The local catering industry faces multiple challenges. The government has launched a new version of the plan, focusing on artificial intelligence and advanced technology, to promote the digital transformation of local catering companies and move to the international stage.
Liu Yanling, Senior Minister of Government of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, unveiled the latest version of the Food Services Industry Digital Plan (Food Services IDP) in her opening speech on Wednesday (July 16) at the Restaurant Asia 2025 and the SIGEP Asia 2025.
In addition to technical support, the government will also cooperate with technology companies Grab, Singapore Catering Industry Association and other institutions to promote human resources training. The Singapore Catering Industry Association is expected to establish the "1-Academia" industry college in the end of this year, providing systematic skills courses and qualification certifications to cultivate talents for the future of Singapore's catering industry.
Liu Yanling said that the latest plan is completed in close consultation with the industry based on the original framework in 2018 and the first update in 2022, aiming to help companies simplify processes, predict demand, reduce waste, improve customer experience, and solve problems such as labor shortages.
This catering industry exhibition attracted 449 exhibitors from 41 countries to settle in, as well as nearly 12,000 exhibitors.
The updated Blueprint has added five new solutions categories, including: automatic document verification system, self-service checkout system, smart cooking equipment, unmanned stores and unmanned kitchens, and end-to-end automated operation processes. These technologies have been included in the Productivity Solutions Grant, and catering operators can evaluate digital levels and apply for plans through IMDA's "CTO-as-a-Service" platform.
This program is jointly launched by the Enterprise Singapore and the Information Communications Media Development Authority (IMDA).