A century of innovation in Singapore

OVER the course of its 100 years in Singapore, German multinational engineering and technology group Robert Bosch has emerged as a trailblazer in technological innovation in the region. In recent years, this has been best exemplified by its cutting-edge contributions to research and development (R&D) and sustainability.

Since the rise of South-east Asia as an economic hub, Bosch’s regional headquarters in Singapore have assumed growing importance. For instance, the company has been overseeing sales in certain South-east Asian countries for some of its business units out of Singapore, until they become economically viable in their respective markets.

Bosch also capitalises on Singapore’s innovation ecosystem, which offers a blend of world-class academia, a favourable business environment, and robust government support. As a result, the company has strategically channelled its R&D operations through the city-state, adapting and tailoring its technology offerings to meet the region’s ever-evolving demands.

The Bosch South-east Asia headquarters in Singapore are home to the Asia-Pacific regional hubs for the Research and Technology Center and the Corporate Innovation Advance Development, which specialises in IT research and development.

“Singapore is seen as the trendsetter and testbed for technologies in South-east Asia; embracing new technological developments and fronting forward-looking initiatives to be emulated later by other Asean countries,” said Vijay Ratnaparkhe, managing director of Bosch in Singapore, and president of Bosch in South-east Asia. 

“One example is in artificial intelligence and intellectual property, where Singapore is not only a testbed for new AI developments, but also possesses the world’s fastest approval for AI patents.”

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Bosch’s collaboration with educational institutions such as Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore and Singapore Polytechnic has further amplified its R&D reach. These partnerships are aligned with Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan, which places emphasis on urban solutions and sustainability.

By leveraging Singapore’s R&D ecosystem, Bosch has succeeded in developing trailblazing innovations such as AI-based plastic waste sorting and sustainable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions, which are likely to have long-term global impact.

A symbiotic relationship

While Singapore accounts for a modest 145 million euros (S$208.9 million) in turnover compared to Bosch’s near 90 billion euros globally, it represents a “lighthouse” for economic development, urban planning, and technological advancement. Indeed, Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, which focuses on improving urban livability, sustainability and carbon efficiency, resonates well with Bosch’s corporate mission.

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Projects in urban farming and aquaculture, for instance, have been spearheaded in Singapore and could potentially be replicated across other Asean countries. This convergence of interests makes Singapore an ideal incubator for Bosch’s pilot projects, especially in sustainable technologies.

One of the cornerstones of Bosch’s sustainability initiatives in Singapore is the development of a circular economy. The company’s new AI-based automated disassembly framework represents a significant milestone in this direction. By intelligently orchestrating the disassembly process through human-robot collaboration, Bosch aims to revolutionise the recycling of products and conserve valuable resources.

“Our Singapore-based researchers are dedicated to creating innovative solutions which address the specific needs of consumers and improve the everyday lives of people across Asia-Pacific, especially in the domains of urban solutions and sustainability,” said Ratnaparkhe.

Bosch’s vision aligns closely with Singapore’s own aspirations, given the nation’s constraints on natural resources. Furthering its commitment to sustainability, Bosch is also mitigating its indirect dependency on mining finite resources by fostering a circular economy across its supply chain. With a goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 15 per cent along the entire value chain by 2030, Bosch’s multi-faceted approach ranges from eco-friendly packaging to introducing rental subscriptions for home appliances.

“We at Bosch are motivated by the desire to develop products that are ‘Invented For Life’, that spark enthusiasm, that improve the quality of life, and that help conserve natural resources. We actively shape the future by researching and developing sustainable technologies that improve people’s lives and make the economy more efficient,” said Ratnaparkhe.

Setting the course for another century

As Bosch marks its centenary in Singapore, it is focused on harnessing opportunities catalysed by the fast adoption of new technologies in the region. With a burgeoning middle class keen on experiences, convenience, and sustainability, key growth areas have been identified in consumer segments such as home appliances, industrial innovation such as factory automation, and the mobility sector.

Collaborations with educational institutions are set to continue, while discussions with governmental bodies for partnerships in sustainable HVACs and automated end-of-life management are underway. The Bosch Rexroth Regional Training Centre also works with local institutions and universities such as SkillsFuture Singapore and Singapore Polytechnic to certify qualified individuals to be Industry 4.0 specialists. The Industry 4.0 Specialist programme is built on German training standards and certified by the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Robert Bosch’s 100-year journey in Singapore is a story of innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. With its finger firmly on the pulse of technological advancements and regional demands, Bosch is poised to help shape a future where technology serves humanity while preserving the planet.

“We are honoured to be a part of Singapore’s growth story as we celebrate our 100th anniversary. Bosch’s products reached Singapore’s shores in 1923 when Singapore was still a part of British Malaya, which was also the birth year of Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew,” said Ratnaparkhe.

“We look forward to continuously making a sustainable, positive impact on the lives of Singaporeans that is guided by our ‘Invented for Life’ ethos.”