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Electronics and manufacturing
The electronics and manufacturing industry is the backbone of Singapore’s economy. Gearing towards a more knowledge-intensive manufacturing base, companies are investing in research and development (R&D) capabilities.
Growth opportunities still abound, with emerging markets like China and India driving the demand for consumer electronics, automotive and mechanical products. High-value manufacturing in niche areas such as medical technology and aerospace are also expanding in scope locally.
Job opportunities
Electronics
Key electronics sectors include:
- semiconductors
- computer peripherals, data storage and manufacturing services
- electronic modules and components
- infocomm products
- consumer electronics.
Major players in the Singaporean electronics industry include:
- Avago Technologies
- Broadcom
- Chartered Semiconductor
- Infineon Technologies
- Marvell
- Micron
- UMC
- STATS ChipPAC
- STMicroelectronics
- UTAC
- Eastman Kodak
- Flextronics
- Hewlett-Packard
- Hoya
- Sanmina-SCI
- Seagate
- Showa Denko
- Venture Corporation
- EPCOS
- Hitachi Chemical
- Murata
- Panasonic Electronic Devices
- Sony Corporation
- Dell
- Motorola
- Panasonic AVC.
Graduates can expect to find work as:
- Associate engineer: This entry-level position assists engineers in the qualification and fine-tuning of processes, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting equipment breakdown. You may also have the opportunity to train technicians in carrying out failure analysis tests and procedures. A minimum diploma in electronics, microelectronics engineering or electrical engineering is required.
- Product engineer: This position provides you with the responsibilities of translating technology from design to manufacturing. Part of your work entails organising resources and managing product schedules, and you will also be expected to supervise a team of engineering assistants and production staff. Typically, good performers are considered for management positions, as engineers have a solid understanding of the company’s operations and have strong analytical skills. A minimum degree in electrical or mechanical engineering is required.
Other areas of manufacturing
Employers in other important manufacturing sectors include:
- aerospace
- marine
- medical technology
- food
- process
- chemicals
- pharmaceuticals
- engineering services
- environmental technology.
Major players in the Singaporean manufacturing industry include:
- Makino Asia
- Meiban Group
- KLA-Tencor
- Amtek Engineering
- FormFactor
- Honeywell Aerospace
- Air Actuators Singapore
- Shell
- Exxon Mobil
- Mitsui Chemicals
- Sumitomo
- Celanese
- Keppel Offshore & Marine
- Sembcorp Marine.
Work options in other areas of manufacturing for graduates include:
- R&D engineers: You will specialise in the development and design of complex equipment for high-value industries. Good career progression prospects as the demand for R&D engineers is expected to increase with the addition of new high-value companies in the equipment sub-sector. Most companies require at least a degree in a relevant field of engineering. A Master’s or a PhD is an advantage.
- Process engineers: A process engineer should have good people management skills, comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing/operational process engineering and the ability to define problems, collect data and draw conclusions. Skill sets are highly transferable across the entire chemicals value chain. A degree in chemical engineering or relevant discipline is a prerequisite.
- Marine engineer: This position gives you the opportunity to design, operate, maintain and repair the mechanical systems of ships. Typical employers include offshore and marine engineering companies a well as marine equipment suppliers. Progression for good performers can be management positions, senior engineers or as consultants. A diploma or degree in marine or ocean engineering will be required.
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