Some 1,000 local companies are set to get support in their digital transformation journeys over the next three years, where they can gain access to technology and training partners, develop new capabilities and redesign jobs.

The Industry Connect Office @ Jurong Innovation District (JID) was launched by JTC Corporation yesterday as a one-stop centre to help more manufacturers, especially local small and medium-sized enterprises, accelerate their transformation.

JTC said that with the new office, companies can learn more about Industry 4.0 - the digital transformation of manufacturing and production processes - through sharing sessions and seminars.

Of the 1,000 targeted companies, 300 are expected to undergo diagnostics, consultancy and training services to adopt new technology and upskill their workforces.

The office's location in JID, which is an "advanced manufacturing ecosystem" of research institutions, technology and training enablers, and factories of the future, will also be beneficial for these businesses, JTC added.

Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong, in a speech at the launch of the new office yesterday, noted that manufacturing is an important sector for Singapore.

It contributes around 20 per cent of the Republic's gross domestic product (GDP).

Last year, the sector employed 450,000 people. In the same year, while Singapore's real GDP declined by 5.4 per cent, the manufacturing sector grew by 7.3 per cent.

Describing the sector as resilient, Mr Gan said: "Manufacturing also helps to generate greater economic activity as investors branch out to undertake research and development and headquarters activities such as supply chain management here in Singapore."

JTC will be working with the Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy (AMTA) to provide consultancy and advisory services on Industry 4.0 skills and training at the new Industry Connect Office.

"Companies... will be matched with technology and training partners to identify their problem statements, pinpoint suitable solutions and participate in upskilling programmes," JTC said.

As part of the Industry Connect Office's outreach efforts, 13 partners under the Industry 4.0 Human Capital Initiative will help companies deploy and scale their Industry 4.0 solutions.

For example, companies can find the right partners to help them roll out customised solutions, and train, upskill or reskill their workers.

The Industry 4.0 Human Capital Initiative is run by Workforce Singapore and the Singapore Business Federation.

JTC chief executive officer Tan Boon Khai said his corporation aims to help more firms embark on digitalisation and capture growth opportunities in Singapore and the region.

"The new collaboration with AMTA will strengthen our network of Industry 4.0 partners, and serves as a significant milestone to drive the next phase of business transformation," he noted.

AMTA chairman Lee Kok Choy said: "To strengthen Singapore's competitiveness in manufacturing, we have to embrace Industry 4.0 leading to advanced manufacturing."