SMF appoints Wayne Yap as chief executive officer

Yap brings more than 20 years of experience across trade associations, among others.

The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) has appointed Wayne Yap as its chief executive officer, effective 3 August 2026.

Yap joins SMF from the Association of Process Industry (ASPRI), where he served as executive director and led initiatives in workforce development, industry infrastructure and digital transformation.

His work at ASPRI included the Enhanced R1 Framework, Workers Credentialing System and a trade association-led worker accommodation model.

Before joining ASPRI, Yap advised owner-managed and family-owned businesses on growth, governance and risk management at PwC Singapore.

He also previously worked at SPRING Singapore, now Enterprise Singapore, supporting the engineering services sector through capability development, innovation, financing and internationalisation initiatives.

As SMF’s chief executive officer, Yap will lead efforts to strengthen Singapore’s manufacturing ecosystem, support industry transformation and help member companies improve their resilience and competitiveness.

Yap said the sector is entering a new phase shaped by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability requirements and changing global supply chains.

Melvin Tan, who served as interim chief executive officer, will continue as SMF’s vice-president and honorary secretary.

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