On 21 October 2017, Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) Lim Hng Kiang launched the Energy & Chemicals Industry Transformation Map (E&C ITM) at the 10th edition of the Singapore Chemical Industry Experience.
Led by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the ITM is developed together with various agencies, industry partners, unions and trade associations. Through transformational and diversification efforts, it targets a manufacturing value-added of $12.7 billion and 1,400 new jobs by 2025.
According to the media release, Singapore is the world’s fifth largest refinery export hub and amongst the top 10 global chemical hubs by chemicals export volume. In 2015, E&C accounted for close to $78 billion in total output and employed over 28,400 workers.
Tech-ling Challenges
The E&C ITM targets at least 20 plants in Singapore to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies by 2020. It will also focus on systems level digitalisation efforts across companies to improve the management of logistics and utilities.
“In addition to the uncertainty over oil prices, we are also seeing a rise of [high-value derivatives from crude oil], tightening of emissions regulations, as well as increasing demand for cleaner fuels and lubricants.
“… Advanced manufacturing technologies will enable our companies to be more competitive by overcoming land, labour and carbon constraints as well as raising productivity,” said Minister Lim.
The ITM also suggested the development of innovative solutions through collaborative efforts among multinational corporations, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and academic institutions.
For example, Shell is partnering with local SME Avetics to deploy drones for maintenance and inspection of tall structures, increasing safety and manpower savings of 25 per cent.
Uncovering Opportunities
The ITM also sets a new direction for Singapore towards identifying growth markets such as high value-added petrochemical products and specialty chemicals.
To further support the growth of Singapore’s specialty chemicals segment, the Government will work with leading industry players to build their necessary capabilities and support companies who adopt open innovation.
For a start, EDB and A*STAR has embarked on a joint technology road mapping exercise to identify scientific and technological needs and gaps of companies, and then invest in developing them.
The ITM targets 20 new or expanded application development centres by 2025, with an increase of $55 million in business expenditure on research and development.
Tightening Skill Gaps
To help Singaporeans take on new jobs, SkillsFuture Singapore, EDB and Workforce Singapore developed the Skills Framework for Energy & Chemicals in consultation with various partners.
“Over the past year, the six unions in the OPEC cluster have been working very closely with the various stakeholders led by EDB on the ITM to look at the skillsets that can meet the future demand. I’m glad they have taken our inputs to provide bite-sized courses, which our members can actually take after work and these can be culminated into a recognised diploma or degree programme,” said NTUC’s OPEC Cluster Supervising Lead and Chemical Industries Employees’ Union (CIEU) Executive Secretary James Tan.
The framework covers 95 technical skills and competencies required for 53 job roles across six career tracks in the sector, including Internet of Things management, robotic and automation technology application, and applied research and development.
NTUC’s OPEC Cluster Chairman K Karthikeyan added that the Labour Movement has been preparing union leaders, workers and management partners for the upcoming changes in the ITM. Among the initiatives include briefings and a pre-ITM workshop for OPEC Cluster unions to give them an overview about the ITM.
Raymond Ee, 29, is a beneficiary from one of the several available programmes available to help interested parties enter the E&C sector. Through the Professional Conversion Programme, the project coordinator in a construction company successfully made a career switch to join ExxonMobil as an operations technician earlier this year.
“I have always wanted to join the E&C industry but I was unable to get into the course in polytechnic. I tried out construction, but it was not my cup of tea. I’ve applied several times to ExxonMobil over five years to no avail. I’m very glad that I was hired this time with the training from Chemicals Manufacturing PCP. I took a pay cut but I believe the work-life balance and career prospects will allow me to better provide for my family in the long run,” he shared.
Good to Know
SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programmes (ELPs)
Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs)
