These companies based in S'pore for over 50 years have built iconic structures, industries & local talent pool

At first glance, the Singapore Flyer, electric vehicle chargers and smart factories may seem worlds apart.

But all three share something in common – they have been shaped and developed by global enterprises in Singapore.

Besides iconic landmarks and products, these global enterprises have grown local talent and contributed to Singapore’s and the region’s economic growth.

The contractor behind Singapore Flyer, Changi Airport, and CapitaGreen

You may not have heard of this name, Takenaka, but its impact on Singapore is visible in many landmark projects in the last few decades. The Singapore Flyer is just one of them.

Here are other recognisable structures that Takenaka has helped construct:

How Takenaka grew its footprint in Singapore

Attracted by Singapore’s strategic location and available workers, the early-1970s saw Japanese companies like Sony (now known as Murata), Sumitomo, and Kikkoman coming to Singapore to sink roots in our growing manufacturing sector. These Japanese corporate giants were key clients of Takenaka’s, a major contractor from Japan.

This wave of interest from Japanese companies and Singapore’s rapid industrialisation led Takenaka to expand its offering, by constructing the Singapore facilities of its existing Japanese clients.

From there, Takenaka benefited from Singapore’s rapid urbanisation and technological advancement, as our built environment sector grew and matured.

Created jobs and nurtured local talent

In over 50 years, Takenaka has nurtured local talent, with many subcontractors growing alongside the company to become main contractors themselves.

Today, Takenaka Singapore employs over 590 staff, including 360 specialists like project managers, construction managers, site engineers, and BIM (Building Information Modelling) modellers, who work on-site.

One of those who has benefited from the presence of Takenaka is Leslie Teng, a deputy general manager who recently celebrated his 41st year with the company.

Rising from a site supervisor to his current role, Leslie is one of the first employees who underwent Takenaka’s HQ training programme. Today, Leslie is doing his part to pass down Takenaka’s unique “Way of Working” to the next generation of Takenaka employees.

"In Takenaka, it's all about teamwork and everyone is family. This sense of belonging and the opportunity to shape Singapore’s landscape has kept me here for four decades," Leslie said.

Rolls-Royce’s intentional effort in grooming local talents

Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia is a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division that has established itself in Singapore for over 50 years. It provides solutions involving specialised propulsion and energy supply and storage systems.

Today, Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia serves over 30 countries across Asia, powering ships, heavy land, rail, and defence vehicles in the region with its mtu propulsion systems.

This includes the ferry services to and from Batam by Majestic Fast Ferry and ultra-fast charging for EVs at select Shell Recharge stations across Singapore.

Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia has approximately 300 local employees.

Over the years, the company has implemented a comprehensive, structured training programme that encompasses technical training, soft skills development, and invaluable international exposure.

New hires undergo a six-month intensive training programme with classroom learning and hands-on experience. Regular overseas attachments to other Rolls-Royce facilities and customer sites are also a key feature of the programme.

"The overseas exposure Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia provides has been invaluable," said Alex Lin, who is in his 30s and joined the company in 2021.

"From attending factory acceptance tests in Germany, where the Power Systems division is based, to interacting with clients across Asia, these experiences have broadened my perspective and honed my skills in ways classroom learning never could."

In addition, Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia partners local institutions to shape curricula related to aerospace and marine sectors. They also offer internships and scholarships to students to help build a pipeline of skilled professionals for the sectors.

SMC, a leader in industrial automation

Another global company that has established strong roots in Singapore is SMC Corporation. The Japan-headquartered company is a global leader in pneumatic and automation control equipment.

Pneumatics is the use of compressed air to perform mechanical work. For example, using a pneumatic control system to automate processes and machines in advanced factory automation systems.

From cars to cookies, SMC has customers in almost every sector of industry.

SMC established itself in Singapore in 1974. Since then, it has grown into a team of over 120, transitioning from basic manufacturing to enhanced automation and smart factory solutions over the years.

This shift was made possible through Singapore’s business-friendly environment, commitment to innovation and sustainability as well as its strong emphasis on talent development.

Under the leadership of Singaporean managing director David Wong, SMC has created robust training programmes, including opportunities for employees to gain hands-on experience and technical expertise in Japan.

Inspired to carve out a career in a global enterprise? You can read about more Singaporeans building their careers in MNCs and leading enterprises here.

The information in this article was first published on the EDB’s website, here and here.

Top image from Canva and Rolls Royce.