Overview
Join us for Tech Talk, a part of SGInnovate's Let's Tech It series - an exciting session where innovation meets practical application. This beginner-friendly session offers an inside look at Singapore’s fast-growing Deep Tech and robotics landscape. Whether you're curious about how robots are transforming industries or wondering where you fit in this evolving ecosystem, you'll get a front-row seat to the action.
You’ll hear firsthand from experts who’ve built meaningful careers in robotics and learn about the talent needs and opportunities driving this sector forward. We’ll also explore national support programmes tailored for students, mid-career switchers, and professionals looking to deepen their skills.
Do stick around for networking with ecosystem partners and peers - the perfect chance to connect, ask questions and maybe even find your next career step in Deep Tech.
No robotics or engineering background required.
By registering for this Tech Talk, you consent to your contact information being shared with our co-organising partners: National Robotics Programme, KABAM Robotics, SIMTech and ARTC, in accordance with their respective Privacy Policy.
Course Description & Learning Outcomes
Target audience:
Young talents and PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) who are curious about robotics and exploring potential career paths in the Deep Tech sector.
This session is especially suited for individuals with none to very little background in STEM, but who are open to discovering how robotics is shaping the future of work, and where you might fit in.
Whether you're a student considering your next steps or a working professional thinking about a career pivot, this session will help you understand the opportunities, support programmes, and skills needed to get started.
By the end of this session, attendees will have:
A clearer understanding of the robotics landscape and emerging career pathways in Singapore
Practical insights into the skills, mindsets, and experiences needed to succeed, shared by professionals from across the ecosystem
Awareness of talent support programmes and resources offered by SGInnovate, the National Robotics Programme (NRP), and other ecosystem partners
Meaningful connections with like-minded peers, mentors, and organisations shaping the future of robotics and Deep Tech in Singapore
Workshop 1 by A*STAR SIMTech, Dr Lin Wei & Dr Tan Jun Liang: Build Robotics Skills for Singapore’s Manufacturing Needs
This talk introduces SIMTech SCTP in Industrial Automation, which provides essential knowledge and hands-on skills for using robots in tasks such as parts fabrication, assembly, pick-and-place operations, and material transfer. The talk will also feature a live demonstration of how a robotic welding system is designed and implemented.
Overview of training course related to robotics and automation by Dr Lin Wei
Design of robotic system with an example of welding operation by Dr Tan Jun Liang
Workshop 2 by A*STAR ARTC, Mr Glenn Tan & Ms Sheila Suppiah: Kickstarting a Robotics Career with ROS: From Fundamentals to Industry Applications
This session introduces the Robot Operating System (ROS), the open-source framework powering countless robots worldwide. In the first half, we’ll explore key ROS concepts and how they’re used in real-world robotic systems. We’ll then share an overview of ROS-Industrial and our Talent & Partnership (TnP) initiative, which supports aspiring talents in gaining hands-on experience and industry exposure. Whether you're a student or early-career professional, this session offers valuable insights into how ROS can launch your journey in robotics.
Introduction to ROS – key concepts overview
Overview of ROS-Industrial, training course offerings /TnP initiatives
Recommended Prerequisites
No technical background required, just curiosity and an open mind!
Schedule
Date: 18 Aug 2025, Monday
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (GMT +8:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Location: 32 Carpenter Street, 059911
Agenda
| Day/Time | Agenda Activity/Description |
|---|---|
| 1:30pm | Registration begins |
| 2:00pm | Tech Talk begins Keynote 1 by SGInnovate: Deep Tech in Focus: The Future of Robotics and Talent Keynote 2 by National Robotics Programme: Deep Dive into Robotics |
| 2:45pm | Workshop 1 by A*STAR SIMTech: Build Robotics Skills for Singapore’s Manufacturing Needs Workshop 2 by A*STAR ARTC: Kickstarting a Robotics Career with ROS: From Fundamentals to Industry Applications |
| 4:00pm | Break |
| 4:15pm | Panel discussion: Empowering Talent for the Age of Robotics |
| 5pm | Networking session and end of Tech Talk |
Skills Covered
PROFICIENCY LEVEL GUIDE
Beginner: Introduce the subject matter without the need to have any prerequisites.
Proficient: Requires learners to have prior knowledge of the subject.
Expert: Involves advanced and more complex understanding of the subject.
- Robotics (Proficiency level: Beginner)
Speakers
Trainer's Profile:
Ai Peng New, R&D Director, National Robotics Programme (NRP)
Ai Peng is currently the Director R&D for National Robotics Programme (NRP). His primary responsibility is to formulate and manage the R&D direction for Singapore’s robotics, inorder to build up capabilities for the Robotics ecosystem for economic capture and societal impact. Prior to NRP, Ai Peng was Deputy Director overseeing the Robotics and Army system’s R&D master planning and investment in Future System & Technology Directorate, MINDEF. Before FSTD, Ai Peng was with DSO National Lab since 2000 and he started the Robotics Autonomy program. During this period, he was sent to CMU, USA on a scientist exchange program for 1 year with Prof Howie Choset.
Trainer's Profile:
Dr Lin Wei, Principal Scientist, Adaptive Robotics & Mechatronics (ARM) Group, A*STAR SIMTech
Dr Lin Wei is a Principal Scientist at SIMTech’s Adaptive Robotics & Mechatronics (ARM) Group. With a strong background in industrial robotics, his research focuses on precision processes and automation in material handling. Over his career, Dr Lin has led more than 50 major automation projects across industries, including precision engineering, aerospace, electronics, logistics, and marine & offshore.
Trainer's Profile:
Swarooph Nirmal Seshadri, Chief Technology Officer, KABAM Robotics
Swarooph Nirmal Seshadri is the CTO for KABAM Robotics. He has been in the field of robotics and autonomous vehicles for more than 10 years working with simulations, algorithm development, system integration, product management and commercialization.
Trainer's Profile:
Dr Tan Jun Liang, Senior Scientist, Adaptive Robotics & Mechatronics (ARM) Group, A*STAR SIMTech
Dr. Tan Jun Liang is a Senior Scientist with SIMTech’s Adaptive Robotics & Mechatronics (ARM) Group. His background focuses on Precision Mechanical design and Finite element analysis. He has handled a variation of research and industrial projects, some of which include robotic gripper design and robot path planning using simulation tools.
Trainer's Profile:
Glenn Tan, Research Development Engineer, ROS-Industrial Asia Pacific, A*STAR ARTC
Mr Glenn Tan is a Research Development Engineer with ROS-Industrial Asia Pacific within A*STAR ARTC, having experience with developing ROS2 packages in the areas of manipulation, as well as interoperability of AMRs for industrial application use cases. He has also conducted industry training for ROS2 and manipulation-based topics and has a good knowledge of industry sentiments and requirements within various sectors. He was a member of the Renaissance Engineering Programme organised by the Nanyang Technological University and has a Bachelor of Engineering Science (specialisation in Mechanical Engineering) and a Master of Science in Technology Management.
Trainer's Profile:
Sheila Suppiah, Assistant Manager, Tech-Biz Development Team, A*STAR ARTC
Ms Sheila Suppiah is an Assistant Manager from the Tech-Biz Development team at A*STAR ARTC, where she also leads the training initiatives in robotics and automation. With hands-on experience in ROS (Robot Operating System) since her polytechnic days, Sheila has contributed in various robotics projects including participation in global RoboCup competitions and continues to support both the business and talent development of ROS-Industrial through industry-aligned training programmes. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) from Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
Partners
