Speech by MOS Faishal at Opening of Leng Aik Engineering Advanced Design for Manufacturing and Assembly Factory
Mar 27, 2025
Good morning everyone, happy to see all of you here today. It is my pleasure to join you for the official opening of Leng Aik Engineering’s Advanced Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (or DfMA) Factory.
I understand that this is one of the most automated factories for prefabricated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) modules in Singapore. I am looking forward to tour the factory later.
Towards Advanced Manufacturing in Construction Supply Chain
As many of you may know, we are transiting beyond the traditional brick-and-mortar production in our construction supply chain, towards an advanced manufacturing environment – one that is more productive, resilient, and sustainable.
We have been making good progress. Today, many precast components for buildings are already being produced in Integrated Construction and Prefabrication Hubs (ICPHs).
That is just one piece of the puzzle. Similarly, we also want our MEP modules to be prefabricated and manufactured in automated facilities. Not only is this more productive, as modules can be installed on-site much faster, it also creates a safer work environment for our engineers and workers.
I thank Leng Aik Engineering (or LAE) and EXEO Global for being strong partners in our journey to transform our Built Environment (BE) sector.
For this factory, LAE has invested in seven types of robotics and automation (R&A) solutions for both on-site and off-site works, such as a Robotic Drilling Machine, and an Automated Conveyor Work Bench.
These solutions automate fabrication and installation works. Taken together, they can be twice as productive as conventional MEP production methods, and also improve quality control.
In addition to R&A, LAE has also implemented Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) solutions to enhance collaboration among stakeholders involved in the same project. One example is a customised digital platform that facilitates the digital delivery of work processes such as logistics management and quality control inspections.
I am glad to hear that LAE had tapped into the Productivity Improvement Project (PIP) grant, which co-funds the adoption of these innovative technologies and solutions in DfMA manufacturing facilities like this factory.
Enabling a Skilled Workforce
While advances in technology are crucial in manufacturing processes, more importantly, it is our people – made up of talented engineers, specialists and technicians – who will ultimately be our drivers towards our transformation goals.
One example of a young local talent is Mr Jericho Choo. He joined LAE under the Work Study Diploma programme by ITE. Within just three days into the job, he had already mastered the basic operations of two R&A systems in the facility. Well done, Jericho!
Besides equipping our workforce with the right skills, we also need to inspire and nurture the next generation of budding engineers, specialists and technicians. Everyone here can play a part. Industry partners like yourselves are best placed to work with our educators by sharing your domain expertise, so that they in turn can impart the latest industry-relevant skills to their students.
I am glad to note that LAE is contributing to this effort. Together with Winner Engineering, you are partnering ITE College East to enrich their students’ learning by showcasing the latest innovations, practices, and real-life modules that reflect cutting-edge developments in prefab MEP.
New Built Environment Technology and Capability (BETC) Grant
The Government will continue to support BE firms in your transformation journey. Earlier this month, we had announced the new Built Environment Technology and Capability (BETC) Grant. It will provide firms with up to 70% funding support to develop long-term enterprise capabilities, manpower capabilities, and adopt advanced technologies that surpass current industry norms. A total of $100 million will be set aside over a five-year period for this grant.
I earlier mentioned how the existing PIP grant has supported technology adoption. The BETC will take over the PIP and provide further areas of support – namely, to build long-term capabilities in enterprise development and manpower development too.
Applications for the BETC will open on the Business Grants Portal from 1 April, which is just a few days away. I encourage all firms to reach out to BCA for more information, and apply for the grant to support the development of your long-term capabilities.
Once again, congratulations to LAE on the successful opening of your new factory.
I look forward to your continued support and contribution to transform our Built Environment sector together. Thank you.