Feb 22, 2016 | By Tess
Many initiatives are being designed to introduce the basics of 3D printing to children to promote STEM education in order to build a solid and innovative future work force. To account for the present work force, however, a Singaporean government agency, the Workforce Development Agency (WDA), has developed and will be funding a series of masterclasses aimed at helping professionals, managers, and executives from various industries become better acquainted with and deepen their practical knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing.
Ms Low Yen Ling (left)
The initiative, which was announced by the WDA earlier today (February 22), is being organized in tandem with five partners, including The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star’s) Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre, A*Star’s Institute of High Performance computing, The Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU’s) Centre for Optical and Laser Engineering, NTU’s Centre for 3D printing, and Nanyang Polytechnic.
Together they are hoping to teach and increase the knowledge of professionals in such areas as additive manufacturing, advanced robotics and automation, big data analytics, optical and laser engineering, and advanced materials. The program will progressively take place over the course of a year and will be offered to over 400 workers from small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as multinational corporations working in relevant fields.
Low Yen Ling, the Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Industry, noted the importance of the program in keeping Singapore up-to-date with all the latest manufacturing technologies. One-fifth of the city-state’s GDP comes from its manufacturing sector, which also employs over half a million workers.
Low Yen Ling explained,"The Advanced Manufacturing Series will really allow our workers to understand what are the knowledge and skill sets that they need to equip themselves with to allow them to take on key positions in the advanced manufacturing sector. [The] WDA and sectoral lead agencies have consulted with industries to identify potentially game-changing technologies that companies can deploy, for example advanced robotics, additive manufacturing and data analytics. They are also working on sectoral manpower plans for sectors such as aerospace, marine and precision engineering.”
The Workforce Development Agency will provide subsidies for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents which will account for at least 70% of the program’s cost, going up to 90% for employees from small or medium sized enterprises. The program is intended to be ongoing, and the WDA and its partners plan to review the program after its first year in action.
Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of the WDA concluded, ““The Advanced Manufacturing Series seeks to help companies adopt manpower-lean technologies, strengthen their capabilities and equip their workforce with the skills to be future-ready.”
The program to train and deepen the knowledge of such cutting edge technologies as 3D printing is surely a step in the right direction, as we need to educate and inform not only the future generations, but currently active generations as well. Similar efforts have also been made in countries such as Germany and China, and we would not be surprised to see the initiative catching on elsewhere as well.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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Dear Tess, Thank you for the coverage on Singapore and 3D Printing! Could you add in the word "Singapore" in front of "centre for 3D Printing" as that is the official name of the centre? (Singapore Centre for 3D Printing) Thank you!
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