The Agency for
Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) and German industrial manufacturer
Siemens signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Friday (Jul 4) to jointly
develop smart and sustainable manufacturing solutions for companies in
Singapore and the broader Asean region.
The
collaboration seeks to address key industrial challenges by enabling faster
access to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and automation expertise, while
promoting manufacturing processes that align with international sustainability
standards.
A key component
of the partnership is the Smart and Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (SSAM)
Catalyst, an innovation sandbox hosted at A*Star’s Advanced Remanufacturing and
Technology Centre (ARTC).
Siemens is the
first technology partner to join the SSAM Catalyst, contributing a portfolio of
automation, electrification, industrial software and AI solutions.
These
capabilities span the entire product lifecycle – from design and engineering to
manufacturing and operations – offering manufacturers a platform to test and
refine technologies in sectors such as aerospace, fast-moving consumer goods,
biomedical and semiconductor equipment manufacturing.
The ARTC seeks
to establish an innovation ecosystem involving technology providers, solution
integrators, and end-users to jointly develop solutions for practical
application. Leveraging its capabilities in manufacturing processes, smart
manufacturing, sustainability analytics, precision imaging and autonomous
systems, it provides support to companies looking to adapt their operations
amid changing industry conditions.
Paving the
way for more sustainable manufacturing
Beyond the SSAM
Catalyst, A*Star’s Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and
Environment and Siemens are collaborating on research projects targeting
decarbonisation in the chemicals and energy sectors.
The
collaboration also involves exploring the use of Siemens’ Digital Twin
technology, which allows chemical engineers to simulate and optimise chemical
processes and design production facilities.
This technology
aims to support better integration of engineering and operations in
manufacturing plants, potentially helping companies manage plant design
complexity and shorten construction schedules.
“Together with
Siemens, we are developing solutions that will accelerate digital
transformation and support decarbonisation efforts across the region. This
multi-faceted collaboration looks to strengthen Singapore’s position as a
regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing in Asean,” said Professor
Lim Keng Hui, assistant chief executive of A*Star’s science and engineering
research council.
Source: The
Business Times (A*Star,
Siemens launch manufacturing R&D collaboration in Asean - The Business
Times)
4 Jul 2025
July 24, 2025
