Singapore beefs up quality standards via S$20mn funding programme

3 committees have been established to look into standards for emerging areas to keep abreast with changing trends and industry needs.

Companies should embrace quality and standards as a key business strategy to improve productivity and to build trust in Singapore’s products and services. Speaking at the opening of the Quality and Standards 2011 conference, Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development, Mr Lee Yi Shyan said that trusted products and services not only command greater value, but in the longer term the quality, consistency and reliability of a company’s product or service will help it win its customers’ confidence.

Mr Lee also announced that SPRING has launched a new $20 million funding programme called Quality for Enterprises through Standards (QUEST) to help local companies implement standards in emerging areas such as carbon reduction, clean technology and energy efficiency. Companies can tap into the scheme to defray costs of implementing standards in these new areas which could include changing its processes, engaging consultants or investing in new equipment.

To keep pace with changing trends and industry needs, three new committees have also been set up to look into standards for emerging areas. SPRING Singapore’s Chief Executive, Mr Png Cheong Boon said, “Looking ahead, the environment and sustainable development are a key priority for Singapore and present significant opportunities for our businesses. Singapore is also looking at energy efficiency and renewable energy. Hence, two new standards committees have been formed under the Singapore Standards Council to look at the environment and energy. We have also formed a new Silver Industry Standards Committee to look at developing relevant standards for products and services that will enhance the quality of life for the elderly in Singapore.”

Beyond looking at new areas, SPRING is also deepening its engagement with industry and widening its outreach to businesses. It has appointed two industry associations as Standards Development Organisations (SDOs). They are the Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation (SMa) and the Singapore Chemical Industries Council (SCIC), according to a SPRING report.

“We need to ensure that new standards are developed with strong industry buy-in and subsequently well-adopted by industries and businesses. The SDOs will work closely with SPRING to develop key standards, promote and increase outreach to industries and businesses, and drive greater industry adoption,” Mr Png said.

SMa will administer the work of three Standards Committees – General Engineering and Safety Standards Committee, Food Standards Committee and Biomedical Standards Committee. The SCIC will administer the work of the Chemical Standards Committee.