Precision engineering industry to make room for 3,000 more jobs in 2020

The industry will be on the lookout for data scientists.

As Singapore eyes to improve the underwhelming manufacturing output, Trade Minister S Iswaran unveiled the Precision Engineering Industry Transformation Map (ITM), which aims to identify growth areas that will create more jobs for professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs)

Speaking at the Meiban iSmart Factory Project Launch, Minister Iswaran said precision engineering has been a critical enabler for the manufacturing sector with its support in the production of complex components needed in industries ranging from electronics and aerospace, to oil & gas, and medtech.

Currently, the industry employs around 94,000 workers and accounts for a total output that exceeds $32 billion.

"A key strategy of the Precision Engineering ITM aims to shift the industry into new growth areas. This will be done by growing complementary segments such as Additive Manufacturing, Robotics, Advanced Materials, Sensors, and Lasers & Optics," Minister Iswaran explained, saying that these segments are expected to grow rapidly at an average annual growth rate of over 10% due to new demand for their applications

With the industry's move towards innovation-intensive activities, the trade minister noted that it will see the creation of additional 3,000 PMET jobs.

"First, we will need industrial data scientists. These scientists will have to understand both manufacturing processes and IT systems, as well as extract and prepare data, conduct advanced analytics, and apply their findings in improving products and production methods," he said.

He added, "Adoption of digital manufacturing will create demand for automation and robot coordinators. These coordinators will be responsible for optimizing operations and machines."

Alongside the creation of new jobs, Minister Iswaran announced that there will be a new Skills Framework for the industry, which will lay out career pathways for 13 occupations.