PrintSingapore - Printing in Singapore

Singapore is one of the top printing hubs in Asia, renowned for its quality, reliability and efficiency. This has attracted many overseas publishers to outsource their printing products such as journals, magazines, coffee table books and art books here.

About 25% of the current printing output is exported, with the volume growing due to the adoption of new printing technologies such as digital print-on-demand, which has enabled some local printers to take on time-sensitive jobs. Local printers have expanded their comprehensive suite of services to include value-added capabilities such as UV printing, RFID printing and logistics to attract new print buyers.

As Singapore offers one of the best intellectual property (IP) protection in Asia, the printing industry remains competitive, as evidenced in the expansion and increase of foreign investment in this sector. With its easy access and close proximity to regional major markets, Singapore continues to be the preferred location as the Asian-Pacific headquarters of many leading international publishers.

SPRING helps local printers, publishers and printing/color-separation suppliers gain access to new niche market segments through business matching missions to high potential publishing hubs such as Tokyo and New York.

What Is The Possible Future Of The Printing Industry?

Printing Industry Statistics
Indicators	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
No. of Establishments	815	952	927	911	882
No. of Workers	16,618	15,821	15,440	15,740	15,388
Total Output ($m)	2,677	2,467	2,352	2,377	2,251
Value-added ($m)	1,346	1,236	1,196	1,207	1,133
Value-added per worker ($'000)	81	78	77	77	74
GDP Contribution (%)	0.4	0.4	0.3	0.3	0.3
Source: Economic Development Board & SPRING Singapore

It is clear that the printing industry is changing primarily because of digital advancements. But what could the future possibly hold? Modern technology has changed the communication landscape in the past few decades. For ages, print media has been king. From polished, shining entertainment magazines to the pocket-sized brochure heralding the arrival of a new business, things have had a major make-over. It might seem printing is breathing its last but that is not the case.

Of course, the only constant thing is change and so even though printing will not die out, companies should brace themselves for more challenges. What changes should printing companies be ready for?

The world is not about to go paperless
The trumpets of death for the print media have been blowing ever since the first screen lit up. But, it is an end that has fortunately not shown up. The screens have threatened to dethrone paper but our dependence on it is so entrenched that we still have a long way to go before that can happen.

Although companies like Yellow Pages announced their departure from the use of printed phone directories, there are still many areas of life that cannot survive without paper printing. Contracts and other legal documents are still required to be in print for the most part.