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Tech Access to help SMEs innovate and tap advanced manufacturing technologies

SINGAPORE — Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) needing to use specialised manufacturing equipment without forking out large investments can now do so through the Tech Access initiative, launched by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) on Friday (Sept 8).

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade & Industry and National Development Dr Koh Poh Koon (right) touring the Industrial Additive Manufacturing Facility (IAMF) on Friday (Sept 8). He was also briefed on the various additive manufacturing technologies made available at the Facility. Photo: A*Star

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade & Industry and National Development Dr Koh Poh Koon (right) touring the Industrial Additive Manufacturing Facility (IAMF) on Friday (Sept 8). He was also briefed on the various additive manufacturing technologies made available at the Facility. Photo: A*Star

SINGAPORE — Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) needing to use specialised manufacturing equipment without forking out large investments can now do so through the Tech Access initiative, launched by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) on Friday (Sept 8). 

When they sign up for this initiative, the companies can tap the agency’s advanced manufacturing equipment and facilities, resulting in cost savings as they do not have to buy the equipment themselves. 

Training will also be provided on how to operate the machinery effectively, said A*Star.

At the launch, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Koh Poh Koon pointed out the benefits to SMEs of such an initiative, first mentioned during the Budget earlier this year.

“SMEs can experiment with these advanced tools without the need to make costly investments to acquire them upfront. Subsequently, with the experience gained and a better appreciation of the benefits of such tools, SMEs can opt to acquire the equipment to scale up and capture new business opportunities,” he said.

Dr Koh noted that under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2020 plan, S$3.2billion has been committed from 2016 to 2020 to develop technological capabilities in the advanced manufacturing and engineering domain.

For a start, 19 types of equipment will be made available under the Tech Access initiative. These range from inspection tools to advanced equipment such as robotised 3D scanners and high pressure cold sprays for additive manufacturing.

They are housed at the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology and the new Industrial Additive Manufacturing Facility, which was also launched on Friday.

Optical solutions firm Moveon Technologies has already tapped A*Star equipment several times, and said that it has seen savings of between S$100,000 and S$200,000 a year by doing so.

Moveon Technologies chief executive officer Chee Teck Lee praised the initiative, which is especially relevant for smaller companies that would be financially challenged to stump up the required investment for purchasing advanced machinery and equipment. 

“Sometimes plans don’t pan out, so this reduces the risk in over investing in equipment,” he said.

It also allows him to test the equipment before purchasing them. Of the 10 equipment he has tapped over the years through the A*Star scheme, the company has purchased about half of them.

Mr Steven Koh, executive director of the Singapore Precision Engineering and Technology Association, said that its members can now tap the high-tech equipment and technologies to improve their manufacturing processes.

“Disruptive technology is increasingly affecting our way of life and business. Hence, our SMEs must embark on technology innovation to stay competitive.”

The association has more than 200 members, most of which are SMEs.

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