Singapore Refreshes Digital Plan to Help Food Manufacturers Adopt AI Solutions

Singapore has refreshed its Food Manufacturing Industry Digital Plan (IDP) to help more than 1,500 companies identify and adopt digital solutions suited to their operational needs. The update reflects rapid advances in artificial intelligence and comes as firms face rising costs, manpower constraints and increasing productivity pressures. According to details released by Enterprise Singapore, the revised roadmap expands guidance on AI-enabled tools that can strengthen operational efficiency, enhance customer experience and support business growth.

The refreshed plan builds on earlier efforts to guide the sector’s digital transformation. Officials reported that adoption has increased significantly since the programme’s launch in 2021, with more than 90 per cent of companies using at least one sector-specific digital solution in 2025, compared with 75 per cent in 2023. The update aligns with wider national efforts to strengthen advanced manufacturing capabilities and digital readiness across industry, similar to broader initiatives highlighted in Singapore’s push towards Industry 5.0 manufacturing.

Government outlines expanded role for AI in food manufacturing

The refreshed IDP was announced on 9 February by Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, during the opening of a new factory by soya sauce and condiments manufacturer Kwong Cheong Thye (KCT) in Senoko Crescent. The facility, which is twice the size of the company’s existing plant, incorporates automated guided vehicles and advanced machinery to increase production capacity sixfold.

“In 2021, I launched the first Food Manufacturing IDP to guide our food manufacturers on their digitalisation journey. Since then, we have seen significant progress, with more than 90 per cent of companies adopting at least one sector-specific digital solution in 2025, up from 75 per cent in 2023.” — Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Singapore

She noted that the new factory also incorporates sustainability measures, with around 30 per cent of its operations powered by renewable energy sources such as solar.

Three operational outcomes guide digital adoption

The updated roadmap groups digital solutions around three broad business outcomes. These include automating routine processes, improving production efficiency through deeper operational insights, and supporting companies seeking to expand into overseas markets.

A newly introduced capability, described as a logistics control tower, enables businesses to monitor global supply chain activities in real time from Singapore. This visibility is intended to reduce complexity and risk as firms expand internationally.

Examples of AI-enabled tools for manufacturers

Several AI-based solutions are highlighted within the plan. One example is an automated order management system that captures orders sent via WhatsApp and synchronises them with existing enterprise systems. This approach can reduce manual processing and improve order accuracy.

Poultry distributor Toh Thye San Farm implemented the system and reported a 20 per cent improvement in order accuracy. The company also reduced manual labour associated with correcting errors, saving up to eight hours of work per avoided mistake while allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks.

Other solutions include AI-powered chatbots that provide round-the-clock customer and operational support, as well as manufacturing analytics tools that support predictive maintenance and production optimisation.

KCT has adopted digital monitoring systems for fermentation processes, tracking variables such as temperature and humidity. The system helps streamline scheduling and multi-batch planning and is expected to raise soya sauce yield from around 70 per cent to 90 per cent.

Advisory services and talent initiatives to support adoption

Beyond technology adoption, government agencies are also working with industry partners to address broader operational challenges. Food manufacturers can access advisory support through SME Centre@SMF, where business advisers assess digital readiness and recommend suitable solutions tailored to the sector.

A talent development programme scheduled to launch in the second half of 2026 will connect computing and information technology students from institutes of higher learning with food manufacturers through internships. The initiative aims to provide companies with technical expertise while helping build a future workforce with digital skills, complementing other national initiatives focused on developing advanced industry capabilities such as Singapore’s efforts to build future-ready technology talent.

Officials say the updated plan is intended to support companies at different stages of digital maturity, from those beginning their transformation journey to firms preparing to expand internationally.

“Whether you are taking your first steps in digitalisation or preparing to scale internationally, support is available. I encourage food manufacturers to explore the refreshed IDP and engage SME Centre@SMF for tailored guidance.” — Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Singapore

This article is created with the assistance of OpenGov AI.