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About the Knowledge Transfer Office

Introduction

The A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) and the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) offer unparalleled technology training and real-world case study-based instruction to bolster the competitiveness and abilities of our workforce in the dynamic manufacturing industry of Singapore. Our training programmes, in close partnership with the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Agency and other leading organisations, are built on the foundation of our extensive in-house expertise in cutting-edge manufacturing knowledge, gained through years of industry collaborations, hands-on experience, and research. Equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, our innovative Learn-Practice-Implement™ (LPI™) model has earned a reputation as an effective approach for upskilling and reskilling the workforce.

The Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO), an entity spanning both SIMTech and ARTC, is at the forefront of workforce training in advanced manufacturing. With a holistic approach that leverages the expertise and resources of both institutes, the KTO is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and impactful training programmes that empower the workforce and drive the competitiveness of Singapore's manufacturing industry.

With the goal of ensuring that our workers have the necessary skills to thrive in the industry, our training programmes are designed to meet the evolving needs of the market and provide a comprehensive learning experience that is both practical and impactful.

Mission

To transfer the knowledge and capabilities of A*STAR SIMTech and A*STAR ARTC to the industry workforce through case studies and hands-on, practical training.

Vision

To be a technology-driven Knowledge Transfer Centre of Excellence, recognised by industry for advancing the workforce.

Our Corporate Video

A showcase of our journey, achievements, and vision for the future—highlighting the people, innovations, and impact that define who we are since 2011.

Our KTO Corporate Video

The Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) was established under A*STAR SIMTech to drive talent development and support the growth of a dynamic, future‑ready workforce for Singapore’s manufacturing sector. In 2021, KTO expanded its scope to operate as a joint unit of both A*STAR SIMTech and ARTC.

Key Milestones

2007	SIMTech appointed as WDA's Continuing Education and Training (CET) Partner *WDA: Workforce Development Agency
2008	Launch of the first WSQ Specialist Diploma in Precision Engineering (PE) *WSQ: Workforce Skills Qualifications
2009	Introduction of the first Graduate Diplomas in Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) and Precision Measurements and Characterisation (PMC) Programmes for the manufacturing sector developed under the WSQ framework
2010	Launch of the first WSQ Graduate Diploma Programme for Green Manufacturing Launch of the WSQ SME Manufacturing Excellence (S.M.E) Programme SIMTech received the WSQ Distinguished Partner Award for its significant contributions to the development and expansion of the WSQ system
2011	Launch of the WSQ Operational MaNagement Innovation (OMNI) Programme
2012	Inaugural SIMTech-WDA Graduation Ceremony
2013	Establishment of the first partnership with the Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business (SCCIOB)
2014	Visit from Deputy Prime Minister Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam focusing on productivity enhancement through WSQ training
2015	Launch of OMNI-LITE to cultivate in-house Productivity Champions Launch of the National SkillsFuture Movement by WDA
2016	WDA was reconstituted into Workforce Singapore (WSG) to focus on jobs and enterprise transformation SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) was formed as a new statutory board to champion skills development and mastery. Initiation of the transformation of WSQ courses to align with the SkillsFuture Framework
2017	Launch of Model Factory@SIMTech
2020	Formation of the SGUnited Skills (SGUS) Programme Opening of the Innovation Factory@SIMTech
2021	Tripartite visit to the Model Factory focusing on digital manufacturing KTO expanded to operate as a unit of both A*STAR SIMTech and ARTC
2022	Formation of the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP)
2024	Formation of the Enterprise Transformation Project (ETP) with Mentorship Support Grant (MSG)
2026	Merger of SSG and WSG to form a new statutory board, Workforce and Skills Singapore (WSSG)