INDUSTRY 4.0: The future worker needs to be prepared for the changes that come about with Industry 4.0; a combination of cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things and manufacturing management. Having a keen interest to prepare himself for these trends, Tony Gan took up the Specialist Diploma in Advanced Digital Manufacturing offered by Festo Didactic and TUM Asia, supported by SkillsFuture Singapore. He shares his journey on how the programme has prepared him for the future challenges in the workforce.
Q: Tell us more about your job responsibilities in your current job.
Tony: My name is Tony Gan. I am a Project and Equipment Engineer in Linxens. I have been in Linxens for around two years. As a Project and Equipment Engineer, I consistently provide technical support, work on project improvement planning on our equipment as well as design new fixtures or machines for our operational use.
Q: What made you decide to take up the Specialist Diploma in Advanced Digital Manufacturing offered by TUM Asia and Festo Didactic?
Tony: I felt that what I have previously learnt in university was out of date. In order to stay ahead and adapt to the changing times and the market, I decided to invest my time with an executive education programme and be prepared with the skillset to grow the business at my organisation.
Q: Do you have a favourite module or lecturer?
Tony: Some of my favourite modules were taught by Prof. Dr. Andre Krischke, such as the Essentials of Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Manufacturing Management. I also really enjoyed some of the hands-on project-based modules taught by Festo’s trainers, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Project and Digital Manufacturing Project. Through these modules, I have learnt how to deploy the concepts and technologies of Industry 4.0.
“The Specialist Diploma prepared me with the background and hands-on exposure to adapt and participate in new technologies. What makes the Specialist Diploma unique is that companies have the option to implement a project at their organisation, while receiving mentorship to effectively apply their solutions. ”
Q: What are potential areas that Singapore could progress through utilising Industry 4.0?
Tony: There are many areas in Singapore that can benefit from the opportunities that come about with Industry 4.0. In my opinion, I feel that Industry 4.0 is more active in the aviation, logistics, wafer fab manufacturing and public transportation sectors in Singapore. There are potential areas to implement Industry 4.0 technologies, such as in libraries, hospitals, food and beverage, and utility usage monitoring and control.
Q: What are some challenges you and your organisation face in equipping yourselves for Industry 4.0?
Tony: Common challenges that we faced include integrating or embedding the smart device into our existing facilities and equipment. We also faced issues in reorganising the existing layout of our facilities.
Q: How has the Specialist Diploma prepared you for the challenges ahead?
Tony: The Specialist Diploma prepared me with the background and hands-on exposure to adapt and participate in new technologies. What makes the Specialist Diploma unique is that companies have the option to implement a project at their organisation, while receiving mentorship to effectively apply their solutions.
About the Specialist Diploma in Advanced Digital Manufacturing
To foster a closer partnership between education and manufacturing industries, TUM Asia has partnered Festo Didactic who is the world-leading provider of equipment and solutions for technical education to launch Singapore’s 1st Industrie 4.0 Specialist Diploma in Advanced Digital Manufacturing (ADM).
Under the direct guidance of German experts who are key drivers of Industrie 4.0, the Specialist Diploma in ADM equips participants with relevant Industry 4.0 knowledge and skills as well as hands-on experience with Industry 4.0 training equipment to prepare them for more complex job roles to meet new technological challenges in the Advanced Manufacturing Industry. Participants will also receive expert mentorship to create and implement a digital transformation blueprint for their business to improve productivity and transform their operations. Up to 90% of SkillsFuture funding is available for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PR).
Find out more about the Specialist Diploma here.
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Tony Gan studied in the Specialist Diploma in Advanced Digital Manufacturing. More information about the TUM Asia Executive Education Short Courses here or contact our Executive Education team (exd@tum-asia.edu.sg or 6777 7407).
