TLDR: Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Siemens have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate the development and adoption of smart and sustainable manufacturing solutions across Singapore and the broader ASEAN region. This collaboration aims to enhance industrial resilience, efficiency, and environmental sustainability through advanced industrial AI, automation, and digital tools, with Siemens becoming the first technology partner for A*STAR’s Smart and Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (SSAM) Catalyst.
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and global technology powerhouse Siemens have officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to spearhead the advancement of smart and sustainable manufacturing solutions within Singapore and across the ASEAN region. Announced on July 4, 2025, this strategic partnership is designed to bolster industrial resilience, improve operational efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability by facilitating greater access to cutting-edge industrial artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital tools.
A cornerstone of this collaboration is Siemens’ role as the inaugural technology partner for A*STAR’s Smart and Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (SSAM) Catalyst. Housed within A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), the SSAM Catalyst functions as an innovation sandbox. This platform provides companies with a unique environment to test, develop, and validate new solutions across the entire manufacturing lifecycle, from initial design and engineering to production and maintenance. The initiative integrates a comprehensive suite of capabilities, including automation, electrification, industrial software, and AI, to address evolving industrial challenges such as supply chain complexities, resource efficiency, and compliance with sustainability standards. Key sectors targeted for these advancements include aerospace, fast-moving consumer goods, biomedical manufacturing, and complex semiconductor equipment production.
Beyond the SSAM Catalyst, the partnership extends to focused research efforts aimed at decarbonization within the chemicals and energy sectors. Siemens is collaborating with A*STAR’s Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE²) to explore how digital twin technology and advanced automation can significantly contribute to reducing carbon emissions. This joint research seeks to demonstrate the efficacy of digital solutions in optimizing production processes and shortening project timelines in intricate industrial settings.
Thai-Lai Pham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens ASEAN, emphasized the significance of this alliance, stating, “Our partnership with A*STAR reflects Siemens’ deep commitment to shaping the future of manufacturing in ASEAN. By combining Industrial AI, digital twin technology, and intelligent automation, we are enabling companies to transform at speed and scale—toward greater resilience, sustainability, and global competitiveness.” Professor Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive of A*STAR’s Science and Engineering Research Council, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the collaboration aims to strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing in ASEAN by accelerating digital transformation and supporting decarbonization efforts across the region.
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This public-private sector synergy is poised to create an innovation ecosystem that brings together technology providers, solution integrators, and end-users. By aligning innovation with sustainability and industry needs, the partnership is expected to position Singapore as a launchpad for scalable solutions that can benefit the wider ASEAN community and beyond, fostering a more adaptable, resilient, and globally competitive manufacturing landscape.
