Singapore precision engineering to gear up for value-added manufacturing

The Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Engineering jointly inked an agreement to launch two Joint Labs, in the areas of Natural Fibre Composites and Large Format Machining, to move the local precision engineering industry into high value-added manufacturing.

This collaboration builds capabilities and develops technologies to help the complex equipment, aerospace, and marine & offshore clusters. The SIMTech-NUS Joint Labs also serve as platforms to nurture R&D manpower for industry, transforming them into centres of excellence in their respective technical areas to benefit more industry sectors. Twenty PhD scholarships will be provided to develop R&D talent for manufacturing research conducted in the Joint Labs.

Dr Lim Ser Yong, Executive Director of SIMTech, said, “The Joint Labs with NUS are long-term collaborations to conduct systematic fundamental research on specific research themes to develop advanced manufacturing technology in SIMTech. The Joint Labs in Natural Fibre Composites and Large Format Machining will help to build the foundation of a robust track record in the thematic areas of practical industrial significance, advancing research and honing the skills of R&D manpower for the local manufacturing industry.”