BUSINESS TIMES
CYCLECT GROUP
CYCLECT GROUP
CYCLECT GROUP ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Project
by:
Malvern Kandemwa
Words by: Michelle Duncan
Melvin Tan is the Group Managing Director of Cyclect Group, a prominent provider of integrated engineering solutions with a focus on electrical, mechanical, and infrastructure services. Founded in 1944, Cyclect has developed a strong reputation for delivering
quality services and innovative solutions across various sectors, including construction, marine, oil and gas, and renewable energy. Under Melvin’s leadership, the company has embraced growth and transformation, positioning itself as a leader in engineering and technology services.
Cyclect operates as a multidisciplinary engineering company, offering a wide range of services such as mechanical and electri-
cal engineering, energy management, systems integration, and maintenance services. Their core competencies are deeply rooted in electrical installations, plant maintenance, and system upgrades, especially for industries like pharmaceuticals, data centres, and marine.
The company has been able to expand its offerings to more complex, technology-driven solutions. They also work on en-
Melvin Tan, Group Managing Director, Cyclect
ergy audits and management systems to help industries optimise their power consumption. Cyclect’s electrical experts have contributed to the development of iconic landmarks such as Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay Sands Resort, and the Singapore Grand Prix. In recent years, the company has successfully diversified into emerging fields like robotics, renewable energy, and cybersecurity, leading to significant growth and expanding its
capabilities in cutting-edge industries.
One of Cyclect’s key strengths is its ability to provide tailored solutions to niche industries. Its diversified range of services extends to marine and offshore engineering, infrastructure projects, and the design and building of mission-critical facilities.
Melvin Tan represents the third generation of the Tan family to
lead Cyclect, which started as a small machinery repair workshop during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in 1943. He joined the company as a trainee in 1997, during a time when its core business focused primarily on ship repairs. Under his leadership, Cyclect has grown significantly, and today, the company employs around 700 people and operates in nine countries, reflecting its transformation into a global engineering solutions provider.
INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
Cyclect has consistently invested in modernising its infrastructure to better meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. This has included upgrading its engineering facilities, adopting new tools, and incorporating advanced software for more accurate project planning and execution. These upgrades have allowed the company to boost productivity, lower project completion times, and offer more efficient solutions to its clients.
For instance, Cyclect has incorporated state-of-the-art technologies in their testing and commissioning processes, ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. The company has also enhanced its digital capabilities, utilising cloud-based management systems and predictive maintenance technologies that allow them to proactively manage complex infrastructure.
Melvin Tan is actively leveraging Cyclect’s strengths in the battle to decarbonize, a key focus for the company in the face of growing sustainability demands. Every major project Cyclect undertakes now includes a robust set of sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and the company is well-positioned to meet them.
Melvin highlights Cyclect’s expertise in heat recovery and electrical engineering, which has enabled them to assist large manufacturing facilities in reducing waste and generating energy, ultimate-
ly helping to lower carbon emissions. Over the past decade, these efforts have resulted in significant carbon savings, with some plants reducing their CO2 output by hundreds of tonnes annually.
Sustainability, as Melvin emphasises, must also align with responsibility. For Cyclect, this means ensuring that ethical considerations are woven into every part of the business, including supply chain management. The company takes care to scrutinise where products are sourced from, making sure they are not linked to unethical practices, such as forced or slave labour.
Under his leadership, Cyclect has strategically partnered with international firms to expand its reach and technological capabilities.
These partnerships have been crucial for tapping into global expertise, enabling the company to offer advanced solutions and stay ahead in a competitive industry. Some of these collaborations have been with technology providers, research institutions, and global engineering companies, which provide Cyclect access to cutting-edge technologies and practices.
By forming alliances with other engineering companies, Cyclect has been able to undertake large-scale projects in areas such as renewable energy and smart city infrastructure. These partnerships have also been pivotal in expanding Cyclect’s operations beyond Singapore to other regions in Southeast Asia, broadening its market base.
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Signify, a global leader in lighting, has partnered with Cyclect to promote sustainability through solar energy and connected lighting solutions. This collaboration aligns with Signify’s climate transition plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, showcasing commitment to innovative, eco-friendly practices.
Together, Signify and Cyclect are transforming the energy landscape by implementing advanced solar power systems, which reduce energy costs and significantly lower emissions. Jitender Khurana, General Manager, Systems and Services, Asia Pacific at Signify, emphasises the value of the partnership: “Our collaboration with Cyclect enables us to combine our expertise in lighting and energy management with their deep knowledge of engineering solutions. Together, we’re empowering organisations to meet their sustainability goals.”
The partnership also includes Signify’s Interact, a revolutionising smart lighting solution, that helps businesses reduce energy consumption and improve productivity, through advanced sensors and real-time data insights. The solution is implemented in commercial and industrial operations, setting new standards in energy efficiency and sustainability. Supporting these efforts, Signify’s ultra-efficient LED product line reinforces their dedication to sustainable development.
Jitender adds: “The system’s powerful data and analytics capabilities enable businesses to monitor, analyse, and report their lighting usage, energy savings, occupancy patterns and benefit from remote management and predictive management capabilities. By integrating Interact with Cyclect’s engineering capabilities, we create seamless, intelligent lighting systems that deliver an attractive return on investment”
Together, Signify and Cyclect are paving the way for a more sustainable future, proving that innovation and partnership are vital in tackling climate change and achieving impactful results.
ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY
Melvin Tan sees the Internet of Things (IoT) as one of the most promising areas for growth, with increasing connectivity across devices and systems. “Everything is connected, from the lights in our homes to our phones and cars,” he explains. Melvin himself drives an electric vehicle linked to his phone and office, a testament to how interconnected our lives are becoming. He believes that this trend will only continue, with more everyday objects integrating into expansive data networks. Cyclect is investing in this space to explore how these connections will evolve and create new opportunities, knowing that many more elements will be added to this digital ecosystem.
Cybersecurity, in particular, stands out as a critical component of this future. Melvin identifies a significant gap in the market for protecting both individuals and corporations from cyber threats like malware and hackers. To address this, Cyclect has partnered with BDATA, an innovative Canadian startup, to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. These applications are designed to safeguard manufacturing facilities, critical infrastructure, and military assets. BDATA’s technology is already being used in high-stakes environments, including military drones, autonomous mining operations, pipelines, power plants, and water treatment plants, helping to prevent potentially devastating attacks on essential infrastructure.
Melvin Tan’s strategic vision for Cyclect over the next few years revolves around the “three Ds”: digitalization, development of skills, and diversification. These key pillars are designed to position the company for long-term growth and resilience in an evolving business environment.
1. DIGITALIZATION
Melvin sees digitalization as a transformative force impacting all aspects of business. For Cyclect, it represents a significant opportunity, especially as digital systems require power and robust cybersecurity measures. The rise of remote working and the need for remote facility control have created demand for advanced digital tools. Melvin emphasises that even traditionally manpower-intensive tasks, like maintenance, are being transformed by technologies such as cameras and artificial intelligence. These systems can now detect issues like broken glass, fire, smoke, or security breaches, auto
mating processes and improving safety.
Cyclect’s digital transformation goes beyond conventional customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The company is embracing data analytics to anticipate equipment failures and optimise operations, which will further enhance productivity and efficiency.
Moreso, they made strides in the development of robotic technologies, specifically to improve operations in sectors like hospitality.
The company has created robotic systems that work alongside humans to streamline hotel banquet operations, reducing costs and minimising the need for manpower. These robots enable one person to handle the workload of four, lightening the burden of heavy lifting and improving overall efficiency. This innovation reflects Cyclect’s commitment to integrating automation and robotics into its services to better serve industries facing labour shortages and rising manpower costs.
2. DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS
The second “D” focuses on the development of skills within the workforce. With the cost of manpower increasing, Cyclect recognizes the importance of training and retaining skilled employees to boost productivity and stay competitive. The company invests in upskilling its staff, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and capabilities, particularly in digital technologies and advanced engineering processes. This approach not only enhances employee retention but also ensures that Cyclect remains at the forefront of industry trends.
3. DIVERSIFICATION
Lastly, diversification plays a crucial role in Melvin’s strategic plan. Cyclect is actively expanding its offerings into new industries and technologies, such as cybersecurity, renewable energy, and robotics. By diversifying its portfolio, the company is better able to weather economic shifts and seize new opportunities in fast-growing sectors. This broadening of scope aligns with Melvin’s belief that innovation and flexibility are key to sustaining the company’s growth.
Together, these “three Ds” form the backbone of Cyclect’s future strategy, ensuring the company remains agile, competitive, and innovative in a rapidly changing world.
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