ST Engineering Annual Report 2020

/ ST ENG I NEER I NG 50 I n 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global economies, redefined the way we conduct business and thrust robotics and digital technologies into the forefront as key enablers of the Future of Work. In April, our business continuity plans were swiftly set in motion when the Singapore government announced a set of heightened safe distancing measures, which significantly reduced movements and interactions in public and private places, to limit and curb the transmission of COVID-19. However, as a provider of essential services, our operations continued and we were able to maintain the production rate of our current programmes. As the COVID-19 situation evolved through the year, we continued to engage our customers actively - even as international travel came to a halt and many defence exhibitions and events were cancelled - and closely tracked their procurement plans for opportunities for our range of munitions, weapons and platforms solutions. Defence Business Despite the challenging operating environment, our defence business remained stable. We were awarded a new contract for additional units of Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) for Singapore’s Ministry of Defence. Working closely with the Centre of Excellence for Soldier Performance, the Defence Science and Technology Agency, DSO National Laboratories and partners, we designed a Load Bearing System (LBS) comprising the Enhanced Vest, Body Armour Carrier and LBS belt to fit the anthropometric profiles of our soldiers and also allow for customisation according to mission profiles. The enhanced vest is made from a strong and lightweight proprietary material and offers soldiers better comfort with improved heat dissipation of up to 30%. Since January 2020, Singaporean full-time national servicemen in combat units have been issued with the enhanced Load Bearing Vest which is ergonomic and has multiple points of adjustments for a better fit. We also won contracts for weapons and munitions from customers from Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. We were able to deliver on current contracts although there were some export delays due to travel restrictions. Secured contract for additional units of Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicles for Singapore's Ministry of Defence. Also sealed contracts for weapons and munitions from customers from Asia and the Middle East and the U.S. WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2020 Robotics business expanded its footprint in the healthcare segment both locally and overseas Set up Integrated Engineering Hub to leverage cross-disciplinary know-how and specialisations across 12 different clusters, from tracked and wheeled products to data analytics and software engineering OPERATING REVIEW & OUTLOOK LAND SYSTEMS