Optimising New and Unconventional Hydrocarbon Assets
• Commercial Opportunities in Shale Gas, FPSO and FLNG
• Process Safety and HSE
• Asset Integrity Maintenance and New Techniques
• Terminal, Bunkering, Tank Farms and other Downstream Opportunities
• Digital Oil Fields, Communication, Cyber Security and Disaster Management

You can be sure of witnessing more country-focus sessions highlighting the opportunities for investors and technology providers at OSEA2016 International Conference, in addition to the six featured at the 2014 version of the event.

Events At A Glance

This feature is courtesy of Singapore Exhibition Services. For more information, please visit www.osea-asia.com.

About Singapore Exhibition Services

Set up in 1976, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES) has established itself as one of the most innovative and respected exhibition and conference organisers in Asia. A pioneer in the Singapore exhibition industry, SES events have served as important platforms for companies aiming to forge new business contacts in Asia. With a portfolio of international tradeshows already serving the Communications, Engineering, Machinery and Lifestyle industries, SES continues to develop new events to meet market needs. SES events consistently attract a high level of overseas participation with foreign exhibitors accounting for almost 80% of the show floor. SES is a member of Allworld Exhibitions Alliance, a global network with over 50 offices worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sesallworld.com.

 

About the Event

The global challenge facing the shipping sector is to meet the ever-increasing demands of a dynamic and fast changing world in a sustainable and responsible manner. Clearly “business as usual” will not be enough to meet these demands. Innovation in products, services and processes holds the key to achieving safe, reliable, cost efficient solutions that also achieve economic, social and environmental sustainability targets.
 
With an expected audience of up to 150 of the most senior maritime executives from both within Singapore and further afield, the Maritime CIO Forums have been developed to address issues and trends that leaders in the shipping community face in an increasingly demanding environment; expected to deliver strategies capable of both driving revenue and reducing costs - all while making smart decisions about technology selection, investment and implementation. Throughout this one-day high-level forum, regional and international industry leaders will share their strategies to address the challenges presented by the new maritime landscape, and the key roles played by innovation and the drive for sustainability.
 
As well as a focus on technical developments, this forum will address challenges that companies are facing at present - such as:

• How is innovation in communications driving the future of shipping?
• Technology for the new maritime landscape
• Cyber security and future-proofing your IT infrastructure 
• The future of unmanned vessels
• Innovating and investing in the industrial Internet of Things (IoT)
• Big data and analytics to drive innovation, competitiveness and growth
• Putting information security onto the boardroom agenda
• The Digital Age - maximising efficiencies with next generation solutions for the maritime market
• Harnessing disruptive innovation in the maritime sector
• Case studies and lessons from the Energy and Automotive sectors
• Sessions will be led by panel discussions and interactive discussion with the audience. 

Highly targeted, this year’s Digital Ship Maritime CIO Forum in Singapore will consider the future of shipping and how the CIO’s role can influence sustainability and competitiveness in a fast paced and ever changing maritime environment. It will provide an opportunity for some of the industry’s leading technology experts and business heads to discuss and debate the on-going role of IT and communications in the shipping industry and help to solve the technology, leadership and business challenges ahead. 

Why Visit

• Learn about new technologies
• Meet potential business partners
• Hear about experiences from peers
• Fantastic networking opportunities 

Why Sponsor

• Showcase your products and services - sponsorship packages include a table top display area
• Associate your brand with the cutting-edge knowledge event
• Reach potential customers in a cost-effective way
• A higher chance to generate valuable sales leads than at other general maritime trade shows
• Network with influential decision makers in the industry
• Develop partnerships through face-to-face meetings at sponsored networking functions
• Maximise your brand exposure 

Visitor Profile

• Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
• Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)
• Chief Operating Officers (COOs)
• Other senior business and technical executives in technology, communications, information management, operations, and finance functions
• Suppliers providing:
  • Ship Shore Communications
  • Software / Data Services
  • Shipboard Electronics / Safety / Navigation Systems
  • Control Systems / Power
  • Security Technology 

Sponsor Profile

• Ship-to-shore communications
• Software/data services
• Shipboard electronics/safety/navigation systems
• Control systems/power
• Security technology 

Contact

To learn more about how you can use The Maritime CIO Forum Singapore to share information about your company and products with 150+ delegates that will be in attendance, please contact:

YoungSuk Park
Tel: +44 20 7017 3409
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Organised by Digital Ship
 
About Digital Ship

Digital Ship provides news and information covering the deep sea commercial shipping sector, focusing on developments in information technology and communications. Breaking news updates, shared on our website and via our social media, are supplemented by a weekly e-mail newsletter and a monthly magazine, which includes further in-depth analysis and features on issues affecting this sector. In addition to our news and features, Digital Ship also organises a global series of conferences in the world’s major shipping centres where industry stakeholders can meet to learn about and discuss technology developments and the issues and trends affecting the maritime IT sector.

• Monthly Magazine
• Weekly eNewsletter
• Online supplier directory
• Breaking news updates via social media
• Global events calendar