MEDIA RELEASE A*STAR SIMTECH AND WDA LAUNCH OMNI-LITE FOR MANUFACTURING AND SERVICES FIRMS TO DEVELOP IN-HOUSE PRODUCTIVITY CHAMPIONS New programme allows local firms to acquire productivity know-how in order to be manpower-lean and drive business growth 8 October 2015 Local firms can now acquire know-how to boost their productivity capabilities via a new programme called Operations MaNagement Innovation Lean Improvement Towards Excellence (OMNI-LITE). OMNI-LITE is jointly developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), a research institute under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Targeted at Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) and senior management personnel, OMNI-LITE is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing and service sectors looking at enhanced business efficiency and effectiveness. Examples of such sectors include food services, logistics, marine, construction and retail. The programme comprises 10 half-day sessions on OmniMethodology concepts developed by SIMTech. The compact programme allows SMEs which typically find it difficult to send staff for training over extended periods to develop in-house productivity champions without putting excessive demands on their manpower resources. The sessions will be conducted by A*STAR SIMTech over one month. Participants who successfully complete OMNI-LITE will receive Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) certifications from WDA. Please refer to Annex A for more details on OMNI-LITE. Dr Lim Ser Yong, Executive Director of SIMTech, commented: The SIMTech-developed OmniMethodology integrates business strategy, operations management and productivity improvement of a company systematically to assist manufacturing and service companies on their productivity journeys. A successful outcome of years of research in Operations Management in manufacturing, it is widely adopted by companies in various industries. OmniMethodology incorporated in OMNI-LITE assists local enterprises to create a culture of ongoing productivity improvements and drive growth towards lean enterprises. Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of WDA, said: To support the recently-launched Lean Enterprise Development Scheme (LEDS), WDA and A*STAR have created OMNI-LITE which is targeted at SMEs. Companies can tap on OMNI-LITE to nurture local productivity champions who can formulate and drive productivity improvement initiatives that are aligned to their business plans. This will help companies increase their productivity, become more Page 1 of 8
manpower lean and develop a strong Singaporean core, all of which will help to boost their overall competitiveness. OMNI-LITE was announced today at the Manufacturing Productivity Technology Centre (MPTC) Annual Conference. The event was organised to generate awareness of productivity improvements through manpower-lean solutions and technology adoption by SMEs. MoUs on OMNI Partnership Agreement, R&D Collaborations and Advanced Manufacturing Masterclasses Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed at the event: MoU on OMNI Partnership Agreement, signed by SIMTech and five other organisations to further enhance OMNI and OMNI-LITE adoption by SMEs MoU on R&D Collaborations to develop Manufacturing Control Tower, signed by SIMTech and its industry partners to promote R&D collaborations in areas related to the design and development of the Manufacturing Control Tower (MCT) MoU on the rollout of a series of best-in-class masterclasses to develop advanced manufacturing capabilities in support of the MCT, signed by SIMTech and WDA MOU with SIMTech on the development of modular and economical solutions in MCT technologies for mass adoption by SMEs, signed by SIMTech and SPRING Supported by infocomm technologies, the MCT aims to provide companies with visibility and on-the-go smart management capabilities in complex manufacturing environments. It seeks to capture value for Singapore s manufacturing industry through pushing the frontiers for manufacturing transformation, a trend that has started in advanced economies such as Germany. Please refer to Annexes B and C for more details of these MoUs. Inaugural Productivity Partners Recognition Award To encourage technology adoption for raising productivity and developing lean enterprises, an inaugural Productivity Partners Recognition Award was also introduced at the event. The recipients were chosen based on their efforts in pursuing productivity growth. A total of 30 recipients from the manufacturing and service sectors were presented with the Award. Please refer to Annex D for the list of award recipients. ### For media queries and clarifications, please contact: Agency for Science, Technology and Research Lee Jian Hui Assistant Head, Corporate Communications Tel: +65 6419 6575 Email: lee_jian_hui@a-star.edu.sg Singapore Workforce Development Agency Steven Ng Principal Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communications Tel: +65 6512 1241 Email: steven_ng@wda.gov.sg Page 2 of 8
About the A*STAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) The Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) is a research institute of the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). SIMTech develops high value manufacturing technology and human capital to contribute to the competitiveness of the Singapore industry. It collaborates with multinational and local companies in the precision engineering, electronics, semiconductor, medical technology, aerospace, automotive, marine, logistics and other sectors. For more information, please visit: www.simtech.a-star.edu.sg. About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by contributing to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. We play a key role in nurturing and developing a diversity of talent and leaders in our Agency and Research Institutes, the wider research community and industry. A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For more information, please visit: www.a-star.edu.sg. About the Singapore Workforce Development Agency The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. In today's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, unions and training organisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training system that is skills-based, open and accessible, as a mainstream pathway for all workers young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives. For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg. Page 3 of 8
ANNEX A ABOUT WSQ OMNI-LITE Introduction The WSQ OMNI-LITE programme is a joint initiative by the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA). The objective is to train key personnel from manufacturing and service sectors, to be productivity champions who can help their companies achieve operational excellence. The WSQ OMNI-LITE Programme is based on the WSQ OMNI Programme, which has helped more than 300 course participants from over 130 companies to achieve productivity improvements ranging from 20 per cent to 200 per cent. The WSQ OMNI-LITE Programme consists of 10 half-day sessions (six classroom sessions and four on-site mentoring) spread over one month. The classroom sessions combine knowledge sharing of key theories, concepts, frameworks, methodologies, tools and techniques; with interactive in-class discussions and hands-on exercises to reinforce the learning. The on-site mentoring sessions involve experienced SIMTech consultants going on-site to the companies for four half-days, 1-on-1 consultation sessions to assist and guide them on the use of the OmniMethodology TM and the implementation of productivity improvement initiatives through a project work. Why WSQ OMNI-LITE Programme? Designed with the needs of SMEs in mind, the programme will equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to systematically use OmniMethodology TM so as to accelerate their companies journey to achieve a lean state of operation. WSQ OMNI-LITE is one of the strategic manpower development programmes developed in support of the Lean Enterprise Development Scheme (LEDS) by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). For Whom This programme is relevant to: Management officers/directors Supply chain/procurement/ logistics managers and senior staff Inventory/warehouse management managers and senior staff Manufacturing/production/engineering managers and senior staff Industrial engineering managers and senior staff Operations management manager and senior staff Retail/Service manager and senior staff Contact Details Dr Roland Lim Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) Tel: 6793 8458 Email: yglim@simtech.a-star.edu.sg Page 4 of 8
ANNEX B LIST OF SIGNATORIES OF OMNI PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 1. Alpha Consulting & Training 2. Electronics Industries Training Centre (ELITC) 3. Kaizen Consulting Group 4. Singapore Business Advisors and Consultants Council 5. Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business 1 1 OMNI@APEX incorporates OMNI-LITE with Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business. Page 5 of 8
ABOUT MoU ON R&D COLLABORATIONS TO DEVELOP MANUFACTURING CONTROL TOWER ANNEX C The MoU aims to promote R&D collaborations in areas for the design and development of the Manufacturing Control Tower. They are as follows: 1. software simulation 2. data analytics 3. mobile communications 4. Internet-of-Things 5. advanced and optimised controls 6. supply and demand prediction 7. customer sentiment analysis 8. automation and system integration LIST OF R&D COLLABORATIONS TO DEVELOP MANUFACTURING CONTROL TOWER MoU SIGNATORIES 1. Agilent Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd 2. Cisco International Limited 3. CKE Manufacturing Pte Ltd 4. Cosmiqo International Pte Ltd 5. D-SIMLAB Technologies Pte Ltd 6. Hitachi Data Systems Pte Ltd 7. Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific Pte Ltd 8. Rockwell Automation Southeast Asia Pte Ltd 9. Singapore Workforce Development Agency Page 6 of 8
ANNEX D RECIPIENTS OF THE INAUGURAL PRODUCTIVITY PARTNERS RECOGNITION S/N Company Recipient/Designation 1 Ascott International Mr Willy Ong/Vice President of ACE Management 2 Axxel Marketing Mr Jonathan Yang/Chief Executive Officer 3 CKE Manufacturing Mr Kwan Li Feng/Enterprise Development Manager 4 Dynamics Circuit Mr Kunasegar Raman/Managing Director 5 Electronic Industries Training Ms Lim Lee Chin/General Manager Centre (ELITC) 6 Enercon Asia Mr Lim Mun Hey/General Manager 7 Hoestar PD Technology Mr Leong Weng Hoe/Managing Director 8 Huationg Holdings Mr Jimmy Chua/Chief Executive Officer 9 Jamco Singapore Mr Naofumi Ichisugi/General Manager 10 Jurong Shipyard Mr Wang Zijian/Executive Director 11 Keppel Shipyard Mr Chor How Jat/Managing Director 12 Keystone Cable Mr Derek Zhu/Senior Strategy & Finance Manager 13 Lian Huat Leasing Mr Philip Ng/Director 14 MTQ Engineering Mr Steven Yong/Lean Champion 15 Nan Yang Gemological Institute Mr Zeng Chun Guang/Managing Director & Founder 16 OMS Oilfield Services Mr How Meng Hock/President & Chief Executive Officer 17 Panasonic Factory Solutions Mr Wong Chiak Yeen/Executive Director Asia Pacific 18 PLC Industries Mr Marc Tan/Chief Operation Officer 19 Polybuilding Ms Sharon Thng/Financial Controller 20 Sanwa-Intec Mr Anthony Yeow/Operations Manager 21 Sanwa Plastics Mr Alvin Tan/Operations Manager 22 Singapore Toy Club Mr Jamen Low/Director 23 SPEQS Manufacturing Mr Ron Mao Chin Tao/Managing Director 24 Super Bean International Mr Richard Lau Cher Ping/Operations & Training Manager 25 Tanglin Corporation Mr Robin Chan/Director 26 Techcom Technology Mr Mark Khoo/Director 27 Teckwah Industrial Corporation Ms Chua Xing Ling/Corporate Planning & Enterprise Risk Manager 28 Wah Joo Seng Mr Samuel Kuah Choon Kuan/Chairman 29 Wangi Industrial Mr Chew Ker Wan/Vice President, Engrg & Operations 30 Wing Tuck Engineering Mr Sacca Chong Ching Meng/Executive Director Page 7 of 8
ANNEX E LIST OF CHINESE TRANSLATIONS Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Operations MaNagement Innovation Lean Improvement Towards Excellence (OMNI-LITE) Operations MaNagement Innovation (OMNI) Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Mr Lim Swee Say Minister for Manpower Mr Ng Cher Pong Chief Executive Singapore Workforce Development Agency Dr Lim Ser Yong Executive Director SIMTech 新加坡劳动力发展局新加坡制造技术研究院新加坡科技研究局运作管理创新 精益改进朝向卓越运作管理创新新技能资格林瑞生先生人力部长黄子鹏先生局长新加坡劳动力发展局林四雄博士院长新加坡制造技术研究院 Page 8 of 8