Rolls-Royce and EDB sign MOU to strengthen capabilities in Singapore’s aerospace and power systems sectors | aviationbizz.com
Rolls-Royce Singapore, Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia and Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new growth opportunities across aerospace and power systems capabilities.
This aims to support key economic pillars such as advanced manufacturing and innovation, while demonstrating the role of collaboration and knowledge- sharing in supporting Singapore’s growth story. The MoU was signed by John Kelly (Rolls- Royce Singapore), Michelle Liu (Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia) and Zheng Jingxin (EDB), in the presence of Rob Watson, CEO – Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace.
The MoU enables parties to explore technology advancement for enhancing aerospace manufacturing operations as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations in Singapore. Rolls-Royce will explore potential development of technologies beyond existing programmes such as the Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab (SMJL). In addition, Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia will look to expand and enhance its capabilities to support regional growth of the data centres market, building on the strong foundation of its long-standing presence in the power systems sector. The parties will also look at the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence with a view to unlock the potential of AI development, including increasing use of agentic AI in Power Systems applications.
The Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab 2.0 was launched in October 2025 as a joint initiative by Rolls-Royce, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Singapore Aero Engine Services Limited (SAESL). Potential technology advancements under the MoU will build on such existing initiatives and aim to strengthen Singapore’s position as an Aerospace and MRO hub, in line with growing global aviation demand.
On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific data centre market is expected to grow by over three times by 2029 driven by Cloud, AI and hyperscale growth1. Working with its customers, Rolls-Royce will focus on providing the technologies, capabilities and expertise to unlock this growth.
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