The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) brought together leaders from industry, academia and public agencies at the World Engineering Day 2026: Charles Rudd Distinguished Global Lectures (WED 2026: CRDGL) to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of engineering.
Held at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) Convention Centre, WED 2026: CRDGL carried the theme “Engineers and the Future of Engineering: Opportunities of Emerging Technologies”. Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, graced the event as the guest-of-honour.
At the event, NP announced two major initiatives to strengthen Singapore’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Firstly, in partnership with Siemens – the only SkillsFuture Queen Bee in advanced manufacturing – NP will launch a leading-edge smart manufacturing platform aimed at helping SMEs kickstart their transformation journey.
Secondly, NP and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) will introduce Singapore’s first stackable Specialist Diploma in Smart Manufacturing (SDSM) with a strong focus on the use of Artificial Intelligence for industrial innovation.
Accelerating Industry 4.0 Adoption through Applied Innovation
Developed through NP’s strategic partnership with Siemens, the smart manufacturing platform integrates digital technologies, automation and data analytics within a reconfigurable, industry-ready set-up. The platform enables companies, particularly SMEs, to pilot automation and robotics solutions for specific manufacturing processes before deploying them at scale in their own facilities.
By lowering adoption risks and shortening experimentation cycles, the platform supports faster and more confident Industry 4.0 transformation. Through Siemens’ industry expertise and NP’s strengths in applied engineering education, companies gain both technology solutions and the capabilities to support their implementation.
Future-Proofing the Workforce with AI-Focused Skills for Smart Manufacturing
Complementing the platform, NP, in partnership with A*STAR, will introduce Singapore’s first stackable Specialist Diploma in Smart Manufacturing (SDSM). Designed for industry practitioners like engineers, manufacturing professionals and also fresh graduates, the SDSM equips learners with applied capabilities in next generation manufacturing such as AI, automation and more.
The programme adopts a module stackable structure, where learners accumulate Post-Diploma Certificates (PDCs) towards a full Specialist Diploma. PDCs and selected short courses are cross-recognised between NP and A*STAR, allowing learners to progressively build their qualification through modules offered by both training providers.
For a start, under this model, NP will offer two PDCs in Smart Manufacturing Automation & Analytics and Industrial Cybersecurity & Resilience, while A*STAR will offer another in AI for Manufacturing. As the first polytechnic-led programme to offer a stackable and scalable pathway towards a full qualification in smart manufacturing, the SDSM provides learners with greater flexibility while deepening their expertise in smart manufacturing.
“As AI and the rapid pace of technological change reshape the engineering landscape, education and industry must work closely to translate innovation into real-world impact. By partnering Siemens and A*STAR, NP will enable companies to pilot smart manufacturing solutions and equip engineers with the skills to optimise them. Through this integrated approach, we will collectively strengthen Singapore’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem,” said Mr Lim Kok Kiang, Principal & CEO, Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
Healthier and Sustainable Building Practices
During the event, three key standards for the built environment, TR 141:2025 for hybrid cooling systems, SS 553 for air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation, and SS 554 for indoor air quality in air-conditioned buildings, were also launched. These national standards were developed by expert workgroups under the Singapore Standards Council, which is overseen by Enterprise Singapore. The updated standards provide updated guidance on hybrid cooling while maintaining thermal comfort and indoor air quality, as well as on energy-efficient measures to reduce airborne disease transmission during an outbreak.
The guidance on hybrid cooling is aligned with the Go 25 movement, which aims to sustain indoor ambient temperatures at around 25°C to reduce energy consumption, prevent overcooling and strengthen long-term climate resilience. The Go 25 initiative is led by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the Singapore Green Building Council, with support from the Building and Construction Authority and the National Environment Agency.
IES60: Looking Ahead
As part of its 60th anniversary (IES60) celebrations, IES unveiled the IES60 logo at WED 2026: CRDGL. The commemorative logo marks six decades of IES’ contributions to the engineering fraternity while underscoring the institution’s continued commitment to advancing engineering excellence and innovation. The IES60 milestone will feature a year-long series of commemorative programmes and industry engagements celebrating six decades of nation-building and the evolving role of engineers in shaping Singapore’s future.
“As IES marks 60 years, we are focused not only on celebrating our heritage, but on strengthening the profession for the future. Through collaboration with institutions, industry and regulators, we will continue to equip engineers with the capabilities needed for emerging technologies,” said Er. Chan Ewe Jin, President, IES.
World Engineering Day 2026: Charles Rudd Distinguished Global Lectures
WED 2026: CRDGL is a key highlight of IES60. Distinguished speakers Dr Bicky Bhangu, Operating Partner, Emerging Technologies, Temasek Holdings, and Dr Hanbin Zheng, Head of Science and Technology Network, British High Commission, shared insights on technological transformation and the future skills required of engineers.
WED for Sustainable Development is observed annually on 4 March to highlight engineering’s role in modern life and sustainable development. Proclaimed by UNESCO in 2019 and organised by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), it features global activities that showcase innovative solutions supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
