New partnership aims to drive Business Transformation, Talent Development and Technology Adoption for Singapore enterprises expanding into the region
SINGAPORE, 30 July 2025 – Singapore Polytechnic (SP) announced today a new Enabling Platform Partnership designed to empower Singapore-based enterprises as they embark on their transformation journey into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The strategic initiative, initiated and spearheaded by SP, addresses critical industry needs across three key pillars: Business Transformation, Talent Development, and Technology Adoption.
The announcement was one of the highlights of the Automation SolutionGO! and the Regional Industry Networking Conference (RINC) 2025, a landmark event jointly organised by SP and AutomationSG. The conference was graced by the Guest-of-Honour, Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade & Industry, and National Development.
The Enabling Platform Partnership will bring together a robust network of institutes of higher learning, trade associations, and agencies from Singapore and Malaysia. It will close critical gaps in manpower, talent development, and technology adoption within the JS-SEZ by enhancing industry-ready skills training, upskilling, and reskilling programmes.
Enabling Platform Partnership ignites enterprise transformation
The stakeholders include Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic International, Southern University College, Sunway University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, AutomationSG, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Johor Skills Development Centre Sdn Bhd, and Johor Talent Development Council.
The benefits of this cross-border partnership are already evident in ongoing collaborations. A prime example is SP’s recent partnership with Johor Skills Development Centre Sdn Bhd, which successfully leveraged a funding scheme from Malaysia's Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDF) to develop and deliver a two-day training programme across four runs. This initiative equipped over 140 Malaysian employees of Tai Sin Electric Limited, a Singapore enterprise, with essential knowledge in Sustainability 101, aligning their skills with the company's Singapore-based workforce. This success now allows other Singaporean companies in Johor to access similar funding for their subsidiaries' upskilling and reskilling needs.
Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of Singapore Polytechnic, said, “The Enabling Platform Partnership is a strategic catalyst for enterprise transformation, directly supporting Singapore’s goal of helping businesses expand into Johor and Batam. It solidifies our position as a leading regional education and training institute and, more importantly, equips our staff with cutting-edge industry insights. This ensures our students have a truly enriched and relevant learning experience.”
Students benefitting from cross-border educational opportunities
The collaborative partnership also offers students invaluable opportunities, exemplified by the recent Susthack Bootcamp and Hackathon, which took place from 7 to 11 April 2025. The five-day event saw 20 SP students collaborating with their counterparts at Sunway University in Malaysia to develop technological solutions for local sustainability challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Similarly, since 2023, over 100 students from the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE) have engaged faculty staff and students at the Southern University College, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Tun Hussein Malaysia, during overseas exchange programmes, to share insights on projects and learning. Such cross-cultural collaboration has significantly enhanced the students’ problem-solving skills and deepened their understanding of global issues and regional industry trends. Committed to fostering similar partnerships, SP’s School of EEE aims to continue to expand educational horizons and enrich student learning beyond traditional classroom settings.
Recognising outstanding industry players in Business Growth, Sustainability and Technology Utilisation
The event also featured the GO! Awards as a key initiative by AutomationSG to recognise outstanding solution providers and end-users who excel in Business Growth, Sustainability, and Technology Utilisation. The awards provide a platform to highlight these exemplary solutions as industry leaders and showcase the successes of solution adopters in business transformation. Please refer to Annex B for more information on the GO! Awards winners.
Mr Terence Teo, President of AutomationSG, said, “Automation SolutionGO! x RINC 2025 is a powerful convergence of ideas, industries, and innovation. This year’s focus on Technology Adoption, Business Growth and Talent Development – reflects AutomationSG’s mission to future-proof businesses and empower talent. Through strategic collaborations, real-world pain point discussions, and groundbreaking initiatives with Singapore Polytechnic and regional partners, we are creating an ecosystem where smart manufacturing, AI, and workforce transformation drive sustainable growth amidst turbulent times.”
Automation SolutionGO! and RINC 2025 will also showcase solutions from leading industry players, including Aitech Mechatronics (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Anewtech Systems Pte Ltd, Beckhoff Automation, SESTO Robotics, and TXOne Networks. Keeping its fingers on the pulse, amid the uncertainty unleashed by the US tariff chaos, the conference will also feature the first Manufacturing Jobs & Skills Fair, co-organised by SP, AutomationSG and e2i, and supported by NTUC Youth, Workforce Singapore (WSG), and SkillsFuture Advice. This seeks to help job seekers and mid-career switchers secure meaningful jobs in the current challenging economic climate.
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Annex A: Quotes from partners of the Enabling Platform Partnership
Johor Skills Development Centre Sdn Bhd: “The Enabling Platform Partnership provides a good platform for mutual training programmes. We had a fruitful experience working with Singapore Polytechnic to train Tai Sin Electric staff based in Johor and look forward to working together on future occasions for similar training sessions. This would go a long way in bolstering the competencies of the manpower to facilitate company expansion into the JS-SEZ.”
Johor Talent Development Council: “Malaysia and Singapore share strong economic, trade and cultural ties. The Enabling Platform Partnership provides an excellent opportunity to upskill and reskill our workforce to keep them abreast of the latest technological knowledge and skillsets so that they are adequately equipped to take on emerging jobs in the JS-SEZ and beyond.”
Singapore Manufacturing Federation: “Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) is pleased to be part of the Enabling Platform Partnership. It offers us an opportunity to contribute towards co-developing training programmes with Singapore Polytechnic and build a community of like-minded companies committed to uplifting and transforming their businesses.”
Southern University College: “We have had a pleasant experience working with Singapore Polytechnic on overseas learning programmes for their students and appreciate the chance to be part of the Enabling Platform Partnership. We look forward to the academic-industry collaboration that serves to train the future and current workforce alike.”
Sunway University: “Sunway University has been collaborating with Singapore Polytechnic on a series of sustainability-themed hackathons. We look forward to taking this further, via the Enabling Platform Partnership, to uplift the competencies of learners in sustainability that is a crucial element in key aspects of technological adoption and business growth.”
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia: “We have had the pleasure of working with Singapore Polytechnic to curate overseas learning programmes for their students. We are delighted to be part of the Enabling Platform Partnership and contribute towards training the workforce to maximise job opportunities available in the JS-SEZ.”
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia: “We have had a delightful experience working with Singapore Polytechnic on overseas learning programmes for their students and are honoured to be part of the Enabling Platform Partnership. This also gives us the opportunity to enhance our curriculum to be more relevant for the industry, that will train the future workforce.”
Quotes from supporters of the Enabling Platform Partnership
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA): “We truly support the Enabling Platform Partnership, which aligns with JS-SEZ initiatives. We anticipate a productive collaboration among higher education institutions, trade associations, and governmental agencies in both Malaysia and Singapore. This partnership aims to bolster support for companies in both nations, driving sustainable economic growth for the broader region.”
Annex B: GO! Award Winners
| GO! Sustainability Winner: Ranpak Pte Ltd | Ranpak Pte Ltd serves as the Asia-Pacific headquarters for Ranpak Holdings Corp., a global leader in sustainable, paper-based protective packaging solutions. Established in Singapore in 2013, the company is located at 456 Alexandra Road, #22-02 Fragrance Empire Building, Singapore 119962. Ranpak specialises in environmentally friendly packaging materials and automated systems designed to enhance supply chain efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Their product offerings include void-fill, cushioning, wrapping, and cold chain solutions, catering to industries such as e-commerce, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. As a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, Ranpak Singapore supports the company's mission to deliver innovative and sustainable packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses and contribute to a greener future. |
| GO! Sustainability Winner: LeanCost International Pte Ltd | Problem Since Oct 2023, the Cross-Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) requires Product Carbon Footprints (PCF) as defined by ISO14067, ISO14064, ISO50001 and the GHG Protocol frameworks for products imported into the EU. From Jan 2026 high emissions are taxed under EU-CBAM. Also, by early 2026, Singapore listed companies need to declare Climate-related Disclosures per International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), Both need carbon measurement down to the Product level. But Carbon-Accounting methods used by Consultants have ISO14067 compliance gaps relating to required use of Primary data (unprocessed raw data) and transparency in allocation of energy and materials emissions to co-products. Automation Solution SmartCarbon’s AI-Expert System algorithms complies with the ISO14067 by inter-twining the advanced principles of Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (per Japanese JIPM Standards) and the Kai’zen Target Costing Management. SmartCarbon deploys on a part or whole factory in 1-3 months for digitised factories and is fully automated once setup. |
| GO! Technology Utilisation: Black Sesame Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd | Sesame X is a full-stack AI computing platform developed by Black Sesame Technologies Singapore, purpose-built for real-time AI inference in next-generation robotics. It integrates high-performance SoCs, modular hardware, and an ecosystem-ready software stack to enable perception, planning, and control at the edge. Targeting SME robotics companies, Sesame X fills a key market gap—offering just-right AI computing power for autonomous robots without the high cost and energy demands of traditional GPU-based systems. It supports ROS/ROS2 and is compatible with Jetson tools, ensuring fast development and easy migration. Sesame X has been deployed in cleaning, inspection, and mobile robotic platforms. By combining compute, sensor fusion, and connectivity in one compact design, it reduces AI hardware costs by over 50% while maintaining industrial-grade reliability. Built in Singapore and tested in real environments, Sesame X is reshaping scalable, sustainable AI-powered robotics worldwide. |
Singapore Polytechnic
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