watch video here: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/more-than-s-220m-spent-on-r-d-in-2016-a-star-8787208

SINGAPORE: More than S$220 million was spent on research and development (R&D) in 2016, said the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) on Monday (Apr 24). 

According to figures released during a media briefing, A*STAR said it undertook more than 1,700 projects with industry players, with more than half related to manufacturing. 

And it is not stopping there. The agency is pushing ahead with plans to help the manufacturing sector transform operations. For instance, it will be establishing two model factories by the end of this year to showcase possibilities for manufacturers that want to upgrade their capabilities.

The model factories will exhibit Industry 4.0 initiatives, which involve the integration of digitalisation into manufacturing processes. One will be located at the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre, while the other will be at the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology.

A*STAR said these platforms will allow companies to experience the latest manufacturing technologies first-hand in a learning environment, and added the factories will encourage collaboration with manufacturers to test-bed and develop innovations for their operations.