Overview
Electrical engineering diverges into several sectors; engineering bodies enable better regulation
The electrical engineering sector in Singapore has been progressing at its own pace. As of 2020, the sector contained 6,030 employees with a majority being in roles such as engineers, technical officers and technicians. The sector mainly deals with electrical equipment, systems and the use of electrical knowledge to secure and test the functionalities of electrical systems.
Electrical engineers are provided a range of employment opportunities that branch out into sectors such as computer chips, energy, electronics manufacturing and defence. It is said that between 2016 and 2026, the job market for electrical engineers was set to grow by 8.6% with a standard salary for electrical engineers in Singapore being SGD 8,000 per month.
In order to maintain regulatory standards, a statutory board in the Ministry of National Development (MND) referred to as the Professional Engineers Board (PEB) Singapore was established in 1971 under the Professional Engineers Act. The PEB’s main aim was to register and regulate advancement in the practice of professional engineers. Electrical engineers holding degrees or qualifications listed and approved by the Professional Engineers Notification as well as those who meet conditions prescribed by the Board are able to register with the PEB in Singapore. Electrical engineers are also subject to oral examinations or have pass credits for two examinations:
Fundamentals of Engineering Examination
Practice of Professional Engineering Examination
Another final requirement of applicants is the need for a minimum of four years’ work experience within the engineering field.
Female students show keen interest in the sector; initiatives and programmes implemented to encourage students
Based on Graduate Employment Surveys conducted in 2017, approximately 70% of graduates worked within the engineering sector. Secondary schools within Singapore have since introduced learning programs such as Applied Learning Programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to allow students to utilise their knowledge and skills to address real-life scenarios.
Another initiative is the promotion of diploma-related programmes to secondary school students by polytechnics in Singapore. The discussions, which are to be shared with students, would feature industry professionals who are able to share their experiences and passions of the field.
Secondary schools have also provided subjects such as Smart Electrical Technology in order to enable students to learn and experience a range of application software, hardware and electronics systems that could assist with innovation and practical solutions that can be applied in the real world. Such measures are being taken as a means to drive the sector forward and pave a better path for electrical engineering practices in the future.
Key Trends
Sustainability takes precedence in Singapore; efficient and innovative use of clean energy to enable alternative ways of creating clean energy
As the decentralisation of energy is being explored, better, more viable clean energy solutions are being restored into Singapore’s generation of electricity. Working with solar energy-derived solutions to generate electricity around the city, this decentralisation allows for energy to flow from centralised power plants to consumers but can also shift back and forth between source and destination.
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is currently working on a sustainable energy system, referred to as a microgrid, that could supply the campus’ electrical needs. The development of intelligent operating systems that have the capability to control a large number of microgrids at the same time was also in the process of being developed by the SIT Engineering team. In the future, Singapore’s electricity prices will rely on supply and demand as opposed to being at a fixed rate for the entire country.
Clean energy companies to sponsor engineering students; internships to ensure competent workforce within the sector
As of 2022, initiatives have been implemented to sponsor engineering students for the Energy-Industry Scholarship being provided in Singapore. Upon the completion of studies at the Institute of Technical Education and at other polytechnics, the directive will ensure an adequate manpower pipeline to sustain the sector.
On a path to decarbonise the city, by the year 2035, Singapore seeks to import 30% of its electricity from low-carbon sources. This is due to 40% of the city’s carbon emissions coming from the power sector. The scholarship being provided would involve clean energy companies, and enable students to work under sectors looking into solar and energy storage systems with the help of smart grids. Depending on the needs and requirements of the companies, the sponsoring organisation would be selected from a range of clean energy companies in the sector.
Singapore pivots towards space investments; enables smart electronics to protect electronics in satellites from harmful radiation
Upon securing SGD 2.5 million in seed funding from investors such as Airbus Ventures, Singapore has launched several satellites since 2015. With more space technology being explored, the advancement in satellite functionality is being adhered to.
A group of researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has developed a chip referred to as the Latchup Detection and Protection (LDAP) chip . This chip allows for electronics within the satellite to remain protected from harmful radiation, where the chip automatically turns off the circuit upon coming in contact with radiation. Consumer-grade electronics such as iPads and smartphones will also be usable in space due to the chips.
The main aim for the chip, which has been in the process of development and manufacturing for six years, is to increase reliability and enable cost effectiveness of the satellites being used in space. With the support of investors, the initiative is to scale up operations and coordinate with international customers interested in purchasing the LDAP chip. In 2020, the LDAP chip had already been installed as a segment of a radiation protection project in three satellites manufactured by the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan.
Key Statistics
- The number of professional electrical engineers being registered from 2016 to 2020 had decreased from 28 to 11.
- As of December 2020, the percentage of registered professional engineers was recorded at 22.6% and the percentage of practitioners that had practising certifications in each branch was recorded at 63%.
The engineering workforce in the power sector increased by 0.93% per annum from 2018 to 2020.
Top Singapore MNCs in Electrical Engineering
ARUP SINGAPORE PRIVATE LIMITED
SIEMENS PTE. LTD.
Siemens is a global technology company with operations in nearly every country. It focuses on automation and digitalization in the process and manufacturing industries, intelligent infrastructure for buildings and distributed energy systems, smart mobility solutions for rail transport, and medical technology and digital healthcare services. In 1908, Siemens opened its Technical Office in Singapore, which functioned as a sales office for the London-based Siemens Brothers. Siemens creates technology with a purpose, ensuring actual value for its clients, from more resource-efficient industries, robust supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation and enhanced healthcare.
ABB PTE. LTD.
WSP CONSULTANCY PTE. LTD.
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC ASIA PTE. LTD.
Schneider Electric is a multinational firm based in France. It specializes in electrical equipment, energy management, automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Schneider Electric offers end-to-end cloud integration for products, controls, software, and services. Via a digital twin, it enables lifetime solutions, from design and construction through operations and maintenance. For homes, buildings, data centres, infrastructure, and industries, its integrated solutions are designed with safety, dependability, and cybersecurity in mind. EcoStruxure is the company’s IoT-enabled, plug-and-play, open, interoperable architecture and platform used in homes, buildings, data centres, infrastructure, and industries. Schneider Electric Asia was incorporated in Singapore in 1996.
VOLTECH SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Voltech Engineers has provided essential services to prestigious clients for major projects in Asia, the Gulf, Africa, and India. Voltech Singapore, established in 2012, is an experienced and professional electrical engineering business in the testing and commissioning of medium- and heavy-duty electrical systems in the power and transmission sectors. It provides a diverse range of products, solutions, and comprehensive services for energy distribution and control in industries, utilities, buildings, residences, and agriculture. The company also undertales operation and maintenance, refurbishment, HVAC, solar power, facility management, MEP, engineering, and professional outsourcing, among others.
JACOBS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS PTE. LTD.
AMPCONTROL SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Ampcontrol Singapore, incorporated in 2012, provides complete end-to-end solutions for the energy, infrastructure, and resources industries, from concept to design and production, service, and repair. Ampcontrol engineers and builds high-voltage electrical solutions that focus on addressing customers' operational difficulties and whole-of-life operations, from the most complicated electrical infrastructure to the most hazardous industrial situations. Headquartered in Australia, Ampcontrol has established offices in China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Russia, Botswana, the United Kingdom, and the United States to better serve its global consumers.
EXYTE SERVICES (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
AECOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Electrical Engineering
SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES ENGINEERING LTD
Repeated as per client
PEC LTD.
Repeated as per client
MUN SIONG ENGINEERING LIMITED
Repeated as per client
KING WAN CORPORATION LIMITED
King Wan Corporation, established in 1977, is a Singapore-based integrated building services company. It provides mechanical and electrical (M-u0026E) engineering services for the building and construction sector. It also rents out mobile chemical lavatories and provides ancillary facilities for construction worksites, as well as for public and national events. King Wan Corporation conducts business through its network of subsidiaries and joint ventures in China and Thailand. The company now operates in three other business sectors through direct investments, which are vessel ownership and chartering, property development, and worker dormitory operations.
SWTS PTE. LTD.
Established in 1973, SWTS is an independent technical services provider that offers multidisciplinary engineering and industrial products and services. These range from the design, supply, installation, and integration of OEM industrial equipment and electrical systems, to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, and engineering solutions. SWTS stands for Siemens Westinghouse Technical Services. The company works closely with OEMs and equipment manufacturers to support end-user standards and requirements. It is also Southeast Asia's exclusive authorized distributor and service centre for Heinzmann and Regulateurs Europa control systems. SWTS provides digital transformation consulting, retrofit of plug-and-play solutions to monitor machine operating parameters, and predictive solutions development.
CYCLECT ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PTE LTD.
Repeated as per client
ON ENGINEERS PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2000, ON Engineers is the largest provider of electrical licensing services in Singapore. ON Engineers is the result of the merger of two well-known electrical licensing services firms, J.M. Pang -u0026 Seah (JMPS) and Quality Power Management (QPM). The company’s combined technical knowledge originates from providing Licence Electrical Worker (LEW) services for large local and multinational clients in a variety of industries, including commercial, retail, petrochemical, residential, industrial, and data centre electrical installations. ON Engineers’ competence has expanded to include shutdown maintenance, projects and consulting, condition monitoring (electrical and mechanical), and training services.
HAI LECK ENGINEERING -u0026 CONSTRUCTION PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
TECH OFFSHORE MARINE (S) PTE. LTD.
Tech Offshore Marine (TOM) was incorporated in 1996. It offers turn-key solutions to a global client base that includes large oil majors as well as rig operators. TOM continues to break new ground in the building business by improving its structure and processes in prefabricated MEP with its own innovative solutions, and leveraging its expertise, skills, and technology in modularization and 3D design. TOM established RK TOM Nutech in India in collaboration with RK Heavy Engineering (India), to provide timely delivery of quality goods and services in precision machining and inspection in diverse industries such as marine, oil and gas, automotive, aviation, and aerospace.
UG M-u0026E PTE. LTD.
Established in 2010, UG M-u0026E (formerly known as United Engineers), is a specialist in the installation of mechanical and electrical (M-u0026E) services. The company’s services include: Air Conditioning -u0026 Mechanical Ventilation System; High, Low, and Extra Low Voltage Electrical System; Fire Alarm -u0026 Fire Protection System; Engineered Smoke Control System; Plumbing -u0026 Sanitary System; Building Management System; and Clean Room, Lab, and Utilities Services. In 2020, UG M-u0026E was acquired by Penta-Ocean Construction, a well-established Japanese construction company. During the EFFEECC IXTH Convention in 1998, UG M-u0026E received an international award from the Asian Federation of Electrical Engineering Contractors as Singapore's Best Electrical Contractor.
Top Singapore SMEs in Electrical Engineering
YONSAN ENGINEERING PTE LTD
Yonsan Engineering, founded in 1984, is a one-stop engineering solutions provider for infrastructure development. It adopts a creative approach to the hotel construction industry by introducing cutting-edge equipment, technology, and value engineering. Yonsan Engineering specializes in the supply and installation of critical equipment and systems such as captive power solutions; desalination plants; wastewater treatment plants; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; high voltage and low voltage distribution systems; plumbing and sanitary works, kitchen equipment; heat recovery; and hot water circulation. Yonsan Engineering is headquartered in Singapore, with subsidiaries and linked companies in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, the Philippines (Cebu), and Timor Leste.
A-POWER ENGINEERING PTE LTD
Incorporated in 1999, A-Power Engineering is a mechanical and electrical contractor in Singapore which provides customers with comprehensive M-u0026E solutions. The company’s expanding clientele comprises multinational corporations, banks, financial institutions, security firms, publicly traded companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises. A-Power Engineering’s services include everything from design and installation to commissioning and maintenance. In addition to M-u0026E services that are tailored to customers' requirements, the company also provides project management services to help clients save time and money. A-Power Engineering's M-u0026E project portfolio encompasses a wide range of industries, including newly constructed private condominiums, commercial buildings, data centres, corporate offices, and theatres.
HONG DAT ENGINEERING PTE LTD
Hong Dat Engineering, which was established in 2001, speciali zes in electrical work. In 2009, the company expanded into the structural works sector (formwork, rebar, and concrete) in Singapore, and then in 2011-2012, it added tiling, plumbing and sanitary works to its portfolio. As a subcontractor, Hong Dat Engineering mostly works on residential, industrial, and commercial projects. In 2005, the company expanded its operations in the UAE to include electrical work. Hong Dat Engineering is involved in a wide range of building operations such as formwork, rebar, and concrete; wet trade and tiling; electrical installations; plumbing and sanitary works; and mechanical installations (only in the UAE).
POWEN ENGINEERING PTE. LTD.
Powen Engineering, founded in 1981, offers mechanical and electrical (M-u0026E) services – including design, supply, installation, and maintenance services – for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and infrastructure projects both locally and internationally. It also focuses on complicated and difficult projects, and strives to constantly increase its in-house capabilities to meet new challenges and opportunities. Powen Engineering's project portfolio includes work in the public, private, residential, industrial, and commercial sectors. Powen Engineering was among the first M-u0026E engineering firms to implement the sophisticated Building Information Modelling (BIM) system in Singapore.
MAINTECH ENGINEERING -u0026 SUPPLIES PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 1996, Maintech Engineering -u0026 Supplies (MES) is one of the leading electrical and mechanical engineering companies in the region. The company undertakes complete projects for new electrical and mechanical installations, as well as retrofitting and upgrading existing equipment. Maintech Engineering -u0026 Supplies offers motor, generator, switchgear, and transformer service, repair, installation, and field services. Baldor, Brook Crompton, WEG, VEM, ATB, Kato, Cummins (Stamford and AVK), Cutler Hammer, Ottermill, and Basler have authorized Maintech Engineering -u0026 Supplies to provide workshop services for their products. The company is forming joint ventures in many Southeast Asian countries to extend its product and service portfolio.
CNS ELECTRICAL PTE LTD
CNS Electrical is a one-stop electrical contracting organization that offers electrical and security system services. The company was established in 1950. It accepts contracts to install electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings. CNS Electrical is BCA-registered and specializes in the installation of electrical, CATV, SCV, and security systems for design-and-build condominium housing development projects. The company provides clear drawings and plans, undertakes testing and commissioning, and offers complete training and maintenance services following project completion. The ASEAN Federation of Electrical Engineering Contractors awarded CNS Electrical the Best Electrical Contractor Award in 2004 and 2013.
NGEE CHENG ELECTRIC COMPANY (PRIVATE) LIMITED
Founded in 1971, Ngee Cheng Electric is a BCA-registered ME05-L6 electrical contractor. It offers high-quality electrical installations and services to its customers across Singapore. The company serves clients in the industrial and commercial building, residential housing, educational institutions, recreational facilities, and medical industries. Ngee Cheng Electric has expertise in electrical installation, switchgear and distribution for high voltage, switchboard and distribution for low voltage, standby generator systems, public address and BGM systems, security and access systems, MATV/SCV systems, telephone distribution systems, and structural cabling systems.
REE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PTE LTD
Ree Electrical Engineering was incorporated in 1985. Over the past 36 years, the company has worked hard to improve its services by establishing high standards and maintaining positive customer connections. Ree Electrical Engineering’s services include air-conditioning maintenance, electrical installation, plumbing, machine repair, compressed air pipe work, licensing of industrial and residential electrical installations, lightning protection, infrared thermographic inspection, and electrical maintenance for commercial and industrial buildings. The company also works with professional engineers and licensed electrical workers to service the main switchboard, carry out primary and secondary injector testing, and produce reports.
HONG YUEN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CO PTE. LTD.
Hong Yuen Electrical Engineering was established in 1981 as a company dealing in electrical, instrumentation, and control engineering. It provides services such as installation of all electrical and instrument systems, fabrication and erection of cable support systems, cable installation, glanding and termination, high voltage termination and testing, commissioning and testing of automation systems, and commissioning and testing of offshore facilities. Hong Yuen Electrical Engineering is ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and bizSAFE Enterprise Level Star certified. It also follows the code of practice on safety management systems developed jointly by the Oil and Petrochemical Industry, Technical -u0026 Safety Committee, and the Ministry of Manpower's Occupational Safety Department.
ARC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PTE. LTD.
ARC Electrical Engineering, incorporated in 2011, focuses on the design, erection, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment. The company takes on contracts with a single point of contact and executes them using a dedicated talent pool with core engineering expertise. ARC Electrical Engineering has a skilled team of engineers who specialize in SCADA and IED integration, substation design, and automation. The company provides full engineering, design, and construction support to electric utility clients across the country on energy and communications infrastructure projects. ARC Electrical Engineering also offers solutions for substations, solar power installations, infrastructure, data centres, oil and gas industry, ports, and terminals.
