UPDATE — SEPTEMBER 2025: Since Singapore launched the Sectoral AI Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing (AIMfg) in 2024, the initiative has quickly shifted from vision to execution. AIMfg has scaled its Co-Innovation projects, particularly with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in precision engineering, electronics, and biomedical manufacturing, to ensure AI adoption isn’t limited to large corporates.
The centre has already delivered baseline AI model frameworks for visual inspection and predictive maintenance, giving manufacturers adaptable templates to speed up adoption. In parallel, AIMfg’s AI Sandbox is now fully operational, providing companies a secure environment to test solutions before committing to deployment, while cross-sector testbeds are integrating AI into supply chain optimization.
On the talent front, AIMfg launched training and micro-certification programs in early 2025, building a pipeline of engineers skilled in AI for production and quality control. Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture are backing these initiatives to close the talent gap in manufacturing AI.
Internationally, AIMfg has partnered with industry associations in Japan, Germany, and South Korea, extending its reach as a regional hub for responsible industrial AI. It has also aligned with ISO standards for AI in manufacturing systems, contributing data to Singapore’s regulatory sandboxes on AI assurance in mission-critical sectors like aerospace.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
Singapore Launches Sectoral AI Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing to Drive Innovation
Singapore has taken a bold leap towards advancing its manufacturing industry with the official launch of the Sectoral AI Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing (AIMfg). The centre was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Gan Kim Yong. This new initiative aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to address key challenges in the manufacturing sector and drive innovation.
AIMfg is a collaborative effort between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), representing a major milestone under Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0. The centre will focus on developing AI-enabled solutions in five critical areas: quality assurance, operations optimisation, predictive maintenance, product and component design, and industrial automation.
During his speech at the launch, Mr. Gan highlighted the importance of AI in transforming Singapore‘s manufacturing sector. “As global competition intensifies, it is essential for Singapore to remain at the forefront of innovation. AI is no longer a choice but a necessity to boost productivity and maintain our leadership in manufacturing,” he said.
Collaboration and Innovation
AIMfg addresses challenges such as limited access to AI expertise, data availability, and standardization issues. Through Co-Innovation projects, the centre brings together industry partners, researchers, and government agencies to develop customized AI solutions. With support from A*STAR’s research institutes—including the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), and the Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC)—AIMfg helps accelerate the real-world deployment of AI technologies across industries.
Standardization and Industry Support
AIMfg is developing standardized AI models for common use cases such as visual inspection, planning optimization, and product design. These models will allow manufacturers to implement AI solutions quickly and cost-effectively. The centre is also building an AI Sandbox, a secure software environment where businesses can test AI tools before full-scale adoption. Additionally, AIMfg’s AI Experience Nexus provides an interactive space where companies can see AI applications in action, inspiring innovation across the sector.
Shaping Singapore’s Manufacturing Future
Professor Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive of the Science and Engineering Research Council at A*STAR, said, “Through AIMfg, we are committed to empowering manufacturers to harness the transformative potential of AI. Our goal is to support businesses in discovering, developing, and deploying innovative AI solutions that can transform operations and create new value.” By supporting collaboration, standardization, and training, AIMfg aims to keep Singapore’s manufacturing industry globally competitive and ready for the AI-driven future.
Need Help?
If you’re wondering how Singapore’s AI Centre, guidelines, or any other government’s guidelines, bills or regulations could impact you, reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts are ready to provide valuable assistance while answering your questions and concerns.
