Boost Capabilities

Singapore constantly upgrades our existing base of chemical manufacturing through the adoption of innovative technologies, and looks at diversifying into new markets to capture growth opportunities. Here are some programmes to help your business grow.

The Process Construction and Maintenance (PCM) Industry Digital Plan (IDP) comprises a three-stage digital roadmap that charts out the different digital solutions process SMEs can adopt at each stage of their business growth and digital maturity.

Stage 1 gets SMEs started on their digitalisation journey, and lists the basic digital solutions businesses can adopt to streamline operations and optimise the use of their resources. Solutions that PCM companies can adopt include Workforce Management, Inventory Management and Project Management solutions.
Stage 2 provides solutions for SMEs that are ready to scale up their digitalisation efforts. These solutions enable them to leverage IoT and data analytics to enable better planning decisions, thereby optimising the use of resources, be it manpower or equipment. An example is the integrated inspection system, which employs sensors and cameras to enable remote inspections at multiple plant sites concurrently. This increases efficiency and reduces the need for on-site manpower.
Stage 3 identifies advanced technologies that SMEs can adopt to strengthen their competitive edge. For instance, robotic solutions can perform laborious and repetitive tasks such as blasting and painting, cleaning and disinfecting. This provides employees the opportunity to take on higher-value roles and reduce risk of workplace accidents.

To make it better understand your digital maturity and readiness, you can use of the online PCM self-assessment checklist. This tool also helps to identify gaps in your digital capabilities. It takes into consideration factors such as your current business operations, level of digitalisation and business expansion plans.

The IDP also includes a Digital Training Roadmap to guide you in equipping your workforce with the necessary skills to adopt semi-automated robotic and digital solutions.

For the list of pre-approved solutions that are supported by the Productivity Solutions Grant under the PCM IDP, please visit GoBusiness Gov Assist.

Enterprise Singapore works with Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) to further develop the industry. For instance, the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC) and EDB co-chairs the Chemical Industry Manpower Advisory Committee (CHIMAC), which looks into present and future manpower issues, training and hiring practices – ensuring that companies always have access to sufficient manpower who are equipped with the right skills for new jobs.

Government agencies, together with Association of Process Industries (ASPRI) and SCIC, have also formed the Process Construction and Maintenance (PCM) Management Committee to look into improving the overall productivity of the PCM sector, a key supporting sector of the Energy & Chemicals industry.

To further boost productivity, Singapore is also setting up or expanding at least 20 application development centres by 2025, with an increase of S$55 million in business expenditure in R&D to develop new advanced manufacturing technologies.

Start Digital is an initiative, in collaboration with IMDA, under the SMEs Go Digital programme to help SMEs adopt digital solutions right from the start.

New companies often prioritise business development and profit generation. As a result, operations management may take a backseat. By digitalising early, you can better focus and capture opportunities for your business without being constrained by day-to-day operations.

With our Start Digital Pack, SMEs can get access to modular digital solutions that will help accelerate their start up process and business growth. For more information, visit www.imda.gov.sg/StartDigital.