Singapore Polytechnic And Shimadzu Prepare Energy & Chemicals Companies For Digitalisation By 2020
Singapore, 18 September 2018: To better prepare laboratory analysts and technicians for future roles in a digitalised laboratory, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and Shimadzu Corporation, manufacturer of analytical instruments and medical systems, will co-deliver training programmes at the newly launched SMARTLab (Scalable, Manageable, Automated, Regulated and Total-Compliant Laboratory), which is located in SP.
This initiative marks the first and only platform for companies in the energy and chemicals sector to prepare for digitalisation of their laboratories. This is also in response to the Energy & Chemicals Industry Transformation Map which aims to have 20 Energy and Chemicals (E&C) plants, including all refineries and crackers, adopt advanced manufacturing technologies by 2020.
The SMARTLab@SP simulates the future digitalised laboratory. It will have state-of-the-art laboratory instruments that are managed by IoT (Internet-of-Things) and serves as a learning space for laboratory technicians to learn about laboratory informatics and the use of modern analytical instrumentation.
(From L-R) Mr Tetsuya Tanigaki, Managing Director of the Shimadzu (Asia Pacific), Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO, Singapore Polytechnic, and Mr Sekhar Surabhi, Founder & CEO, Caliber Technologies, launch the SMARTLab in Singapore Polytechnic
Boosting capabilities in the sector
The first of its kind SMARTLab@SP will kick-start training programmes for up to 20 laboratory technicians from the first quarter of 2019. The first of the series is Laboratory Informatics, a bite-sized module that will train workers on how to operate analytical instruments with total compliance, leverage advanced systems to manage data and automation, understand connectivity of instruments, and adopt disruptive technology to manage a paperless laboratory.
This one-day introductory course will comprise classroom and practical sessions co-conducted by facilitators from SP and Shimadzu. Trainees will complete the course with a Certification of Completion awarded by both SP and Shimadzu. The subsequent modules will touch on topics including Laboratory Informatics Management Systems, Machine-to-Machine and Artificial Intelligence, which will eventually lead to professional certifications and fully professonalise the laboratory technicians. This initiative provides laboratory technicians with exposure to automated, compliant laboratories, and upskills the workforce to enable them to handle higher value tasks as Singapore transforms into Industry 4.0.
Dignitaries from Singapore Polytechnic & Shimadzu line up in front of the SMARTLab setup
Besides laboratory technicians, students from SP’s Diploma in Applied Chemistry and Diploma in Perfumery and Cosmetic Science will also benefit from analytical instrumentation training at the SMARTLab@SP. The training will be part of the practicum of modules such as Laboratory Management, Instrumental Analysis, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The exposure to the latest technologies in the sector will equip students with emerging skills by the time they enter the future workforce.
Mr Prem Anand, Executive Officer and Senior General Manager, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, said, “We are launching this SMARTLab as a reiteration of our support towards the scientific ecosystem in Singapore. The country is taking substantial efforts to become even more smarter by implementing the "Smart Nation" programme. Shimadzu is a global leader in providing state-of-the-art innovations and technologies and it is our responsibility to help all laboratories in Singapore to become SMARTLabs in accordance with our philosophy of 'Contributing to Society Through Science and Technology'.”
Dr Thomas Chai Min Sen, Senior Director at SP’s Communication, Mathematics and the Sciences Cluster, said, “As Singapore progresses towards becoming a Smart Nation, it is imperative that SP trains the present and future E&C workforce so that they are well-equipped to meet the expectations and demands of Industry 4.0.”
Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO, Singapore Polytechnic, official launches the SMARTLab by remotely running the instruments using only an iPad
About Singapore Polytechnic
Established in 1954, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is Singapore’s first polytechnic. It has 10 schools that offer 40 full-time diploma courses and 3 common entry programmes for close to 17,000 students. SP adopts a proven creative teaching and learning framework and offers students a holistic, authentic and industry-relevant curriculum, innovative and vibrant learning spaces, and enriching overseas programmes.
The Polytechnic is committed to producing competent and versatile graduates who are also imbued with sound values, so that they can be work ready, life ready and world-ready. SP has more than 200,000 graduates and among them are successful entrepreneurs, top executives in multi-national and public-listed corporations, and well-known professionals across various industries and leaders in government.
SP clinched the inaugural ASEAN People’s Award in 2015 for its contributions toward the region’s community-building efforts. SP is also the first polytechnic to be awarded the President’s Award for the Environment in 2010 and the President's Social Service Award in 2011.
Follow SP on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/singaporepolytechnic and Twitter and Instagram at @singaporepoly.
About Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd
Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) is the Asian subsidiary of Shimadzu Corporation, Japan. The subsidiary was established in 1989 in Singapore as a distribution centre providing analytical solutions, scientific equipment, testing machines, balances and medical equipment to a wide range of laboratories in Asia. A fast-paced growth of business in the region has seen the opening of 3 subsidiaries in India, Malaysia and the Philippines with application specialists, technical and sales engineers situated throughout the region. Additionally, the company operates via a wide and carefully selected network of local distributers in every region. The company's instruments are relied upon by researchers all across Asia from large multinational organisations to local academic research universities and a long list of local, state, and central laboratories.
Through adoption of scientific inventions and cutting-edge technologies, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) provides its corporate clients with the highest quality in product standards and the delivery of excellent customer support services.
For more information, please visit www.shimadzu.com.sg or like and follow us on: www.facebook.com/ShimadzuAsiaPacific
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Deanna Bonaparte
Communications Executive
Singapore Polytechnic
Tel: (+65) 6590 2782
Mobile: (+65) 9270 1790
Email: Deanna_Bonaparte@sp.edu.sg
Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd
Marketing & Communications Department
Email: marketing@shimadzu.com.sg