Innovation Is Not Just About Adopting New Technology, It’s About Shaping The Future - SPETA Gen II Leadership Programme (SGLP)
We were honoured to be hosted by Mr Eng Chong Neo, CEO of Makino Asia Group, for an engaging fireside chat on technology, innovation, and the future of advanced manufacturing as part of the SPETA Gen II Leadership Programme (SGLP) Technology Module.
Mr Eng Chong Neo shared Makino’s strategic approach to staying ahead, including the integration of smart automation, digital workflows, and sustained investment in R&D and partnerships to drive innovation. He emphasized that technology adoption is a deliberate strategy aimed at enhancing quality, reducing time-to-market, and creating value for customers, rather than an end in itself.
He also discussed Makino Asia’s expansion into new markets and internationalisation, highlighting how strategic partnerships, customer-centric solutions, and careful evaluation of opportunities have enabled the company to operate successfully across diverse markets while maintaining operational excellence.
The programme included a plant and smart factory tour, where participants observed Makino’s structured, skill-based training programmes, designed to equip new hires and engineers with practical knowledge of machine tool systems and related processes before working on the factory floor. Makino also shared their sustainability initiatives, including efforts to reduce energy consumption by 20%, and showcased advanced automation systems, such as automated forklifts and smart material handling technologies, which enhance efficiency, safety, and operational precision.
Thank you to Mr Eng Chong Neo and the Makino team for hosting our PE leaders. The fireside chat and factory tour provided valuable insights into how organisations can leverage technology, culture, and strategy to drive meaningful transformation, inspiring our SGLP participants to approach the future of manufacturing with innovation and strategic foresight.
Carries Lim
Michael Palmieri
Sean Looi
Joshua Lam
Dione Tan
Kuek Jue Wen
@hon chong eik
Zhao Liang
Lewis Lee
Jeff J. Lee
Yong Sheng Ng