Singapore, 20 September 2017 – Manufacturing Solutions Expo (MSE) returns for a fourth edition from 25 to 27 October 2017 at the Singapore EXPO Convention & Exhibition Centre. ASEAN’s premium one-stop trade exhibition is a showcase of emerging trends, cost-effective technologies, the latest digitalised solutions, and innovative products in manufacturing. Jointly organised by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings, the annual event aims to help the manufacturing sector raise its productivity and efficiency, and remain competitive in the fast-changing and challenging business landscape.

Over 4,500 trade and business professionals, and more than 120 international and regional brands from more than 25 countries are expected to attend the exhibition. A series of interactive activities will provide abundant opportunities for buyers and sellers to exchange ideas, network and explore business opportunities.

MSE 2017 is supported by various government agencies and trade associations in Singapore and in the region. The three-day expo has also garnered sponsor support from the private sector including companies like LHT Holdings, HIWIN, Wah Lee Tech Singapore, Kaplan, Naina Mohamed and Sons, and Optical Gaging.

Preparing for a world of digitalisation

SMART manufacturing is key for the industry to stay ahead of the competition. ASEAN is poised to take the lead to capitalise on a more automated and connected region. With its demographic potential and yet-to-be-tapped market opportunities, ASEAN will be an attractive manufacturing hub, drawing investors and businesses alike. As the chairman of ASEAN in 2018, Singapore is strategically placed to host MSE 2017.

In light of these developments, this year’s Expo will focus on key manufacturing technological advancements that will prepare the industry for the future of manufacturing and a world of digitalisation. Solutions that will be exhibited include Digital Factory, Industrial Automation, the brand new Surface Engineering, Sustainable Environment and Supply Chain.

More than 70 companies attending include 3D Ceram, 3D MetalForge, 3M, Advantech, ARCAM, Balluff, Baumer, Buehler, CleanLoglx, Cognex, Dematic, Fleximark, Flexmove, Hioki, Hitachi, Invengo, Linde, Montrac, OGS, SESTO Robotics, Stratasys, SISMA, Solidworks, Thermo Fisher Scientific, TM Robot, Toshiba, UCT Additive Manufacturing and Unitronic, Werma among others. They represent a wide range of industries such as Aerospace, Automotive, Chemical, Electrical and Electronics, Energy, Food, Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology.

MSE 2017 event highlights

This year, visitors can expect a carefully curated selection of activities to pique interests and spark ideas.

1. Business Advisory Clinics

Companies looking to enhance their business productivity can participate in free one-to-one business advisory sessions with industry experts from SME Centre@SMF and IP ValueLab from IPOS.

2. Robotics Showcase

CEI, HIWIN and Seimitsu will present a range of innovative solutions in the area of automation and industrial robotics which present some of the best possible solutions to today’s challenges in manufacturing. New platforms being developed to enhance productivity, profitability and time efficiencies will be shared as well.

3. Machine Vision Showcase

The inaugural showcase will see several companies exhibiting their solutions which include CCS, Inspiraz, JM Vision, Neuphonix Machine Vision and Vital Vision. They aim to leverage the next generation of technological methodologies from highly integrated optical components and high-speed imaging-based automatic inspection to analysis derived from robot guidance and process control for better performance on RF technologies.

4. 3rd Edition of ManuTech Xchange

More than 30 industry leaders will be sharing the latest industry trends, best practices and various manufacturing technological solutions. This year’s sessions will include two specially planned Panel Discussions on Track & Trace and Supply Chain. Presented by GS1 Singapore and Supply Chain Asia on Day 1 and 2 respectively, the discussions will provide businesses with new perspectives to help them adapt to the fast-changing industrial environment as well as introduce them to new technological trends and emerging markets.

The learning sessions are excellent platforms for networking, thought leadership and industry collaborations.

Co-located Conferences

With the advent of Industry 4.0 where integrated computing, networking and physical processes are revolutionising manufacturing, a holistic approach is required to deal with challenges and create opportunities in manufacturing. MSE 2017 has garnered the support of the Singapore Innovation & Productivity Institute (SIPI), Singapore Surface Engineering Association (SSEA), Supply Chain Asia (SCA) and IOTSG to co-locate various industry conferences, technical symposiums and workshops alongside the exhibition.

Over 600 delegates are expected to attend the co-located conferences. There will also be sharing of engaging industry insights, new business models, technologies for innovation and latest trends to help organisations learn and transform into digitalised enterprises ready for new automation in the near future.

1. Future of Manufacturing: Digital Transformation

The future of companies in the manufacturing sector will depend on how well they cope with the changes in the global manufacturing landscape and the disruptions brought about by new technologies and business models. Besides embracing innovation-led productivity, companies have to transform their business model and operations through leveraging Industrial Internet-of-Things and Industry 4.0. Automation of manufacturing processes, reliance on sensors, higher level of internet connectivity and use of big data analytics will turn many operations into ‘smart’ factories that have higher productivity, greater reliability and customisation, and a higher level of customer satisfaction. Business who fail to embrace the digital transformation may risk being disrupted or made redundant.

The conference on 25 October, presented by Singapore Innovation & Productivity Institute (SIPI), will address these. Covering three topics - Developing the New Mindset & Perspective, Industrial IOT & Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Digital Transformation: Plans & Solutions, it is designed for businesses and engineers keen to take advantage of advanced manufacturing technologies to streamline design and production, reduce time to market, and build more efficient products and operations as well as those in the non-manufacturing sector who want to understand how the 4th Industrial Revolution will have an impact on their business.

2. Surface Engineering for Research and Industrial Applications (SERIA) 2017

Organised by the Singapore Surface Engineering Association (SSEA) and Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, this two-day technical symposium cum industry workshop will address key topics such as Advances in Plating Technology, Plant & Equipment, and Applications, Environment and Management to help delegates understand the challenges and emerging trends, and enable them to shape the future landscape of the surface engineering industries.

The Technical Symposium ‘Promote a Sustainable Future for the Surface Engineering Industry Cost-effectively’ on 26 October will see more than 10 key opinion leaders from the region sharing abstracts dealing with recent findings as well as new applications. The focus will be on commercialisation of inventions and creations as well as the impact of disruptive technology across the Surface Engineering sector.

The Industry Workshop ‘Practical Surface and Interface Analysis of Industrial Coatings’ on 27 October will feature round-table discussions and hands-on analytical tools.

3. Monetise the IoT Revolution through Disruptive Digitalised Ecosystem

The one-day conference on 27 October will take an integrated approach towards Industrial IoT. Helmed by CEO of AllThingsConnected, CK Vishwakarma, the IoT journey will focus on three key aspects: Technologies, Integrations and End-Users. Case-studies will be discussed and hands-on exercises provided to engage the participants.