SMA was founded in 1932 by 17 pioneering manufacturers with the objective of representing the interests of Singapore manufacturers. In the 1960s, Singapore manufacturing grew rapidly after the PAP government adopted an export-led growth to spur the economy forward. Within a matter of years, the manufacturing sector became one of the main pillars of the economy, and SMA was seen as the catalyst of that growth.

The name "Singapore Confederation of Industries" ( SCI ) came into being in 1996. It was created with the purpose of gearing up SCI to be the umbrella body for all industries and associations in Singapore. This would have broadened SCI 's scope to cover businesses in all industries, other than the narrowly-defined manufacturing industries. In 2002, we were re-named as "Singapore Manufacturers' Federation" or "SMa" for short.

Today, SMa represents 2,800 corporate members across 11 different industry groups. Charged with a mission to enhance the global competitiveness of our member enterprises, SMa works closely with various government agencies to spearhead numerous projects, many of which have been on national agendas.

	Economic Development Board (EDB) The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), is the lead government agency that promotes high value-added investments to boost the Singapore economy. It focuses on the manufacturing, manufacturing services, and exportable services sectors.
	International Enterprise Singapore (IE) Formerly known as the Singapore Trade Development Board (TDB), International Enterprise Singapore (IE) is the lead agency spearheading Singapore's efforts to develop its external economic wing.
	Workforce Development Agency (WDA) Established in September 2003, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) acts as a catalyst and champion of workforce development. It aims to enhance the employability and competitiveness of both employees and job seekers.
	Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board (SPRING) SPRING was established to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises for a vibrant Singapore economy with the focus to champion enterprise formation and growth – through their network of valued relationships and resources.
	Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a statutory board of the Singapore Government, the main aim of IDA is to foster a competitive world-class infocomm industry in Singapore.
	Ministry of Manpower (MOM) The Ministry of Manpower (Singapore) aims to achieve a globally competitive workforce and great workplace for a cohesive society and a secure economic future for all Singaporeans.
	National Environment Agency (NEA) The National Environment Agency (NEA) was formed under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) on 1 July 2002 to focus on the implementation of environmental policies.

Eleven Industry Groups

With a membership of over 2,800 corporate members that range from Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and Small Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) from a wide range of industries in the manufacturing or manufacturing-related industries. Effective representation is best achieved by categorizing our members into eleven industry groups.

• Automation Technology
• Building Products and Construction Materials
• Chemicals
• Electrical, Electronics and Allied Industries
• Fire Protection, Safety & Security
• Food & Beverage
• Life Sciences
• Lifestyle
• Medical Technology
• Metal, Machinery and Engineering
• Plastics & Packaging

These industry groups' activities are co-ordinated and organised by the SMa's Secretariat. As such, members are in a better position to network and exchange business ideas with other like-minded entrepreneurs and also keep themselves updated on news and developments in their industries.

SMa carries out a myriad of activities that aim to enhance the competitive edge of its members - from Trade Missions to Networking Events, Industry Talks, Cross-industrial and Government Dialogues, Exhibitions, Conferences, Business Advisory Services and Corporate Training & Education.

Business matching events
SMa aims to create opportunities through trade missions and business matching sessions and till date boost a international Network of 95 MOUs across the world.

Trade missions
Business opportunities can also be found overseas. That's why at SMa, we actively received numerous trade delegations from all the different parts of the world. Outgoing trade and investment missions have also been organised to help members seek new markets and expand their operations overseas.

Networking sessions
Networking is without a doubt one of the best ways to market yourself and your business. SMa offers an excellent platform for members to network and explore possible business collaboration with chambers of Commerce.

Forums, conferences, seminars and workshops
As part of our service to our members, numerous seminars are organised throughout the year. These seminars feature a wide range of topics, from Branding Management to Collaboration Management, Effective Communication to e-Commerce, productivity to technological upgrading.

In the course of serving the manufacturing community over the past decades, SMa has developed Key Centres of Excellence. They are:

	SMa Centre for Corporate Learning (CCL) The SMa Centre for Corporate Learning (CCL) is a centre of excellence for Professional and Management Development
	The e-Supply Chain Management (eSCM) Council eSCM Assessment Programme was launched in October 2002 to increase the competitiveness of companies, and to establish Singapore as the key Collaborative Manufacturing Services Hub in Asia.
	GS1 Singapore Council The GS1 Singapore Council's role encompasses the provision of article numbering and technical assistance. Its role was recently expanded to include the promotion and use of radio frequency identification tags (RFID). GS1 Singapore Council also operates the Singapore Cold Chain Centre.
	SMa School of Management (SMa-SOM) SMa-SOM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SMa. It aims to further SMa's mission to increase the competitiveness of Singapore companies and enhance its role in the area of human capital development
	Enterprise Development Centre (EDC@SMa) EDC@SMa was established in 2005 in collaboration with SPRING Singapore to help local SMEs to upgrade their capabilities. EDC@SMa boasts a fully-equipped resource Centre with in house consultants that provide advice on various government agencies, incentives and programmes.
	Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC) The Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC) is the official body representing the Chemical Industry of Singapore in the private sector. SCIC is affiliated to the ASEAN Chemical Industries Club (ASEAN-CIC).