Overview
Industrial engineering and production processes key drivers of growth within diverse industries
According to the Ministry of Education (MOE), engineering as a whole provides capabilities to design and build complicated components of advanced machinery. It is a central enabler for diverse industries including oil and gas, marine, aerospace, complex equipment and medical devices.
Indeed Singapore, a job recruitment company, notes that industrial engineering is a branch of the engineering industry and is the process of augmenting many components including systems, processes and business operations. Industrial engineers use their expertise in various industries such as healthcare, information systems and technology, robotics, manufacturing, financial services, transportation, computers, architecture, science, construction and the energy sector.
In 2022, according to UOB Group’s Senior Economist Alvin Liew’s assessment, the country’s industrial production rose above expectations by 2.0% month over month, which reflected a growth of 0.5% year-on-year (YoY) in August. This was due to the rebound in pharmaceutical production (6.4% YoY). He also reported that this growth in industrial production was a result of recurring expansions in transport engineering (32.8% YoY), precision engineering (2.9% YoY) and general manufacturing (18.8% YoY), offsetting the 7.8% YoY reduction in electronics output and 11.2% YoY decline in chemicals.
Local universities launch programs in support of Singapore’s aim to become a hub for engineering solutions; companies partner for innovation
In order to fulfil Singapore’s aims of becoming a one-stop hub that develops engineering solutions, many universities have set up programs and research projects pertaining to industrial engineering for various industries.
One of these is the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management (ISEM), which focuses on industrial and systems engineering. Undergraduates are taught to maintain a systematic approach, by both experiencing and harnessing meticulous research and data analysis to deliver innovative and efficient solutions. ISEM students can choose from a variety of options ranging from programs for data analytics and decision making, project and operational management, to computational and modelling skills, and management and comprehension of systems.
Additionally Nanyang Technology University’s (NTU) Design -u0026 Human Factors Group offers 5 laboratories for Design and Human Factors, Motion Analysis, Innovation, Computer Aided Engineering and Model Shop, to carry out various research projects. The university also provides research projects in Industrial Engineering including projects for the development of a Decision-Support System to Detect Maritime Security Threats, and Soft Computing for Concurrent Product Design Evaluation and Evolution.
In 2022, LINX Singapore, a leading machine vision distributor in Southeast Asia, collaborated with Zenon, a machine vision software platform, to design and deploy industrial automation services through first-class industrial automation software.
Key Trends
Fluctuations in Singapore’s industrial engineering sector driven by both growth and decline of various industries amidst COVID-19 pandemic
Before the chaotic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a noticeable rising demand for professionals with expertise in health, safety and environment (HSE) methodologies and operational excellence was seen. The demand for the best products at the best rates encouraged the consistent betterment of business processes to reach operational excellence.
It was also noted that in relation to the manufacturing process, a special focus was placed on the reduction of resources and waste matter to enhance business sustainability and revise the manufacturing process as a whole. HSE engineering specialists were appointed in charge of guaranteeing the health and safety of employees, customer satisfaction, managing regulatory compliance, boosting health, safety and environment as well as encouraging profitability.
According to Singapore Business Review, slight increases in industrial production were noted from 2013 to 2014. In 2015, a 5.1% contraction was noticeable especially from the land and marine and offshore engineering sectors. In 2017, transport engineering and biomedical manufacturing clusters were cut down due to both the unsatisfactory performance of the marine and offshore engineering sectors and the lack of active pharmaceutical ingredient production and biological products.
In 2022, however, the Economic Development Board (EDB) reported that within the manufacturing industry, transport engineering had the highest growth of 32%, attributed to the increasing level of operations within the aerospace, marine and offshore engineering sectors. It was also noted in 2022 that regardless of the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic, a notable consistent attraction existed for strong direct investment inflows in electronics and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
About 10 years ago, the productivity of the construction sector was approximately 30% lower when compared to Japan; hence, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) launched initiatives such as the Multi-Skilling Scheme to train individuals to become multiple-skilled tradesmen instead of specialised labourers.
The Singapore government also supports the development of local pre-fabrication facilities, while BCA provides the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF), a crucial source of funding for the construction of an automated production hub to decrease the amount of labour that is required. Moreover, the government launched initiatives to utilise technology more often, making the usage of tools, including BIM (Building Information Modelling), mandatory for any government project. SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC), the engineering division of Singapore Airlines, and Stratasys formed a partnership in 2018 to provide design, engineering, certification support and part production for commercial aviation.
Government agencies provide research initiatives for industries to create a more sustainable future
Government initiatives, agencies and institutes were formed to encourage industrial engineers and provide the research needed when tackling different industries. These agencies include the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), a science and technology organisation that provides the necessary research for revolutionary technological innovations and scientific discoveries. A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) is a research institute for materials research and develops competent teams for critical technological areas, facilitating vital new discoveries as well as building advanced materials that are needed for the manufacturing of commercial products.
Similarly, A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) is another research institute focused on developing premium manufacturing technology and uses the human capital concept to amp up the ever-competitive manufacturing industry in Singapore. The Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) is an agency of A*STAR that tackles important scientific, industrial and societal challenges by delivering computational modelling, simulation and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.
Using multifaceted research and development, IHPC specialises in spearheading advanced technological and scientific inventions. It also develops productive applications that contribute to the sustainable growth of the economy. In their 2022 study to determine the optimal composition of materials, scientists from IMRE and IHPC noted in their study to determine the optimal composition of materials in 2022 that the concept of phononic engineering is a productive approach offering complete control of the thermal conductivity of solids.
In addition, in September 2022, Singapore’s Design Education Advisory Committee released a report listing a 30-year vision of future plans and recommendations for training and fostering a generation of design thinkers for a more resilient and international workforce.
Key Statistics
- In 2018, to increase the innovation capacity of companies adhering to Industry 4.0, Singapore committed to investing SGD 3.2 billion (EUR 2 billion) in research and development of advanced manufacturing and engineering.
- In 2019, Singapore’s industrial transformation design initiatives such as the Industry 4.0 transformation included investments for the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2020 plan, SGD 4.5 billion for the Industry Transformation programme and SGD 70 million for the SkillsFuture Series.
- Due to Singapore’s industrial production growth in August 2022, the country's overall industrial production expanded by 4.4% in the first eight months of 2022.
- In 2022, to maximise Singapore's investments in quantum computing, three initiatives were launched, each of which will receive at least SGD 23.5 million from the National Research Foundation's Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP), under the RIE2020 plan for at least 3½ years.
Top Singapore MNCs in Industrial Engineering
EMERSON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS FINAL CONTROL SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
TECHNIP SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
BUHLER ASIA PRIVATE LIMITED
Repeated Company as per the Client
ENDRESS + HAUSER (S.E.A.) PTE LTD
Incorporated in 1989, Endress+Hauser (S.E.A.) is an industrial process engineering firm that provides measurement instruments, services and solutions. Endress+Hauser offers process solutions for flow, level, pressure, analytics, temperature, recording and digital communications, optimizing operations in terms of economic efficiency, safety and environmental impact. The company serves clients from the chemical, food and beverage, power and energy, mining, oil and gas, and water and wastewater sectors. It helps to streamline manufacturing, maintain quality, and optimize performance while adhering to strict deadlines. Endress+Hauser contributes to user requirement specifications, provides critical documentation, conducts performance testing, and provides comprehensive traceability support for products, applications and services.
GERICKE PTE LTD
Gericke, founded in 1993, has evolved into a dependable partner for both global and local consumers. Gericke develops and manufactures powder processing systems and equipment. The primary activities of the company include automatic bulk material handling, from raw material receiving to processing and filling lines. Gericke specializes in value-added feeding and mixing procedures that are technologically sophisticated. Size reduction and screening of items in powder or granule form are among its allied technologies. Aside from the essential operations, its unique knowledge and technical capacity make it the ideal partner for designing, manufacturing and installing all critical processes.
VME PROCESS ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
RMA FIVENTURES ASIA-PACIFIC PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
MITSUBISHI POWER ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.
Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific, established in 2013, is a regional leader in the supply of equipment and services to the power generation industry. Mitsubishi Power is a power solutions trademark of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Mitsubishi Power enables energy security and decarbonised power for the Asia-Pacific region. The company designs, manufactures and services industry-leading power generation technologies and solutions, including advanced-class gas turbines, solid-oxide fuel cells, and carbon capture, utilization and storage technology, all of which are required for the region's transition to more sustainable energy. Mitsubishi Power has a strong presence in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
SIEMENS ENERGY PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
TECHNIP ENERGIES SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2019, Technip Energies Singapore is a major engineering and technology business for energy transition, with global leadership in LNG, hydrogen and ethylene, as well as developing market positions in blue and green hydrogen, sustainable chemistry and CO2 management. Technip Energies provides a diverse range of technologies, products, projects and services. The company benefits from its strong project delivery strategy, which is supported by a broad range of technology, products and services. Technip Energies combines its E-u0026C expertise with technological know-how to create new solutions that will aid the global energy transition.
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Industrial Engineering
PEC LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
WAH LOON PLANT -u0026 INSTRUMENTATION PTE. LTD.
Established in 1988, Wah Loon Plant -u0026 Instrumentation is a premier M-u0026E engineering firm. Headquartered in Singapore, it is a one-stop shop for M-u0026E services such as extra-low voltage, low voltage, and high voltage electrical systems, as well as air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems, and fire protection systems. The company’s M-u0026E services include mechanical engineering services, electrical engineering services, systems integration and project management. Wah Loon's business categories are data centres, plants and refineries, and residential and commercial developments. Wah Loon won the E50 Award and the Green Mark for Buildings Award from 2009–2011.
PORTEK SYSTEMS -u0026 EQUIPMENT PTE LTD
Portek Systems -u0026 Equipment was incorporated in 1988. The wholesale distribution of industrial machinery and equipment is one of Portek Systems' activities. The company is specialized in providing crane modifications, mobilizations and modernizations – commonly known as its Triple M strategy – to ports all over the world. Asubsidiary of Japan's Mitsui -u0026 Co., Portek's port equipment competencies include a wide range of engineering disciplines, from structural and mechanical systems to port equipment control systems. Portek is headquartered in Singapore and has offices in over ten locations across Asia, Europe and Africa.
ENVIPURE PTE. LTD.
Established in 1987, Envipure is an environmental engineering firm that provides technological solutions to help protect the environment and public health, meet water requirements for industrial processes, and create renewable energy. Envipure assists in the operation and maintenance of Singapore's Public Utility Board (PUB) water treatment plants, as well as Micron, Global Foundries, and Infineon's high-tech semiconductor production. The company provides plant engineering, system equipment supply, site installation, and plant start-up and commissioning services to global EPC customers. Envipure’s expertise and proprietary technology are focused on controlling air and odour pollution, as well as water and wastewater treatment.
ROTARY ENGINEERING PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
BIREME GROUP PTE. LTD.
Bireme Group was incorporated in 2012. It is headquartered in Singapore. Bireme Group specializes in compressed air and gas treatment, compressed air maintenance and repairs, compressed air rental, heat exchanger service and repair, hydrogen purification, pressure vessel inspection, renewal biomethane, and on-site nitrogen and oxygen generation. The company caters to a wide range of industries, including semiconductors, electronics, food and beverage, chemical refineries, and hospitals. Bireme is committed to providing its clients with products that meet, if not exceed, all engineering standards and are safe and reliable.
SPCO HOLDINGS PTE. LTD.
Established in 2003, SPCO Holdings is a construction organization that offers a full range of specialized engineering solutions and services to the global offshore and marine industries. SPCO Holdings tailors its solutions to meet the specific needs of shipyards, vessels, and rig owners by combining the experience and specialized knowledge within each vertical solution. By 2008, SPCO had expanded its services to include hydraulics, electricals, marine HVAC, pipeline services, steel fabrication, heat exchangers and mechanicals, and skid packages – while, at the same time, adhering to the highest ISO quality standards throughout the supply chain management process.
EVERSTAR ENGINEERING -u0026 SERVICES PTE. LTD.
Everstar Engineering -u0026 Services, founded in 2008, is an engineering solutions provider for steel structure fabrication and erection, turnkey electrical and instrumentation projects, the supply and installation of hot and cold insulation, and pre-engineered buildings. The company is headquartered in Singapore. Everstar Engineering focuses primarily on CUI solutions and optimized insulation design to meet the needs of its customers. The company offers both in-process (onshore) and marine and offshore services, indus trial manufacturing and installation experience in thermal, acoustic, fire-rated, and personnel protection insulation. Everstar Engineering is ISO and bizSAFE STAR certified.
MASE E -u0026 C PTE. LTD.
MASE E-u0026C, established in 2009, was restructured in March 2016 with a multi-skilled workforce for the process industry. With years of expertise in the field, MASE E-u0026C has a thorough knowledge and awareness of its clients' demands. The company offers engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance services to the oil and gas, power plant, tank terminal, and process industries, as well as civil and structural construction, building, piling, mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, instrumentation, maintenance services, scaffolding, and insulation. MASE E-u0026C expanded its engineering services portfolio with the acquisition of AH Scaffolding on 4 January 2017.
Top Singapore SMEs in Industrial Engineering
NEWTON -u0026 STOKES PTE. LTD.
Newton -u0026 Stokes is a Singaporean company which was incorporated in 2000. It is an engineering firm that focuses on the chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and water treatment industries. Newton -u0026 Stokes' primary focus is the design and building of pilot plants for educational institutions, research and development, and plant process scale-up. The company’s reactors range in size from lab-scale to kilo-lab scale, with a maximum capacity of 3000L. Newton -u0026 Stokes’ chemical engineers and technicians possess solid engineering knowledge as well as practical chemical engineering expertise. Newton -u0026 Stokes also has a 4000 square foot toll manufacturing facility with 30L, 100L and 1000L reactors, enabling customers to conduct pre-trials and experiments.
INTERNATIONAL COMBUSTION TECHNIC PTE LTD
International Combustion Technic, established in 1989, provides professional services for industrial combustion and heating systems such as steam boilers, process heating, and oil and gas burner systems. International Combustion Technic offers a variety of products and services, including burner repair, service and calibration; control systems for burners and boilers; boiler and burner spare parts; upgrading existing burner systems with new digital combustion controls; and conversion from oil to gas and dual fuel firing. It also sells replacement parts for all brands and types of boilers, burners and control systems. International Combustion Technic also provides conversion services for heating systems from oil to gas.
INVENTA TECHNOLOGIES (S) PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2004, Inventa Technologies is a Singapore-based company that specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative chemical processes and technologies. The company serves the specialized chemical, oleo-chemical, surfactant, pharmaceutical, life science, and food industries with process technologies, engineering and R-u0026D. Inventa Technologies' practical approach has resulted in several successful plant project implementations for these industries. The company has a multi-national team of scientists and engineers with experience in R-u0026D, chemical and biochemical processes, and project implementation. Inventa Technologies has a CGMP kilo-lab where it can custom synthesize or purify nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical activities.
NOVEXX PTE. LTD.
Novexx, established in 2001, focuses on core project installation and maintenance work in pharmaceutical plants and offers a broad range of services. The company supplies processes and associated sectors with integrated engineering solutions, design, project management, maintenance services, human resource management services, and equipment and plant fabrication. Novexx's workforce provides many years of in-plant, project, and operational experience from oil majors and pharmaceutical businesses to its clients. The company's core services include recruitment consultancies, engineering design and projects, and construction and plant maintenance. Novexx's wholly-owned subsidiary, Yoong Tong Engineering, specializes in plant engineering, mechanical construction and maintenance.
KUPPS -u0026 SACHS PTE LTD
Incorporated in 1998, Kupps -u0026 Sachs is a certified turnkey contractor in equipment design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, and commissioning of integrated packages and modularized skids. It serves the oil and gas, engineering, petrochemical, minerals, wastewater, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Kupps -u0026 Sachs’ goods are built to extremely high tolerances, operational specifications, and performance criteria that are difficult to replace. The items' compact, modular designs are highly innovative, with proprietary and project-specific designs and drawings. Kupps -u0026 Sachs specialize in high pressure and temperature applications, corrosive chemicals, hazardous area supplies, demanding pipe and welding specifications, and certified panels.
GLOBAL CONTROL PTE. LTD.
Established in 2006, Global Control provides high-quality heating systems and services, as well as distinct control solutions. Global Control has supplied numerous improved and new solution systems to businesses in the heat treatment, aviation, and other industries. The company also offers products and services for all heating processes, including batch ovens and furnaces. Global Control intends to further lower production costs by establishing plants in China in order to provide cost-effective and innovative solutions to all of its valued clients. It also deals in high-temperature boogie ovens, 600-degree batch ovens, debinding furnaces, and interconnecting vacuum furnaces.
CESCO PIPELINE TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD.
Founded in 2007, CESCO Pipeline Technologies provides mechanical completion and commissioning services to the maritime and petrochemical sectors, as well as engineering and construction services to the construction and general industries. The company specializes in chemical cleaning and hot oil flushing for the marine and chemical and petrochemical industries, hydrojetting and retrojetting, pressure testing, pigging, video camera inspection, flange management, nitrogen and helium testing, and tank/pipeline and process piping prefabrication and erection. A subsidiary of the CESCO Group, CESCO Pipeline Technologies achieved the bizSAFE STAR, and the Circle of Excellence in Offshore and Marine Industry certifications, which demonstrates CESCO's dedication to service excellence and leadership.
BALANCE SYSTEM PTE. LTD.
Established in 2012, Balance System is a system solutions provider for industrial IT, process control, and automation, and a related business partner in industries such as water treatment, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. Balance System offers services such as control system architecture design and recommendation, control panel construction, project management and training, software development, and site testing and commissioning. It provides design and integration of the following industrial sectors: Plant Process Control, Remote Monitoring, Factory Automation, SCADA Application, Building Automation, and System Integration.
VIKING ENGINEERING PTE. LTD.
Viking Engineering, founded in 1977, has diversified its operations to meet the rising demands of its clients. Viking Engineering is a partner in industrial sector services such as electricity generation, bulk material handling systems, and incineration plants. The company’s project team is composed of qualified individuals with a strong background and experience in naval design, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Viking Engineering continues to represent or has been appointed as an authorized agent for a number of OEM businesses, all of which are listed under ‘Agencies’. Viking Engineering is presently focusing on expanding its natural gas services, particularly for LNG carriers and small-scale LNG projects.
LIPICO TECHNOLOGIES PTE LTD
Incorporated in 1996, Lipico Technologies is an engineering firm. Lipico Technologies' services include process design, advice, supply, commissioning, and training for new plants, as well as post-delivery services for replacement parts, process troubleshooting, and plant extension. It is headquartered in Singapore and strategically positioned near the major oil and fat-producing countries in Asia to keep up with the industry's expansion. Lipico Technologies' major engineering design and technological development are centralized at its headquarters, and supplemented by specialized engineering and service centres in India, China and Malaysia. In 2012, Lipico Technologies received the Singapore International 100 Top SME Award.
Top Singapore Fastest-Growing Companies in Industrial Engineering
TSC OFFSHORE PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
KROHNE (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
ZICOM EQUIPMENT PRIVATE LIMITED
Repeated Company as per the Client
VME PROCESS ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
RMA FIVENTURES ASIA-PACIFIC PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
WAH LOON PLANT -u0026 INSTRUMENTATION PTE. LTD.
Established in 1988, Wah Loon Plant -u0026 Instrumentation is a premier M-u0026E engineering firm. Headquartered in Singapore, it is a one-stop shop for M-u0026E services such as extra-low voltage, low voltage, and high voltage electrical systems, as well as air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems, and fire protection systems. The company’s M-u0026E services include mechanical engineering services, electrical engineering services, systems integration and project management. Wah Loon's business categories are data centres, plants and refineries, and residential and commercial developments. Wah Loon won the E50 Award and the Green Mark for Buildings Award from 2009–2011.
ONESOURCE AS PTE. LTD.
Established in 2019, OneSource is a Norwegian firm with a regional office in Singapore. It provides oil, gas and shipping services. OneSource delivers projects and solutions in accordance with its stringent internal standards of being on time, on budget, and with zero incidents. In collaboration with its partner Daubert Cromwell, the company provides preservation products for the oil and gas industry. OneSource provides cost-effective preservation solutions by utilizing its manufactured flame retardants and Daubert Cromwell VCI Preservation products, as well as maintenance, construction, transport and other services. OneSource also provides corrosion protection, lubricants, bolts, gaskets and other items.
TANABE ENGINEERING SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Tanabe Engineering Singapore was incorporated in 2010 as part of Japan’s Tanabe Engineering Corporation’s overseas expansion. The company specializes in design and engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance for the petrochemical, speciality chemical, and other industries. By utilizing autonomous system features, Tanabe Engineering has maintained a broad business field that encompasses the relevant industrial fields. The company has gained extensive plant construction experience, and has gathered high-quality technology and know-how in a wide range of industries, such as chemical, environment, pharmaceutical, power generation, electronic materials, and so on.
GOLDEN LIGHT HOUSE ENGINEERING PTE. LTD.
Golden Light House Engineering, established in 2005, is an engineering, construction and infrastructure solutions organization, which focuses on projects in electricity, transportation, oil and gas pipeline construction, utilities and urban infrastructure. The company is a member of the Association of Process Industry (ASPRI) and the Singapore Contractors' Association Limited (SCAL). Aside from supplying skilled labour, one of the main areas of Golden Light House Enigneering’s specialization is taking on medium-sized subcontracts in the sectors of insulation, scaffolding, fire protection, ducting, and other related fields. Golden Light House Engineering executes projects on the basis of a lump sum payment, unit rate, and/or man-hour basis.
EMERSON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS FINAL CONTROL SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client
