Pushing innovation and sustainability

By: Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology & Sustainability Showcase 2024, held on September 5-6 in Singapore, underscored South East Asia's progress toward sustainable manufacturing and cutting-edge technologies. Organised by the Singapore Advanced Manufacturing Technology Association (SAMTA), the event attracted key industry players, innovators, and sustainability advocates from across the region. Facilitated by International Metalworking News for Asia (IMNA), the event provided a platform for exclusive interviews with industry leaders such as Mr. Raymond Wee, PBM, President of SAMTA, and Mr. Jimmy Teo, SAMTA's Honorable Secretary. These leaders shared valuable perspectives on South East Asia’s manufacturing landscape and the showcase’s impact on fostering innovation and sustainable growth across the sector.

IMNA: What are the main goals of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology & Sustainability Showcase 2024, and how do they align with current trends in South East Asia’s metalworking industry?

The primary goal is to foster collaboration among industry leaders, driving innovation and addressing the unique challenges in metalworking. We see an increasing number of companies investing in smart technologies and automation—not only to stay competitive but also to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements,” Mr. Wee noted. “With strong partnerships, like those with NTUC and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), we are enhancing workforce skills and preparing professionals to meet the evolving demands of advanced manufacturing technologies.”

IMNA: What technologies showcased this year are making strides toward sustainability in metalworking?

“We are particularly proud of three standout technologies that strongly support sustainability,” Mr. Wee shared. “Creatz3D’s Additive Manufacturing shows how 3D printing can reduce material waste while enabling efficient, custom designs. Smart Manufacturing Systems, presented by Sepro, Hurco, and Salestrade, utilise IoT, sensors, and AI to optimise production in real-time. And finally, Saxon Renewables’ solar solutions offer a pathway to energy cost reduction through Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), allowing manufacturers to integrate solar energy without impacting cash flow.”

IMNA: How does the showcase address the challenges and opportunities of adopting advanced manufacturing technologies in South East Asia?

“Adoption of advanced technologies in South East Asia’s fast-growing manufacturing sector comes with unique challenges, like the need for skilled labour and staying competitive globally,” Mr. Teo explained. “The showcase offers a comprehensive platform for industry leaders, manufacturers, and technology providers to exchange knowledge. By demonstrating automation, robotics, and AI applications, the event reveals how companies can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and scale their operations. Hearing success stories from early adopters inspires confidence and offers a roadmap for implementing these innovations in the local market.”

IMNA: What role do collaborations and partnerships play in driving advancements showcased this year?

“Collaborations are essential to advancing sustainable manufacturing practices. Partnerships, such as those between Sepro Group and regional manufacturers, provide tailored solutions that address South East Asia’s specific manufacturing challenges,” Mr. Teo emphasised. “These alliances are vital for helping companies leverage the latest technologies in a way that’s both effective and sustainable.”

IMNA: How do you measure the success of the event, and what impact do you hope it has on the region’s manufacturing sector?

“We assess success by the level of participant engagement, formation of new partnerships, and quality feedback on the technologies presented,” Mr. Teo said. “Our primary goal is to demonstrate the tangible benefits of advanced manufacturing solutions, inspiring regional stakeholders to adopt these technologies. Ultimately, we aim to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and address the unique challenges within South East Asia’s manufacturing sector.”

Technology and Sustainability Highlights from the Showcase

The showcase underscored the importance of sustainable, advanced manufacturing technologies through real-world demonstrations and interactive exhibits. Key highlights included:

Additive Manufacturing by Creatz3D: Creatz3D showcased how industrial-grade 3D printing can dramatically reduce material waste while supporting innovative designs. Their 3D-printed jigs and fixtures emphasised the customisation potential and cost-efficiency, offering participants practical strategies for sustainable production.

Smart Manufacturing Systems: Sepro, Hurco, and Salestrade presented smart manufacturing solutions that harness IoT, sensors, and AI-driven systems for real-time optimisation. These technologies enable production efficiency and waste reduction, supporting the sustainability goals critical for South East Asia’s manufacturing growth.

Solar Power Initiatives by Saxon Renewables: Saxon Renewables introduced Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), a cost-effective model allowing manufacturers to integrate solar energy into operations. The PPA approach provides a pathway to significant energy savings and reduced environmental impact.

Interactive Demonstrations and Program Highlights

Hands-on demonstrations provided attendees with insights into the latest technologies shaping the future of manufacturing:

Digital Twin by Advent2 Labs: This demonstration showed how virtual reality can simulate production environments, allowing companies to optimise workflows before actual implementation, saving both time and resources.

Hurco’s Automated Machine Tending Cell: A live demo displayed a robotic cell tending to two CNC machines simultaneously, illustrating automation’s role in reducing downtime and boosting productivity.

NYP360 Training for Advanced Manufacturing: Nanyang Polytechnic highlighted their advanced manufacturing training initiatives, which emphasise skill development to meet the demands of Industry 4.0 technologies, ensuring workforce readiness for sustainable practices.

A Transformative Event for South East Asia

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology & Sustainability Showcase 2024 was a landmark event that advanced the conversation on sustainable manufacturing and technology adoption in South East Asia. SAMTA’s commitment to collaboration, workforce readiness, and sustainability has set a robust foundation for the region’s future in the global manufacturing landscape. With strong leadership from figures like Mr. Raymond Wee, PBM President and Mr. Jimmy Teo, Honorable Secretary, the industry is well-positioned to embrace a technologically advanced, greener future that underscores South East Asia's pivotal role in the international manufacturing arena.