Singapore Manufacturing Federation Celebrates CNY and Launch of Internship with 13 Partners
22nd February 2013 – More than 200 guests attended the yearly Chinese New Year celebration organised by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF). This year’s celebration also witnessed the launch of the Internship Programme by SMF institute of Higher Learning with 13 Distinguished Partners.
The Internship Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is slated to remain in effect for a period of 2 years, and will see students from SMF Institute of Higher Learning developing their skills in the application of theory to practical work situations. Through exclusive agreements with 13 Partners, students currently enrolled at SMF Institute of Higher Learning will be given the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of an organisation and receive employment accreditation at the end of their internship. SMF Institute of Higher Learning was voted one of the Top 3 Best Private schools in AsiaOne’s People’s Choice Awards 2011/2012.

A group photo of Mr.George Huang, President of SMF, with the recipients of the SMF Institute of Higher Learning Internship Certificate.
“Singapore Manufacturing Federation has always been committed to serving the public through our various Centres of Excellence – including SMF Institute of Higher Learning, which is one of Singapore’s leading educational providers. By tapping on our extensive membership network, we are able to provide students with practical work experience at various leading organisations,” said Mr. George Huang, President of SMF.
Organisations which have indicated their interest include Makino Asia Pte. Ltd., Swee Hin Power Systems Pte Ltd, Chinatown Food Corporation Pte. Ltd, Winson Press Pte Ltd, Concord Associates Pte Ltd., Closed Loop Technology Pte.Ltd., FarEastFlora.com Pte Ltd and Fuji Xerox Singapore Pte Ltd.

Mr. George Huang, President of SMF, Mr Richard Soh, Chief Executive Officer of SMF Institute of Higher Learning presenting the Internship Certificate to Dr. Moh Chong Tau, President and CEO of Makino Asia Pte Ltd – one of the participating organisations.

Mr. Ryan Chioh, Managing Director of FarEastFlora.com receiving the internship certificate.
“We hope to invest and develop in our own local talent, and the internship initiative not only provides students with the opportunity of real-life work experience, but it also allows companies to tap into this pool of young, emerging talent. This creates a win-win situation for both," said Mr. Ryan Chioh, Managing Director of FarEastFlora.com Pte Ltd.
Through constant engagement with various industries and partnerships with stakeholders, SMF Institute of Higher Learning hopes to create a learning environment that transcends the four walls of a classroom, and where students can engage in the pursuit of knowledge and skills across a broad range of disciplines.
“Currently, we have 13 partners that have expressed interest in supporting us in this initiative, with 3 more partners in the pipeline. In future, we hope to rope in as many partners as we possibly can. This program will constantly build up a pipeline of talent that will be funneled towards the manufacturing sector”, added Mr. Richard Soh, Chief Executive Officer of SMF Institute of Higher Learning.
“Not only will the internship give us valuable insights into the working world, we will also be given the opportunity to match theoretical knowledge with practical application,” said Mr Ian Lim who is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Exercise & Sports Science) at Institute of Higher Learning.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, Mr. George Huang, President of SMF preceded the festivities with a rousing performance on Chinese traditional drums. Following his lead, SMF Council Members and Secretariat were also happy to take their turn at the drums - with the singular beat of the drum symbolising SMF's strength-as-one.

Mr. George Huang, President of SMF starting off the customary drumming session.
SMF's Chinese New Year Celebrations and Launch of Internship then concluded with a customary Loh-Hei session, to usher in prosperity and good fortune for all.

SMF Council Members and Guests were invited to participate in a Loh-Hei session, to usher in good fortune for the year ahead.