SPEECH BY MR LEE YI SHYAN, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE 44TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE MARINE INDUSTRIES ON 19 OCTOBER 2012, 7.30 PM AT THE FAIRMONT SINGAPORE
Mr Wong Weng Sun, President, Association of Singapore Marine Industries
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening.
Introduction
It is my pleasure to be here this evening for the Association of Singapore Marine Industries’ (ASMI) 44th Anniversary Dinner.
The marine and offshore engineering industry contributes significantly to our economy. It employs 84,000 workers and accounts for 2.2% of our GDP. Singapore was a leading ship repair centre a few decades ago but now a global leader in jack-up rigs and the conversion of floating, production and storage vessels. The industry has kept up with time. It has reinvented itself.
Our major shipyards have invested heavily in R&D. The resulting new capabilities have ensured that their shipyards are technologically advanced and globally competitive. The industry takes innovations and productivity improvement seriously.
I am happy to note that ASMI has been working closely with a number of government agencies to improve productivity for its members. In particular, I’d like to commend ASMI for launching 3 new initiatives today.
The first initiative is the Operations Management Innovation programme for Marine Industry or OMNI@Marine in short. In partnership with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), ASMI hopes to develop customised OMNI@Marine to train key personnel such as engineers, managers and senior staff in the sector to be Technology Innovators. This programme was first launched in the manufacturing sector, and has enjoyed success with companies reporting productivity gains.
The OMNI@Marine programme offers firstly, classroom training on operations management concepts, techniques and tools, based on the proven and trade-marked OmniMethodologyTM. This is followed by secondly, on-site training and mentoring relating to the applications of this methodology in identified areas in the participant’s company.
In total, WDA has set aside S$2.3 million to train some 300 technology innovators across the marine and offshore industry. We would like to see more shipyards and marine companies tap on this support.
The second initiative, called the Marine Manpower IT Management System, aims to upgrade marine SMEs through IT Adoption. A well-known software, called the ‘AstorTime’ would help SMEs to keep track of schedule manpower deployment, saving time and raising efficiency in the process.
The AstorTime programme is supported by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore or iDA, under its iSPRINT grant scheme. ASMI is helping 33 marine SMEs embark on the AstorTime project. They will enjoy up to 70% funding.
The third initiative is on manpower development and leadership succession planning. I am pleased to announce that the WDA, in partnership with ASMI, is rolling out a new scholarship programme for professionals, managers and engineers in marine companies. The Skills Training for Excellence Programme (or STEP) Marine & Offshore Scholarship is available to local employees of marine and offshore companies who want to work towards a Master of Science (MSc) in Marine Technology degree offered by Newcastle University.
WDA will provide a grant of up to 80% of the course fee for each scholar with co-payment on the remaining 20% by the participating company. As a start, WDA is offering 12 "STEP Marine & Offshore Scholarships" valued at some $288,000 over two years. This scholarship programme demonstrates the collective commitment by the Government, association and industry in investing for the future of the industry. Growing this pool of highly competent professionals is crucial to Singapore maintaining its global competitiveness.
Conclusion
The marine and offshore industry has proven its resilience over the last five decades and maintained its leadership position globally. The Government will continue to support the efforts of ASMI and the industry players, to embrace innovation, enhance productivity and build capabilities. Last but not least, I would like to congratulate ASMI on its 44 years of achievement and wish the Association and its members more successful years ahead.
Thank you and have an enjoyable evening.