Overview
Singapore a preferred provider of printing services, due to high competencies and prime location
The printing industry is a supportive arm to many other industries, and the growth of the economy increases the demand for ink, printing and other printing consumables. Moreover, the printing industry is a part of the manufacturing sector and made a GDP contribution of 0.15% in 2019.
Singapore remains a prime location for printing services in the Asia-Pacific region. As a result, local, regional and international companies prefer Singapore for printing services, due to the availability of high-quality, reliable and fast printing competencies. Furthermore, the Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board (SPRING) asserts that Singapore is a preferred location in the Asia-Pacific region as the headquarters for leading publishers due to its central proximity to key markets.
Strong Intellectual Property (IP) framework and strict regulation increase attractiveness of local printing industry
Printing is a thriving industry in Singapore as the country’s strong Intellectual Property framework continues to protect the rights and interests of publishers. Singapore’s position as a financial hub is a strong driver of the printing industry, as organisations are vulnerable to stringent compliance necessities under various laws governing securities.
Further, the confidentiality of documents is religiously complied with. Therefore, many overseas companies outsource their printing to Singapore due to IP protection. As piracy and breach of intellectual rights remain a major problem for local companies that print their documents and books overseas, the printing industry has a firm hold on the local market as well.
The chief legislation and guidelines that relate to the publishing industry are governed by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in Singapore. All publications are subjected to the guidelines in the Undesirable Publications Act, and the IMDA issues permits for local publishing, newspapers and magazines, which are valid for one year. Further, the content printed must not provoke racism or rile any religious groups. All internet content providers and web publishers must comply with the Broadcasting (Class License) Notification conditions, internet industry guidelines and Internet Code of Practice.
Key Trends
Despite adverse effects of COVID-19, printing industry buoyed by elections in 2020
During the pandemic, revenue in the printing industry shrank by 16.7% YoY for the year ending September 2020, especially because the commercial printing segment was affected the most as demand dropped drastically from sectors such as Hospitality, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
However, the election in July 2020 breathed new life into the printing industry as printing businesses were ready to print materials that would advent sales. This included the printing of banners, brochures and promotional flyers. However, delays were inevitable due to supply chain disruptions in both Singapore and Malaysia caused by restrictions in movement and business activity.
Digital printing likely to be preferred mode in the future
The future of printing is greatly influenced by the available technology. The circuit breaker that was used to contain the spread of COVID-19 has escalated the need for and dependence on digital technology. This has subsequently caused many industries that are supported by the printing industry to turn towards digital transformation and the adoption of digital solutions. The Singapore government too rendered its support through SGD 500 million provided for digital transformation, to help firms cope with the pandemic, in May 2020.
The future of commercial printing seems unlikely to return because of the increased usage of online platforms, while a structural shift in demand will be caused by digitalisation and strict safety measures. Therefore, organisations are now required to maintain an intricate balance between profitability and employee safety as the significance of a digital printer that leverages touchless tech would be prevalent in present times.
Further, the mitigation of future virus transmission risks could be achieved through touchless technology used to operate digital printers. Therefore, a post-crisis workplace will require fresh demand for more safe and remote printing capabilities. Similarly, the spread of online bookstores has also increased and thus the industry is moving towards strengthening digital printing.
The country hosts many exhibitions and trade missions to aid printers in understanding the changing demand conditions across the industry. Therefore, the print industry isn’t fading, but flourishing especially due to innovation.
Singapore evolves to become Asia’s 3D printing capital
The evolution of printing has been from its simple ink and paper origins into a giant economy that includes a series of incredible innovations such as 3D, industrial and nano-printing. Singapore is Asia’s capital for 3D printing, principally pertaining to the consumer goods and aerospace industries. 3D printing is also a part of the manufacturing sector, known as additive manufacturing, as it concerns a layer-by-layer addition of material to create an object referring to a three-dimensional file with the assistance of software and a three-dimensional printer.
Singapore is also growing with 3D printing in areas of shipping. Maritime supply chains are being transformed by the use of 3D printing for shipping industry spare parts. Singapore has transfigured the plot for global cruise lines, ship managers and marine vessels.
Key Statistics
- The compound growth rate of the industry as of 2018 was 7.4%.
- The digital print volume was 68.1% in 2018.
- The number of people employed in the Printing & Reproduction of Recorded Media was reported at 13,064.
- In 2020, the printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry, manuscripts, typescripts and plans amounted to 0.144% of total exports from Singapore.
Top Singapore MNCs in Printing Sector
TOPPAN LEEFUNG PTE. LTD.
In 1973, Toppan Leefung Pte. Ltd. was formed as a commercial organisation to take on the position of Singapore’s Government Printer. The company had grown its network throughout Asia-Pacific, acquiring multiple companies in Singapore and Greater China, including two in Singapore, ten in Greater China, and one in the United States. High-end book and magazine production, pop-up book manufacture, premedia services, financial communications services, and packaging material supply were all added to its service range. Toppan Inc., the world's largest printing company, now owns Toppan Leefung as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
DNP SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
DNP Singapore Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Japanese printing firm Dai Nippon Printing, commenced operations on December 15, 1990. Its main line of business is the printing of periodicals and books. DNP Singapore uses Print on Demand to respond quickly to customer needs for both small and large quantities. For the purpose and specifications of each printing project, the firm selects the appropriate paper and supplies. It also offers binding and special processing, as well as a multitude of other finishing options.
MCGRAW-HILL EDUCATION (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
McGraw Hill is an educational publishing firm based in the United States, which produces educational content, software, and services for students in kindergarten through graduate school. It is also the parent company of McGraw-Hill Education (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., which is dedicated to providing high-quality educational learning solutions in print and digital forms suitable for pre-K to university students, as well as the medical, technical, and business communities. Reference and certification books for professional and educational fields, as well as online solutions on medical and health, engineering, business, and scientific issues, are all available from McGraw-Hill in Singapore.
STARLITE PRINTERS (FAR EAST) PTE LTD
Starlite Holdings Limited is a Hong Kong-based investment holding firm that specializes in the printing and packaging material industries. Its subsidiary, Starlite Printers (Far East) Pte Ltd., was established in Singapore in 1989 as the regional centre for the Southeast Asian market. Using its core skills in offset printing and packaging, the subsidiary has evolved from an offset packaging printer to a One-Stop Visual Media company. In 1992, Starlite Printers (Far East) was the first packaging company in Singapore to receive the ISO 9002 certification, and in 2000, it received the People Developer Award.
CCL DESIGN (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
CCL Design (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based manufacturer of printed, functional, and decorative goods for the electronics, automotive, and industrial sectors. The company was founded in 1973. It is a division of CCL Industries Inc., a Canadian label manufacturer. Labels, die-cut components, branding items, and security applications are among CCL Design's specialties. It has production facilities throughout the world, as well as design centres in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. CCL Design's in-house Materials Science expertise enables it to offer unique solutions to enterprises and individuals with specialized demands and objectives.
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Printing Sector
SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS LIMITED
Repeated as per client
MIMS PTE. LTD.
Established in 1963, Singapore-based MIMS Pte. Ltd. provides drug information, medical education, and other services. For healthcare professionals, MIMS publishes medical information in both digital and print formats. MIMS Drug Reference provides the latest drug prescription information. MIMS’ drug directory is a repository of up-to-date information available through print, digital and mobile. MIMS provides comprehensive coverage in independent editorials. MIMS’ team of medical communication writers, editors, creatives, and project managers collaborate to build content for different uses. This can be for material such as technical documents and dossiers, clinical papers and manuscripts, as well as educational and brand-driven promotional material.
NIPPECRAFT LIMITED
Repeated as per client
TIMES PRINTERS PRIVATE LIMITED
Singapore-based Times Printers Pte. Ltd. has been providing integrated printing solutions to the Asia-Pacific region since 1967. The company provides a one-stop shop for all print and post-production needs, including finishing and fulfilment. Times Printers now has three printing operations in Singapore, China, and Malaysia, as well as a large international sales network in important locations across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Chile, Mexico, Canada, and Australia. Times Printers can generate long-lasting printed products because of technological advancements. These are printed on 'green' printing machines with eco-friendly ink and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper.
XPRESS PRINT (PTE) LTD
Xpress Print Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based print management company that was founded in 1986. Concept development, design, copywriting, translation, typesetting, colour proofing, printing, post-press packaging, global distribution, and delivery are some of the services offered. Xpress Print provides time-sensitive financial research papers, annual reports, asset management reports, and IPO prospectuses to its clients as one-stop print solutions. Corporate brochures, yearbooks, journals, and other commercial publications, as well as collateral and corporate gifts/premiums, are also produced on behalf of its commercial clients. Xpress Print was Singapore's first printer to acquire the Process Standard Offset (PSO) Certification in 2008.
POPULAR HOLDINGS LIMITED
Popular Holdings Pte. Ltd. is a private corporation based in Singapore, which produces, distributes, and sells books in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and other countries worldwide. The first POPULAR bookshop, which sold Chinese books and stationery, opened in 1936. It now has a network of over 187 POPULAR bookstores as part of its bookshop activities. Popular Holdings can be the Edu-Channel of East Asia because of the synergy between its three core businesses: retail, distribution, and publishing. From 2012 to 2015, Brand Finance named Popular Holdings among Singapore's Top 100 Brands for four years in a row.
SUPERIOR MULTI-PACKAGING LIMITED
Superior Multi-Packaging Limited (SMPL) was founded in 1979, and specializes in the manufacture of metal containers and flexible packaging materials. SMPL manufactures high-quality metal pails and cans for the paint, chemical, petrochemical, maritime, and edible oil industries, as well as providing customized metal printing services, including aluminium. SMPL offers personalized metal printing to fit customers' unique needs, with printing capability of up to nine colours. SMPL provides Rotogravure printing on a variety of substrates at high speeds. In addition to its printing line, SMPL has automated extrusion and dry lamination technologies as well.
HOBEE PRINT PTE LTD
HoBee Print Pte. Ltd., situated in Singapore, was founded in 1992 and is a mid-size printer that offers one-stop printing solutions to its customers. Because it is equipped with cutting-edge technology and new techniques, HoBee Print produces high-quality marketing material. Banners, brochures, flyers, bulletins, periodicals, manuals, and other items are among them. HoBee Print's adaptability in fulfilling its clients' individual needs is bolstered by timely delivery and performance consistency. Professional designers and production staff at HoBee Prints collaborate closely with clients to provide a seamless solution from concept to completion.
KHL PRINTING CO. PTE LTD
KHL Printing Co. Pte. Ltd. began operations as a small offset printer in Singapore in 1978. It is now regarded as a Southeast Asian printing company and solutions provider that also fulfills all media and communication needs with a comprehensive range of services available under one roof. Through its subsidiaries and affiliated enterprises, KHL Printing provides one-stop solutions in print and digital media, ranging from concept photography and editorial, to design, printing, and distribution. Advertisement canvassing and media planning are also available through KHL Printing.
HONSEN PRINTING INDUSTRIES PTE LTD
Honsen Printing Industries Pte. Ltd., situated in Singapore, specializes in label design and printing for businesses that need to communicate important information about their products and services. Honsen expanded over time, and in 2012, it acquired Zephyr Silkscreen and Zepsilk Technology, transforming into a high-tech printing firm that offers comprehensive on-demand digital printing, silk screen printing, and converting services to a wide range of industries. Honsen makes custom machine and desk card labels from several materials, including sheet metal and acrylic, as well as fabric labels for a low-cost, quick turnaround solution.
Top Singapore SMEs in Printing Sector
PRINT LAB PTE. LTD.
Print Lab Pte. Ltd., which was founded in 2007, is a Singapore-based print agency specializing in offset printing work, security printing, and a wide range of signage solutions, that includes digital signage. The firm has been recognized as the provider of large format printing in Singapore. Print Lab assists in designing and presenting backdrops, decorations, exhibition booths, and more, for any event hosted by individuals or businesses. In addition, Print Lab fabricates POS displays in any material in-house. It designs and installs displays in more than 200 locations islandwide. It also has the most up-to-date laser-cut construction and display forms.
MARKONO PRINT MEDIA PTE LTD
Markono Print Media Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based digital and offset printing company that was founded in 1967. International publishers and Fortune 500 organizations turn to the firm for high-quality offset printed books. Markono is well-known in Asia for its short-run digital printing technology, as well as for its very own specialist bindery unit. Publishers can reduce obsolescence and holding costs by printing only when needed with Markono's print-on-demand feature. The Enterprise 50 Award was conferred on Markono Print Media in 2016.
PRINT THAT NOW! PTE. LTD.
Since 2014, Print That Now! Pte. Ltd. has been a part of Singapore’s printing services sector. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most prestigious print shops in the country. To create the highest quality print, the company uses cutting-edge printing technology. Print That Now! offers quick online ordering options that allow people or organizations to receive their final printed pieces quickly, via couriers or self-collection. Through the Print That Now! online form, users have complete control over every element of their final print. The services provided by the firm include printing of different types of cards, business stationery, graphic displays, and clothing.
C.O.S. PRINTERS PTE LTD
C.O.S. Printers Pte. Ltd. has been providing a complete print solution to the international publishing sector since 1972. This printing company in Singapore serves as a distribution hub for countries all over the world. C.O.S. Printers is reputed for its high-quality printing and binding services for books, journals, and other commercial printing products. For its clients' print products, finishing, and distribution needs, C.O.S. collaborates with its partners. C.O.S. Printers are committed to providing its clients with the best possible service, value, and cost-effective digital and colour offset printing services.
OXFORD GRAPHIC PRINTERS PTE LTD
Oxford Graphic Printers Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based printing firm that focuses on business printing solutions. The firm provides high-quality prints, consultancy, and related services to corporate clients in-house, using cutting-edge print technology to meet clients’ demand for excellence in their print projects. Oxford Graphic has been in business since 1991, and it is the first printer in Singapore to use the industry-leading 8-colour LED UV printing press, which delivers faster print speeds and immediate drying, all at a lower cost. Oxford Graphic offers mail management, as well as warehousing and distribution services, to complement its design and printing services.
PRINTVOLUTION PTE. LTD.
PrintVolution Pte. Ltd. was founded in 2019 to provide a mix of printing services throughout Singapore. Whether it is about invitations, cards, business printing, brochures, or anything else, PrintVolution is a comprehensive business portal. The company provides a variety of printing and graphic design services, which can be customized according to its clients’ requirements. These bespoke services can be offered for any domestic project or a full-on business marketing campaign. Clients can also upload their designs by using PrintVolution’s intuitive online design editor.
UDO PRINT PTE. LTD.
UDO Print Pte. Ltd. has been offering print solutions to Singapore businesses and end-users, since 2010. The firm specializes in digital printing, offset printing, and large format printing services. UDO Print's offset printer delivers quality and cost-effectiveness in high-volume jobs. For low-volume printing, its digital printer can produce the printed material with a short turnaround and exceptional quality. Its large-format inkjet printer is used for a variety of media types including adhesives, canvas, banners, and more. UDO Print is flexible to work impeccably and productively between design, printing, finishing, and delivery.
TONG YONG LABELS PTE. LTD.
Tong Yong Labels Pte. Ltd., founded in 1992, offers a wide range of labelling to meet custom-label printing needs in Singapore. Tong Yong Labels is able to offer customized labels in Singapore, as it possesses the required printers, label materials, and product-specific accessories. Tong Yong Labels has gathered the best label printers and markers for its clients, courtesy of its affiliations with worldwide companies. Label printers of various sizes, purposes, and varieties, as well as printing ribbons, heat transfer labels, chemicals, inks, barcode stickers, and GHS-certified labels, are all available through the company.
ACCELERATO PTE. LTD.
Founded on 4th March 2020 as a Singapore-based rinting company, Accelerato Pte. Ltd. provides digital printing, offset printing, and large format printing services. The company has a complete in-house printing production facility and can handle printing projects of any scale. Its comprehensive e-commerce portal Print City caters to clients’ commercial printing needs. Accelerato (Print City) also provides event management services. The firm works in collaboration with both governmental and non-governmental corporations as it progresses in the local print industry.
IPRINT EXPRESS PTE. LTD.
Established in 2013, IPrint Express Pte. Ltd. specializes in printing on many different media and formats to suit a variety of personal and corporate projects. Its ecommerce portal has extended beyond Singapore’s borders to overseas customers, offering a convenient means to place their print orders online and arrange for a self-collection or delivery. IPrint Express, which offers an array of finishing options, is also a provider of display stands and installation services, personalized printing services, and brand designing.
Top Singapore Fastest-Growing Companies in Printing Sector
GOGOPRINT PTE. LTD.
Thailand-based Gogoprint Pte. Ltd. was launched in February 2017 in Singapore. The expansion into the Singaporean market provided an easy way for customers of different sizes and diverse levels of printing knowledge in the region to order online. The intelligent algorithms on the company’s website then aggregate the orders in the most cost-efficient manner, subsequently placing those bulk orders into the Singaporean marketplace. Adding to its portfolio of commercial print products, Gogoprint expanded into promotional products, and widened its offer of print marketing products for SMEs in the region.
REALLYWORKS (PTE.) LTD.
Reallyworks Pte. Ltd. was established in 2003 as Singapore’s corporate tee shirt supplier, and reliable service provider for embroidery, screen printing, CMYK colour separation printing, and heat transfer printing on apparel. The company provides a wide range of ready-made tee shirts that are available in different materials, designs, exciting colours, and assorted sizes. Reallyworks is also specialized in customized apparel for schools, corporates, and events tees for different occasions. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Reallyworks added reusable face masks to its product line as part of its commitment to the nation's health and safety.
TONG YONG LABELS PTE. LTD.
Tong Yong Labels Pte. Ltd., founded in 1992, offers a wide range of labelling to meet custom-label printing needs in Singapore. Tong Yong Labels is able to offer customized labels in Singapore, as it possesses the required printers, label materials, and product-specific accessories. Tong Yong Labels has gathered the best label printers and markers for its clients, courtesy of its affiliations with worldwide companies. Label printers of various sizes, purposes, and varieties, as well as printing ribbons, heat transfer labels, chemicals, inks, barcode stickers, and GHS-certified labels, are all available through the company.
ALLIANCE GRAPHICS PTE. LTD.
Established in 2011, Alliance Graphics Pte. Ltd. specializes in security printing, offset printing, and large format printing services in Singapore. The firm’s R&D professionals have created new and innovative products to stay ahead of its competitors. Alliance Graphics has advanced to security printing, where it can deliver invisible ink printing, 3D hologram stickers, and up to 20-digit serial numbering. Alliance Graphics has also acquired exclusive rights to distribute Patented Reflective Print materials in Singapore, and globally. The company has introduced ECO-GLOW – a revolutionary print medium that elevates the advertising needs of businesses and individuals to a new level.
ZEPHYR SILKSCREEN COMPANY (PRIVATE) LIMITED
Repeated Company (see Top 10 LLEs No .10)
NIPPECRAFT LIMITED
Repeated Company as per client (see Top 10 LLEs No .3)
PRINT LAB PTE. LTD.
Print Lab Pte. Ltd., which was founded in 2007, is a Singapore-based print agency specializing in offset printing work, security printing, and a wide range of signage solutions, that includes digital signage. The firm has been recognized as the provider of large format printing in Singapore. Print Lab assists in designing and presenting backdrops, decorations, exhibition booths, and more, for any event hosted by individuals or businesses. In addition, Print Lab fabricates POS displays in any material in-house. It designs and installs displays in more than 200 locations islandwide. It also has the most up-to-date laser-cut construction and display forms.
TOPPAN LEEFUNG PTE. LTD.
In 1973, Toppan Leefung Pte. Ltd. was formed as a commercial organisation to take on the position of Singapore’s Government Printer. The company had grown its network throughout Asia-Pacific, acquiring multiple companies in Singapore and Greater China, including two in Singapore, ten in Greater China, and one in the United States. High-end book and magazine production, pop-up book manufacture, premedia services, financial communications services, and packaging material supply were all added to its service range. Toppan Inc., the world's largest printing company, now owns Toppan Leefung as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
CCL DESIGN (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
CCL Design (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based manufacturer of printed, functional, and decorative goods for the electronics, automotive, and industrial sectors. The company was founded in 1973. It is a division of CCL Industries Inc., a Canadian label manufacturer. Labels, die-cut components, branding items, and security applications are among CCL Design's specialties. It has production facilities throughout the world, as well as design centres in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. CCL Design's in-house Materials Science expertise enables it to offer unique solutions to enterprises and individuals with specialized demands and objectives.
APPLE POLYPRINT PTE LTD
Founded in 1986, Singapore-based Apple Polyprint Pte. Ltd. is a provider of printing services. The firm provides options for printing labels and tags for clients in the electronics, pharmaceutical, chemical, food and beverage, healthcare, manufacturing, grocery, and logistics sectors, among others. It also offers thermal transfer printing and chemical labels. In addition, offset printing, large format printing, digital printing, and digital die-cutting are also offered by Apple Polyprint. The firm has been awarded several certifications through GCL International Singapore and UKAS Management System.
