Setting the stage for new technology trends and innovation at Manufacturing Solutions Expo 2014

SINGAPORE - The inaugural Manufacturing Solutions Expo, jointly organised by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings, will be held from Oct 8 to Oct 10, 2014 at the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre. The Manufacturing Solutions Expo 2014 is supported by local and regional government agencies including Employment & Employability Institute (e2i), Federation of Malaysian Foundry and Engineering Industries Associations (FOMFEIA), GS1 Singapore, IDA Singapore, IPI Singapore, Singapore Industrial Automation Association (SIAA), Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF), Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIM Tech), Singapore Logistics Association (SLA), SPRING Singapore, Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS), and Workplace Safety & Health Council (WSHC).

Targeted at manufacturing professionals, policy makers and business leaders, this highly anticipated trade exhibition aims to showcase the industry's best ideas, innovative technologies and cost effective solutions to raise productivity within the entire value chain of the manufacturing sector. More than 3000 trade and professional visitors from Singapore and around the region are expected to visit the trade fair to establish new business partnerships, network and engage potential distribution agents with some 100 exhibiting brands from around the region over the three-day event.

Redefining business productivity and innovation

By 2017, the shift of machinery production to Southeast Asia is expected to deliver a total compound annual growth rate of 7.5 per cent. In addition, the move of chemical and petrochemical plants to lower-cost, higher-output countries in Asia provides significant opportunities for automation manufacturers in these countries.

Mr Lam Joon Khoi, Secretary-General of Singapore Manufacturing Federation, said: "The manufacturing landscape in Singapore is transforming from a labour-intensive sector, to one that is innovation-led and productivity-driven. We will continue to bring international, regional and local manufacturers and suppliers together to propel the industry further and to showcase quality productive and innovative technologies that are relevant to Southeast Asia's growing manufacturing sector."

Manufacturing Solutions Expo 2014 will feature a comprehensive platform that integrates industry trends, technology and trade into six segments, offering diverse solutions in industrial automation, enterprise system, resources management, transport and logistics, packaging and storage, and consultancy and training from noteworthy exhibiting brands such as AEB, Artec Delcam, FANUC, IFM, Hiwin, Honeywell, KUKA, M1, Motorola Solutions, OGP, PBA, Pandora ERP, QAD, SMC and Tsubaki.

Mr Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, said: "Sphere Exhibits is indeed very honoured to be in partnership with Singapore Manufacturing Federation to jointly stage this inaugural event for the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing Solutions 2014 provides a timely response to meet the growing demands and needs of the manufacturing industry. The shift in economic growth from Europe and the United States to Asia reflects the region's robust economy and we are excited to pioneer this trade exhibition which is set to give decision makers the opportunity to discover the latest developments in their field and network on an international platform with some of the industry's best suppliers."

The inaugural exhibition promises opportunities of networking, thought leadership, industry collaboration and sharing of ideas that inspire learning. Visitors will gain new perspectives that will enable them to adapt to the fast-changing industrial environment, as well as discover new technology trends and markets, given the rising demand for fully integrated capabilities.

Transforming businesses with new technology trends & innovation

Co-located with Manufacturing Solutions Expo 2014 is the Singapore Innovation and Productivity Conference (SIPC) 2014 where companies can leverage to identify business problems and offer innovative solutions in improving their businesses. Themed "Transform to Perform", SIPC focuses on the need for companies to transform through innovation and productivity to achieve business growth and sustainability.

Organised by the Singapore Innovation and Productivity Institute (SiPi), a Centre of Excellence under SMF, the two-day conference from 8 to 9 October 2014 will feature more than eight top-notch industrialists, academicians and researchers with an exciting pipeline of plenary and panel sessions to share and exchange their knowledge and experience. Key speakers include Mr. Douglas Foo, CEO of Sakae Holdings Ltd; Mr. Lai Ah Keow, President of Yokogawa Electric Asia Pte Ltd, and Dr Wolfgang Baier, Group CEO of Singapore Post Ltd. In addition, the findings from two SiPi-commissioned national studies - "The National Benchmarking Study on Productivity in Various Industries" and "Findings from The National Research Study on Business Model Innovation (BMI)" - will be presented during the conference.

Another highlight of SIPC 2014 is the focus on BMI to transform the way businesses is done to create new competitive advantages. This conference serves as a great platform for companies to learn more about BMI and the benefits they can reap from implementing innovative business models.

Visit www.ms-expo.com for trade fair information and to pre-register as a visitor. Online visitor pre-registration is open until Oct 2, 2014.

For more details on the conference, visit http://www.sipc.org.sg/ to register as a delegate and to download the conference registration form.