Leveraging technology for a more manpower-optimised and safer workplace is what ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd's integrated refining and petrochemical complex is doing.
NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Chan Chun Sing visited the plant at Pioneer Road on 25 September 2017 to meet up with management and get a glimpse into its efforts to keep pace with global developments.
He was accompanied by Gan Seow Kee, chairman and managing director of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific and Refinery Manager of the Singapore plant Brian Ablett.
Digital Manufacturing
At the visit, SG Chan was briefed on the role digital manufacturing plays in maximising workplace productivity.
One such technology is the real time monitoring of equipment or gases. This allows real-time access to critical operational information to monitor the various units around the complex, which allows timely actions to be taken should there be any issues
Engaging Workers
ExxonMobil Asia Pacific’s senior management added that engaging workers for their feedback at all levels of the company is an ongoing process in the company.
This helps in identifying their skills upgrading and continuous learning needs, something that has benefited 65-year-old Ng Chin Leong, a digital manufacturing process lead.
“Due to the nature of my job, I have to update myself to ensure that I can deploy the latest technology at my workplace for operations and be the operator of the future for the different processes. At ExxonMobil, we have continuous learning courses,” said Mr Ng, who has been with the company for 44 years.
SG Chan also had a chance to meet union leaders from the ExxonMobil Singapore Employees Union. Currently, the company has some 3,000 NTUC members.
