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DIRECTORY OF SINGAPORE PROCESS & CHEMICALS INDUSTRIES 2021/2022
Now, the reason why I say sometimes it is no, it’s simply because even though the nature of the job sounds similar and repetitive, in actual fact, during the execution, different sets of problems can arise.”
“So it’s not a one size fits all, I give you an example of the trade that I am in. We are doing cleaning, right. So of course, cleaning is very generic and seems very easy. But then again, the structure of the tank, the products inside the tanks, these are the kinds of combination that make the job very complex. Fundamentally, you can eradicate a lot of uncertainties, or simplify the complexities while doing maintenance, but there will always be certain elements of uncertainty that can kind of like throw you off balance.”
Data collection and
data sharing
One of the key advantages of digitalisation is the ability to share data instantaneously. While sharing of data between sub-contractors and plant owners can be mutually beneficial, what data should be collected and who it should be shared with have broad implications especially with increased scrutiny over security with the recent spike in high-profile cyber-security attacks.
“Companies like Danny’s will now digitise in the sense that they will collect data to do two things, one to help improve their internal processes, and two, to actually have meaningful discussions with the plant owner representatives on how they can jointly do better.”
So, I think there is an opportunity for both contractors and plant owners to agree that the data that has been collected can be used jointly. We don’t want instances where contractors collect their own data and plant owners collect their own data, but we don’t talk, we don’t discuss,” Mr Nah.
As to what data can be shared, Mr Madilao suggested that it would likely be operational data - things related to planning. “If we want
to plan for turnaround, of course, the plan will be shared with contractors. But there are certain data that is unique to us that under our data protection policy, we cannot share.”
Leadership is key
There will always be solutions in the market for companies to adapt to adopt.
“Tom has rightfully pointed out that the challenge here is changing the culture and the mindset of our member companies or the plant owners,” said Mr Nah.
But in any organisation, nothing moves without the boss saying “go”. For truly transformative digitalisation to succeed, the C suite has to drive the buy-in from its people, he added.
Sharing his view, Mr Chua said, “You can have the best manager who comes and tell the leader at the top, ‘I want to adopt this.’ But if the boss says forget about it, nothing will be done. But if you get somebody at the top who says, ‘I want to see it tomorrow, I need to get this implemented’, then people will move because that’s what the boss wants.”
With this in mind, DITA has brought together business owners in small groups to coax them, “Hey, this is something that we all need to move towards. I need your support.”
Digital ecosystem to
foster development
Singapore has a digital ecosystem that companies can leverage in their digital journey. “We are lucky that we are in Singapore with EDB and other government agencies. We have a good digital ecosystem that we can tap into. And there are all the vendors, developers and, in some cases, even the local educational institutions are sub-contracted by the authorities to help the industry to make progress in digital transformation,” said Mr Madilao.
Singapore Polytechnic has been appointed by the Ministry of Education under the SkillsFuture initiative to be the Sector Coordinator for the energy and chemicals industry. At its campus in Dover Road, is Singapore’s only one-stop Energy & Chemical Training Centre (ECTC). Opened in July 2019, the 1,430-square metre facility has a virtualisation room equipped with virtual reality technologies, a suite of chemical engineering laboratories and key unit operations. The facility allows students and industry practitioners to conduct experiments, build prototypes and operate equipment.
“With the polytechnic’s help, SCIC has been able to put together packages to help the industry progress in the digital journey, starting with design thinking,” said Mr Madilao.
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