About the Knowledge Transfer Office

Banner

Introduction

A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) and the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) are dedicated to strengthening Singapore’s manufacturing sector through industry-relevant technology training and workforce development. Our programmes equip professionals with the knowledge, skills and capabilities needed to drive business transformation, enhance productivity and remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic manufacturing landscape.

Developed in collaboration with the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA), industry partners and the broader manufacturing ecosystem, our training programmes are grounded in deep expertise across advanced manufacturing domains. This expertise has been built through years of applied research, industry collaboration and hands-on implementation of innovative manufacturing technologies and solutions. At the core of our training approach is the proprietary Learn-Practice-Implement™ (LPI™) model, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and technical capabilities. This structured framework integrates knowledge acquisition, hands-on practice and workplace implementation, enabling participants to translate learning into tangible business outcomes and operational improvements.

The Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) serves as the unified platform for workforce development and technology training across both A*STAR SIMTech and A*STAR ARTC. By harnessing the complementary strengths, resources and industry expertise of both institutes, the KTO delivers comprehensive learning solutions that address emerging industry challenges and support the development of a future-ready manufacturing workforce.
 
Through close partnerships with industry and ecosystem stakeholders, we are committed to building capabilities that accelerate innovation, technology adoption and sustainable growth. By empowering individuals and organisations with advanced manufacturing competencies, we contribute to the long-term competitiveness, resilience and transformation of Singapore’s manufacturing sector.
ASTAR_Icon_Business-10
  • 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.
ASTAR_Icon_Business-06
  • Vision

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

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

ASTAR_Icon_Science-24

>100 courses
Fulfilling Tomorrow's Industry Needs

ASTAR_Icon_Business-24

>2,000
Companies Partnered (~60% SME Companies)

ASTAR_Icon_Business-23

>1,000
Graduates Annually

ASTAR_Icon_Business-11

>10,000
Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) Trained

Defining Key Milestones in Our Journey

2007
  • A*STAR SIMTech appointed as Workforce Development Agency (WDA)'s Continuing Education and Training (CET) Partner
2008
  • Launch of the first Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Specialist Diploma in Precision Engineering (PE)
2009
  • Establishment of the Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) under SIMTech to facilitate the translation of research and innovation into industry applications, strengthen industry engagement, and support knowledge and technology transfer through industry-focused training and capability development programmes

  • 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 Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (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
  • Workforce Development Agency (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 Workforce Skills Qualifications (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

  • The Knowledge Transfer Office (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)

  • Launch of the Sectoral AI Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing (AIMfg) which aims to bring together stakeholders from the research, industry and government sectors to develop AI-enabled solutions that address use cases across the manufacturing sector.

  • Launch of the Singapore Workforce Institute of Future Transformation (SWIFT) Programme to develop an Adaptable Manufacturing Workforce during the Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific (ITAP) by Deputy Prime Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat
2026
  • Partnership with Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and the Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy (AMTA) to jointly launch the Manufacturing Leadership Elevation Certificate Programme, a flagship leadership development initiative for the manufacturing sector

  • Partnered with Ngee Ann Polytechnic to collaborate on the Specialist Diploma in Smart Manufacturing to support the development of industry-ready talent with specialised skills in smart manufacturing technologies

  • Merger of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) to form a new statutory board, Skills & Workforce Development Agency (SWDA), under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).