As the global economic scenario shifts gears to enter Industry 4.0, the food and beverage industry in Singapore is also subject to disruption. New technological trends are changing the types of skills required from professionals such as chefs and baristas.

The Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) will undertake a sector-wide project to identify the skills gaps and bridge those lacking capabilities through training.

Research into the industry’s skills’ level will help e2i to create training programs that would focus on developing relevant skills for professionals in the food and beverage industry. The job roles of chefs and baristas are most in need of change. That’s why the study aims to equip chefs and baristas with skills that are aligned to the demands of Industry 4.0.

With some restaurants in Japan already employing robots as their “head chef” and humanoid robot colleagues who prepare doughnuts, mix drinks and serve ice-creams, it looks like the chefs of Industry 4.0 need to be prepared with skills other than the traditional culinary ones that are taught in hospitality schools and colleges.

In economies like Japan that face a labor shortage because of aging populations, using robots in the food and beverage industry becomes more cost-effective.

To that end, the National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) e2i arm will develop a holistic curriculum that will be open for adoption. The year-long research process will include in-depth interviews and public surveys.