Singapore Polytechnic (SP) has announced a new Enabling Platform Partnership aimed at helping local enterprises expand into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The initiative, launched during the Automation SolutionGO! and Regional Industry Networking Conference (RINC) 2025, focuses on three key areas: business transformation, talent development, and technology adoption.
Held on 30 July at a joint event with AutomationSG, the launch was attended by Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade & Industry and Ministry of National Development. The initiative brings together a regional network of higher education institutes, trade associations, and development agencies from both Singapore and Malaysia.
Cross-border collaboration to close talent and tech gaps
The Enabling Platform Partnership is designed to close critical gaps in manpower and skills within the JS-SEZ, supporting the cross-border movement of knowledge, talent, and innovation. It brings together key stakeholders including Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic International, Sunway University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Southern University College, AutomationSG, and various trade federations and councils.
One example of this collaboration in action is SP’s recent training partnership with the Johor Skills Development Centre. Supported by Malaysia’s Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDF), the programme provided four training sessions covering sustainability fundamentals to over 140 Malaysian employees of Tai Sin Electric Limited, a Singapore-based company. The initiative helps bridge skills alignment between Malaysian and Singaporean workforces and opens access to similar funding for other Singaporean companies operating in Johor.
Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of Singapore Polytechnic, said, “The Enabling Platform Partnership is a strategic catalyst for enterprise transformation, directly supporting Singapore’s goal of helping businesses expand into Johor and Batam. It solidifies Singapore Polytechnic’s position as a leading regional education and training institute with continual relevance to Singapore’s economic development.”
New opportunities for students through exchange and innovation
Beyond workforce development, the partnership also supports student learning through international collaboration and exposure. One recent example is the Susthack Bootcamp and Hackathon held from 7 to 11 April 2025, where 20 SP students worked alongside Sunway University peers to develop solutions for local sustainability challenges. The projects were aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Since 2023, over 100 SP students from the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE) have participated in overseas exchange programmes with Malaysian universities such as Southern University College and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. These interactions have helped sharpen students’ problem-solving skills while deepening their understanding of industry and innovation in the region. SP’s School of EEE plans to further expand these efforts to promote global awareness and practical skills.
Recognising industry excellence and future-proofing talent
The conference also saw the presentation of the GO! Awards by AutomationSG. These awards spotlighted solution providers and end-users who have demonstrated strong results in business growth, sustainability practices, and use of technology. AutomationSG aims to position these winners as industry role models while encouraging broader adoption of smart manufacturing and AI-driven transformation.
Mr Terence Teo, President of AutomationSG, said, “Automation SolutionGO! x RINC 2025 is a powerful convergence of ideas, industries, and innovation. This year’s focus on Technology Adoption, Business Growth and Talent Development reflects AutomationSG’s mission to future-proof businesses and empower talent.”
The event also featured an exhibition of solutions from industry leaders such as Aitech Mechatronics, Anewtech Systems, Beckhoff Automation, SESTO Robotics, and TXOne Networks. A new addition this year was the first Manufacturing Jobs & Skills Fair, co-organised by SP, AutomationSG and e2i, with support from NTUC Youth, Workforce Singapore (WSG), and SkillsFuture Advice. This job fair aims to support jobseekers and mid-career professionals looking to adapt in today’s uncertain economic landscape.
