The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) hosted its annual Manufacturing Day Summit 2026, focusing on how the manufacturing sector can leverage advanced technologies and sustainable practices in the Industry 5.0 era. The event, attended by approximately 1,500 delegates, featured key announcements aimed at bolstering Singapore’s manufacturing capabilities.
A significant highlight was the launch of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Playbook for Manufacturers. This comprehensive guide is designed to assist manufacturers in setting up operations in Johor, offering insights into regulatory requirements and investment pathways. “With the launch of the Playbook, we aim to support companies with faster decision cycles and increased confidence in executing cross-border setups,” said Lennon Tan, President of SMF.
Complementing the playbook, SMF announced an AI-enabled chatbot to be launched soon. This tool will provide manufacturers with personalised guidance on regulations and incentives, ensuring they have access to the latest information for cross-border expansion.
The summit also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SMF’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy and A*STAR SIMTech. This partnership will introduce the Manufacturing Leadership Elevation Certificate Programme, aimed at developing leaders capable of driving AI-enabled manufacturing transformation.
These initiatives underscore SMF’s commitment to reducing barriers for cross-border growth and fostering leadership in AI-enabled manufacturing. As the sector continues to evolve, these tools and programmes are set to play a crucial role in ensuring Singapore’s manufacturing industry remains competitive and sustainable.
