Launch of EDB - MOE Industry Tours for JC Teachers

Home > Media Centre > Press Releases

Launch of EDB – MOE Industry Tours for JC Teachers
An initiative to promote Singapore’s vibrant manufacturing sector

1. For the first time, junior college (JC) teachers and career counsellors will have the opportunity to visit some of Singapore’s world-class manufacturing companies. Through these visits, they will be able to gain a better understanding about Singapore’s vibrant manufacturing sector and the career opportunities it presents.

2. This programme was launched by the Economic Development Board and Ministry of Education today. Called the ‘EDB-MOE Industry Tours’ or EMIT, the programme aims to highlight Singapore as a world-class manufacturing hub and the importance of the manufacturing sector in Singapore’s economy.

3. About 200 JC teachers and career counsellors have signed up for the tours. The line-up of industries and companies they will be visiting are as follows:
• Chemicals - Mitsui Chemicals
• Product Design - Hewlett-Packard, Phillips
• Biomedical Sciences – Pfizer, Forefront
• Aerospace – SIA Engineering Company, Singapore Aero Engine Services
• Electronics - United Microelectronics Corporation, Seagate Technology, Wacker Siltronics

4. Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Trade and Industry, launched the programme today at ChemGallery@Jurong Island. He said, “Singapore has a strong and robust manufacturing sector, which was possible because of the deep engineering and technology capabilities we have developed over the years. Many engineers and technology graduates will be required to drive the sector forward. This is where teachers and career counsellors can play an important role as our interface with the students. They can help shape, influence, and spread the correct information to them about manufacturing.”

5. EMIT is part of EDB’s efforts to increase visibility and mindshare for manufacturing. Other initiatives include the ‘Made in Singapore’ variety programme that was aired on Channel 8 in January 06, and the Singapore Manufacturing Excellence Award (MAXA) recently launched in April 2006 to recognise manufacturing companies which have achieved world-class manufacturing standards in their operations in Singapore.

6. EDB announced its vision for the future of manufacturing in Singapore at their inaugural Manufacturing Conference in September 2005, together with the following goals by 2018:
• Double total manufacturing output to S$300 billion.
• Double total manufacturing value-added (VA)[1] to S$80 billion.
• Raise skill profile of manufacturing workers from 32% to 50%.
In meeting these goals, EDB expects to create about 15,000 manufacturing jobs yearly.

[1] Value-Added (VA): VA is the direct component of the total gross domestic product (GDP) of Singapore contributed by the manufacturing sector. It is the increase in value of goods resulting from the production of manufacturing activities. Its value is calculated using the output value of goods produced minus input costs such as raw materials and components.