Singapore manufacturing leaders announced partnerships on SME development, sustainability, supply chains and industrial technology adoption.
The Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific (ITAP) 2026 exhibition opened in Singapore with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and Deutsche Messe launching the latest edition under their joint partnership. The two-day event focused on translating artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions into practical factory applications, with industry partnerships and technology adoption among its key priorities.
Source: Singapore Manufacturing Federation
Day 1 featured several strategic announcements led by SMF to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), workforce development and industrial transformation. SMF and Republic Polytechnic announced a partnership focused on SME and talent transformation. SMF also aligned with Gprnt and APGA on sustainability marks intended to simplify certification for SMEs.
In another development, SMF and the China Electronics Enterprises Association signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote cross-border supply chain collaboration and expand market opportunities between Singapore’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem and China’s electronics sector.
SMF President Lennon Tan participated in a panel discussion on achieving best-in-class operations, alongside representatives from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore, The Coca-Cola Company Singapore, Racer Technology and CADVision Systems. The discussion examined how Singapore’s industrial ecosystem could support manufacturers in scaling AI-enabled transformation.
SMF Chief Executive Officer Wayne Yap opened the MNC-LE Alliance programme, which explored cooperation between multinational corporations (MNCs) and local enterprises. Presentations by Liebherr and ResMed outlined their roadmaps, followed by a panel discussion on aligning corporate governance with the agility of local enterprises and addressing operational challenges.
Energy and sustainability were also among the event’s discussion areas. SMF Chief Sustainability Officer Clara Kwan joined representatives from the Singapore Institute of Technology, the energy sector and regional organisations to examine how manufacturers could use partnerships and green technologies to improve resilience.
The programme also included a cross-industry leadership tour hosted by Mr Yap for trade association representatives from aviation, logistics, engineering, automation and precision engineering.
Source: Singapore Manufacturing Federation
ITAP 2026 concluded after two days of discussions involving government, industry and research representatives. The programme included the NAMIC Global Additive Manufacturing Summit, which focused on advanced materials and autonomous operations.
The next edition is scheduled for 20 to 22 July 2027 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Organisers plan to expand the event to three days and three halls, covering 15,000 square metres, with a focus on manufacturing, automation, intralogistics and supply chain innovation.
Source: Singapore Manufacturing Federation
