Singapore Polytechnic & Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) renew agreement to further strengthen SMARTLab initiative in Singapore

The scope of the partnership between SP and Shimadzu will encompass many key areas. They include:

• Shimadzu will support SP to co-conduct physical and virtual SMARTLab learning journeys. 

• SP and Shimadzu will co-host webinars or workshops that promote the application of SMARTLab technologies in QA/QC laboratories. 

• SP will support Shimadzu’s plan to set up an experiential zone within Shimadzu’s premises to provide value-added services to industry stakeholders. Visitors to the experiential zone will experience various technologies through the use of mix-reality devices and other e-tools.  

• Shimadzu will offer internships to four SP students every academic year and jointly award certificates to participants who complete the Continuing Education & Training (CET) and Pre-Employment Training (PET) programmes on analytical instrumentation which are conducted in the SMARTLab. 

Located at SP’s Dover Road campus, the SMARTLab initiative has facilitated the creation of an ecosystem in Singapore that supports the digital transformation of a QA/QC laboratory. The SMARTLab facility is fitted with state-of-the-art analytical instruments and designed to enrich the learning experience of students in picking up essential 4.0 knowledge and skillsets. As part of its industry outreach efforts, SMARTLab also offers an Industry Catalyst Programme (ICP) to support companies in their digital transformation.

Mr Loh Yew Chiong, Senior Director at SP’s Computing, Chemical & Life Sciences Cluster, said, “The renewal of this strategic MoU is a seal of commitment by SP and Shimadzu to play an even more significant role in contributing to the digital transformation of industries in Singapore. There is no better time than now in this digital age to reaffirm this commitment, and stage the next steps for enterprises to adopt cutting-edge technologies and enable them to improve their cost efficiencies and productivity.”

Dr Tan Tuan Lin, Acting Director of SP’s School of Chemical & Life Sciences, said, “As Industry 4.0 innovation  expands in the coming years, it will be crucial for professionals and our learners to deepen their capabilities in applying digital technologies and understanding their impact in business operations and processes. Our continual partnership with Shimadzu serves to achieve this goal in building a talent pool in Singapore that will meet the demands and expectations that the Industry 4.0 revolution will bring in the near future.”

Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Managing Director, Mr Tetsuya Tanigaki, revealed that, “Shimadzu’s Corporate Philosophy is Contributing to Society through Science & Technology. Our collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic and the creation of the SMARTLab is yet another reiteration of this philosophy. What better way to contribute to making this world a better place than to enable teachers and students? Shimadzu is always here to support our long-standing partners in their quest for providing the best of training and education through Excellence in Science.”

Mr Prem Anand, Executive Officer & Senior General Manager, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific), who was the other witness to the MoU, said, “The collaboration between Singapore Polytechnic and Shimadzu over the past four years has been very fruitful for both our organisations, with key milestones such as the launch of SMARTLab in 2019 and the setting up of the Digital Cockpit in 2020. In 2021 and beyond, we would see students of all ages getting trained on even more futuristic innovations like that of Living Instruments, which will ensure Zero Waste and a reduction in the overall carbon footprint, among other technological marvels. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders and so it becomes very important that we encourage them to focus on sustainability. Additionally, we are also planning to set up the SP-Shimadzu Academy to elevate the quality of knowledge of analytical chemistry not only in Singapore but also in Asia.”  

Ms Tan Guat Kheng, General Manager, Shimadzu Singapore, highlighted that, “Along with getting trained on analytical technologies by Shimadzu, the students also greatly benefit from the internships that we are providing in our Centre for Application Solutions (CAS). With the extension of our collaboration, more students will have the opportunity to learn about our advanced technologies and be better prepared for their future employment in the scientific community.” 

Beginning of the next era in Partnership & Global Networking