The Singapore Manufacturing Federation’s flagship summit convened policymakers and industry leaders to advance Industry 5.0 through innovation, cross-border collaboration and leadership development, unveiling new tools and partnerships to strengthen the sector’s resilience and competitiveness
The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) hosted the Manufacturing Day Summit 2026 on 30 January in Singapore, bringing together industry experts, business leaders and policymakers to examine how manufacturers can navigate disruption while leading transformation in the age of artificial intelligence and sustainability. Against a backdrop of robust sectoral growth in 2025, the Summit addressed emerging challenges ranging from geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain pressures to workforce readiness and environmental responsibility.
Centred on the theme “Industry 5.0 with Next-Gen: Co-Inventing the Future of Manufacturing for People and Planet”, discussions highlighted the importance of integrating advanced manufacturing, robotics and AI with human capability, safety and sustainability. The event was graced by Minister of State Ms Gan Siow Huang and attended by regional dignitaries including Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Industry, H.E. Faisol Riza. Approximately 1,500 delegates from across the manufacturing ecosystem participated, reinforcing collaboration and knowledge exchange across borders.
A key highlight of the Summit was the launch of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Playbook for Manufacturers, a comprehensive guide designed to support companies seeking to set up and operate in Johor. Developed with contributions from partners including Enterprise Singapore, MIDA, DXC Technology, EY and UOB, the playbook consolidates regulatory, operational and strategic considerations into an end-to-end resource. SMF also announced plans to introduce an AI-enabled chatbot to provide up-to-date, sector-specific guidance for companies exploring opportunities within the JS-SEZ.
The Summit further underscored leadership and capability development with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the SMF Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy and ASTAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (ASTAR SIMTech). This collaboration will launch the Manufacturing Leadership Elevation Certificate Programme, aimed at equipping leaders to drive AI-enabled, value-centric transformation. The pilot, commencing in March 2026, will focus on empowering women leaders, supporting diversity and inclusive growth within the manufacturing sector.
In addition, SMF marked the first anniversary of the MNC–LE Alliance, announcing new partnerships to deepen collaboration between multinational corporations and local enterprises. Memoranda of Understanding signed with HP Singapore, IPI Singapore and Life3 Biotech are expected to accelerate technology adoption, foster co-innovation and support sustainable manufacturing practices. Complementing these initiatives, SMF also introduced new safety-focused microlearning programmes for the metalworking sector, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and resilient manufacturing as Singapore advances towards an Industry 5.0 future.
Source: SMF
