These new jobs will be more knowledge-intensive with use of smart technologies.
This ties in with the country’s development of smarter ports and plans to maintain the vibrant local enterprise ecosystem. Plans to strengthen Singapore’s air and sea hubs are also in the works, which means that these new jobs will be more knowledge-intensive with use of smart technologies.
Currently, our aviation and maritime sector provides nearly 250,000 jobs and accounts for about 10 per cent of Singapore’s GDP.
Additionally, Changi Airport will open up vacancies for data scientists, operations research and analyst for our ports, so as to optimise runway and airspace capacities through modelling and simulation.
To combat international competition
Bigger ports are no longer enough to help Singapore stay ahead of competition. With the Melacca Gateway project and Kra Canal, there’s uncertainty as to the next steps to minimise the impact on our ports. As such, smarter ports are being developed by PSA and Changi Airport Group to help Singapore build a sustainable edge.
Superior connectivity, efficiency and reliability
PSA is studying the use of data analytics to generate insights on the flow of vessels and containers. Test-bedding automation solutions will be put into place to quicken the process. Data collected at the Pasir Panjang Terminal will also be used for the planning of Tuas Terminal, which is said to have a capacity bigger than the Tanjong Pagar, Keppel, Brani and Pasir Panjang Terminals combined.
As part of their strategy, our Senior Minister of State for Transport also revealed how the opening of Terminal 4 will showcase smart initiatives.
“On opening day (of Terminal 4), passengers will have a full suite of self-service and automated options for check-in, bag drop, immigration clearance and boarding.”
“Beyond what passengers see, at the back-end, T4 will have automated baggage screening, sorting, and storage. Smart cleaning initiatives, centralised support functions for retail and F&B will further reduce the manpower needed,” she added. The new terminal will begin operations in the second half of this year.
Technology will also transform existing jobs into more skill-based and value-adding, which will improve our job scene despite the uncertain economy. More funding and support will also be available for workers to tap on for skills upgrade. In preparation, a Living Lab will be set up at our local ports to deepen maritime R&D.
