THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Germany’s Robert Bosch GmbH will establish an “experiential learning laboratory” in the Philippines to help upskill and reskill workers, preparing them for advanced manufacturing jobs.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DTI said that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Bosch on June 7, which will build a facility that will train manufacturing workers on the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and digital manufacturing.
“Our partnership with Bosch represents our pivotal collaborations with both local and international partners and technology providers to build a robust Industry 4.0 ecosystem,” Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said.
“This factory will serve as an experiential learning laboratory, equipped with automation technologies powered by Bosch and other technology partners,” Mr. Pascual said.
The signing took place at the Bosch Rexroth Regional Training Center in Singapore.
“We are proud to collaborate with the DTI and together enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector in the Philippines,” Bosch Regional President for Southeast Asia Vijay Ratnaparkhe said.
“Through this partnership, we will help strengthen the Philippines’ industrial capabilities and readiness for advanced technologies, while promoting sustainable economic growth and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry,” he added.
In a separate statement, the DTI said Mr. Pascual met with Singaporean business leaders on June 5 to pitch the Philippines as an “ideal gateway for accessing the ASEAN market.”
Mr. Pascual touted the Philippines’ manufacturing potential in the semiconductor, automotive, textile and garment, medical device, aerospace, iron and steel, and pharmaceutical industries.
The meeting was attended by members of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), the Singapore Business Circle, the Singapore Food Manufacturers’ Association, and others.
SMF has a company membership of about 5,000. — Justine Irish D. Tabile