Skillsfuture Queen Bee initiative strengthens the role of industry leaders in building capabilities of workforce and enterprises

The SkillsFuture Queen Bee initiative was introduced in 2020 as part of the Next Bound of SkillsFuture to support skills and talent development in companies, that enable company growth and business transformation. The SkillsFuture Queen Bee companies are industry leaders with strong sectoral expertise, industry standing and ability to influence companies, particularly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) has partnered manufacturing companies namely Bosch Rexroth, Omron, Siemens and HP Singapore as SkillsFuture Queen Bee companies to uplift the industry in areas such as the adoption of digital and sustainable technology. Collectively, these SkillsFuture Queen Bee companies are targeting to impact about 700 SMEs in the manufacturing industry over the next three years.

The following two case studies highlight how SMEs can leverage the skills of industry leaders to build their own capabilities:

i. Bosch Rexroth and Anda Hydraulics Asia: Boost Energy Efficiency and Enhance Productivity

• Bosch Rexroth has supported 14 manufacturing companies to customise 19 proof-of-concepts since the company came onboard the SkillsFuture Queen Bee programme in 2020. One such company that had benefitted is Anda Hydraulics Asia.

• Anda Hydraulics Asia began operations in 1999, specialising in installation and repair of hydraulic piston pumps and motors servicing.

• Their bulky hydraulic power units took up large floor space, consumed high energy, and lacked industry-standard sensors to generate accurate data. These units also required frequent maintenance to ensure efficiency.

• The company tapped on Bosch Rexroth’s expertise, to test and implement a proof-of-concept that enhanced the capabilities of their hydraulic power units. With Bosch Rexroth’s support, Anda Hydraulics Asia implemented a solution that will help them achieve 50 per cent less installation space, 80 per cent energy savings, and more efficient data collection and analysis with compatible sensors. In addition, the solution allowed the company to monitor the condition of the power units and its parts, minimising downtime and improving productivity. Bosch Rexroth trained Anda Hydraulics’ engineers to operate the data systems and imparted them with knowledge on smart hydraulics systems.

• Bosch Rexroth has also been actively seeking out manufacturing companies, particularly SMEs with digitalisation needs, to support them along their business transformation journeys. Forms of support include providing clearer process visualisation; improving productivity with the same resources; providing predictive maintenance, smart facility or asset management; and helping companies achieve zero waste target. Bosch Rexroth encourages companies to visit its regional training centre in Singapore to experience their technology and digital solutions

ii.  Omron and Inventit Technology: Gaining Competitive Edge with Smart Material Transportation in Advanced Manufacturing

• Omron partnered SkillsFuture Singapore as a SkillsFuture Queen Bee for the manufacturing industry in 2021. Inventit Technology (“Inventit”) was amongst the first companies to receive Omron’s support in enhancing their automation business. 

• Inventit specialises in customised automated material handler and assembly tools for their semi-conductor and electronic manufacturing clients.

• Many of their clients faced rising labour shortages exacerbated by an aging workforce and business disruptions from the pandemic. They approached Inventit for autonomous mobile robotic handler solutions to help them meet increased production with similar or fewer operator headcount. It was both a challenge and opportunity for Inventit. Autonomous mobile robotic handler solution is a new technology, and Inventit was lacking the experience as well as skilled talent to provide the solution required.

• To tap this new business opportunity, Inventit leveraged on Omron’s Automation Technology Centre and solution engineering resources to develop proof-of-concepts that could meet their clients’ new needs. Omron provided mentorship and on-the-job training for Inventit’s engineers to acquire the relevant knowledge and skills. With Omron’s support, Inventit developed the capabilities to deliver customised robotic handler solutions and to even compete against global competitors from Taiwan and Japan. The collaboration with Omron had also helped Inventit achieved both time and research costs savings of $200,000. Inventit will continue to upskill their engineers in in-depth knowledge of mobile robot technology and integration to better support clients and to meet industry demands.

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