Singapore Polytechnic (SP) has unveiled a landmark cross-border initiative aimed at boosting enterprise transformation in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), targeting business growth, talent development, and technology adoption for Singapore-based companies expanding into Johor.

Announced at the Automation SolutionGO! and Regional Industry Networking Conference (RINC) 2025, the Enabling Platform Partnership will unite institutes of higher learning, trade associations, and government agencies from both countries to bridge gaps in manpower, skills, and technology deployment.

Key partners include Southern University College, Sunway University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, AutomationSG, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, and the Johor Skills Development Centre.

Highlighting early success, SP collaborated with Johor Skills Development Centre to leverage Malaysia’s Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDF) funding for a two-day Sustainability 101 training programme. Over 140 Malaysian employees of Tai Sin Electric Limited received training aligned with their Singapore-based colleagues, setting a precedent for other firms to access similar funding for upskilling.

“The Enabling Platform Partnership is a strategic catalyst for enterprise transformation, directly supporting Singapore’s goal of helping businesses expand into Johor and Batam,” said SP Principal and CEO, Mr Soh Wai Wah.

Students Gain from Cross-Border Learning

The initiative also opens new educational opportunities. In April 2025, 20 SP students joined peers at Sunway University for the Susthack Bootcamp and Hackathon, creating sustainability solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Since 2023, more than 100 students from SP’s School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering have engaged in exchanges with Malaysian universities, enhancing their problem-solving skills and understanding of global and regional industry trends.

Recognising Industry Leaders in Growth and Innovation

AutomationSG’s GO! Awards at the conference honoured organisations excelling in Business Growth, Sustainability, and Technology Utilisation. President of AutomationSG, Mr Terence Teo, said the event’s focus “reflects AutomationSG’s mission to future-proof businesses and empower talent,” highlighting the role of smart manufacturing, AI, and workforce transformation in driving growth.

The conference also featured innovations from Aitech Mechatronics, Anewtech Systems, Beckhoff Automation, SESTO Robotics, and TXOne Networks, and hosted the inaugural Manufacturing Jobs & Skills Fair to support job seekers and mid-career switchers amid economic uncertainty.