Singapore's Industrial Ambition: HFAP & SMF Forge Alliance for ITAP Relaunch

SINGAPORE – June 18, 2026 – In a landmark strategic shift poised to accelerate industrial innovation across the Asia-Pacific, Hannover Fairs Asia-Pacific (HFAP) and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) are joining forces. The powerful new alliance will steer the next chapter of the region's premier advanced manufacturing event, Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP). The full roadmap for this revitalization will be officially unveiled on July 2, 2026, during the launch event for the Singapore Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence Award (SIMEA) 2027.

This partnership represents a calculated and significant move to cement Singapore’s role as the undisputed regional epicenter for advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, and supply chain innovation. By pooling HFAP's global event expertise with SMF's deep-rooted industry influence, the collaboration aims to create an unparalleled platform that will not only showcase cutting-edge technology but also drive the collaborative adoption of Industry 5.0 principles—human-centricity, sustainability, and resilience.

A Phased and Strategic Return for a Premier Event

The revived ITAP will unfold in two distinct phases, a strategic model reflecting the evolving landscape of large-scale industrial gatherings. The first phase, slated for October 21-23, 2026, will see ITAP return as a high-level industry conference at the Singapore Expo. This initial iteration is designed for focused, C-suite engagement and deep-dive discussions on the most pressing issues facing the sector. Critically, it will be co-located with the NAMIC Global Additive Manufacturing Summit (GAMS), Singapore’s flagship event for 3D printing technology, creating an immediate nexus of expertise in one of manufacturing's most transformative fields.

The second phase marks a full-scale return to form. In 2027, ITAP will launch as a comprehensive exhibition at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands, running alongside CeMAT Southeast Asia. This co-location is a strategic masterstroke, creating a holistic ecosystem for attendees. While ITAP focuses on the smart factories and digital transformation within production lines, CeMAT—a leading trade show for intralogistics and supply chain management—addresses the equally critical aspects of warehousing, materials handling, and distribution. This synergy will provide manufacturers, from SMEs to multinational corporations, with an end-to-end view of the entire value chain, from production to delivery.

Powering Singapore's Manufacturing 2030 Vision

This partnership and the ambitious future of ITAP are not happening in a vacuum; they are intrinsically linked to Singapore's national economic strategy. The collaboration directly supports the nation's "Manufacturing 2030" vision, a bold plan to grow the sector's value-add by 50% by the end of the decade. Singapore's strategy is not to compete on cost but to lead through intellectual property, high-value activities, and groundbreaking innovation.

By creating a world-class platform for technology exchange and business development, the HFAP-SMF alliance provides a crucial engine for this vision. The government has already committed significant funds through its Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) plans to bolster key areas like semiconductors, biomedical sciences, and sustainability. Furthermore, national initiatives such as the AI Missions, which target the creation of "best-in-class factories," will find a practical and dynamic showcase in the revamped ITAP. The event will serve as a vital link between policy ambitions and on-the-ground implementation, helping local and regional enterprises access the technologies and partnerships needed to climb the value chain.

A Confluence of Industry Expertise

The strength of this new direction for ITAP lies in the complementary power of its two architects. Hannover Fairs Asia-Pacific is the regional subsidiary of Deutsche Messe AG, the German event powerhouse founded in 1947 that organizes the world-renowned HANNOVER MESSE. This lineage provides HFAP with unparalleled global reach, a deep understanding of industrial trends, and a proven track record of executing world-class trade fairs. Its expertise ensures that ITAP will meet global standards and attract a diverse international audience of exhibitors and visitors.

On the other side of the partnership is the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, the nation's largest and most influential voice for the manufacturing sector. Established in 1932, the SMF represents the interests of approximately 5,000 corporate members, from local SMEs to global MNCs. As a key partner to government agencies, the SMF plays an instrumental role in driving digitalization, business transformation, and internationalization across the industry. Its deep local connections and understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Singaporean manufacturers ensure that the revitalized ITAP will be deeply relevant and impactful for the domestic and regional business community.

Navigating the Shift to Industry 5.0

The timing of ITAP's strategic relaunch is critical. Manufacturers across the Asia-Pacific are navigating a complex environment marked by geopolitical tensions, persistent supply chain pressures, and the urgent need to integrate sustainable practices. The industry is in the midst of a paradigm shift from Industry 4.0's focus on automation to Industry 5.0's emphasis on augmenting human capabilities with technology to build more resilient and sustainable operations. As one industry analyst noted, the challenge is immense, stating, "We cannot build Industry 5.0 with yesterday's skills."

It is precisely this challenge that the new ITAP aims to address. The event will serve as a crucial forum for leaders to explore solutions for building cyber-resilient supply chains, adopting green manufacturing technologies, and fostering a workforce ready for human-machine collaboration. The co-location with GAMS and CeMAT Southeast Asia will provide tangible solutions in additive manufacturing for supply chain agility and in advanced logistics for operational efficiency. For entrepreneurs, investors, and executives seeking to stay ahead of the curve, the revitalized ITAP is poised to become the essential annual touchpoint for navigating the future of industrial growth in one of the world's most dynamic regions.