Background History

SIPMM established since 1972.

The Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM) was established in 1972 with the primary goal of promoting the development and growth of the logistics, procurement, and supply chain (LPS) sector in Singapore. SIPMM initially focused on training and professional development for LPS professionals through specialised qualifications, executive development programmes, and in-house workshops.

In 1974, SIPMM co-founded the International Federation of Purchasing and Materials Management, which has since been renamed to the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM). This move marked the beginning of SIPMM’s international collaborations, as the organisation began working closely with industry chambers such as the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, the Singapore Procurement Federation, and the National Trades Union Congress.

In 1998, SIPMM launched the Official Singapore Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which has become a key indicator of the Singapore manufacturing economy. The PMI is a valuable resource for economists, policymakers, and businesses to gauge the overall health of the manufacturing sector and make informed decisions.

In 2002, SIPMM co-founded the Official China PMI, which has become widely recognised as a reliable indicator of the China manufacturing economy. This initiative strengthened SIPMM’s presence in the region and further solidified its role in promoting the LPS sector globally.

With a strong commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, SIPMM has trained over 100,000 LPS professionals across various industries, including multinational firms, ICT conglomerates, governments, and the armed forces. This has helped SIPMM maintain its position as a leading professional body for the LPS sector in Singapore and the region.

SIPMM remains dedicated to supporting professionals and organisations in adapting to the ever-changing economic landscape. Through its extensive network, comprehensive training programmes, and active collaborations, SIPMM continues to empower LPS professionals to be future-ready and contribute to the growth and development of the LPS sector.

Timeline

Representatives of SIPMM and NTUC at the MOU Signing Ceremony
MOU Signing Ceremony with NTUC

Another strategic collaboration of SIPMM with NTUC, the lead union body in Singapore with 900,000 members. At the signing ceremony was Prof. Poh (seated second from right) and Mr Heng Chee How, Senior Minister of State (seated from left)

Launch of SIPMM Digital Online Courses
SIPMM Online Learning

SIPMM Digital Courses are fully operational for Online Learning and Certification.

SIPMM Initiating Online Learning Project
Discussion Online Learning Project

SIPMM Institute initiated an online learning project, to make available SIPMM specialised courses both in and outside Singapore. The project was scheduled to launch in July 2016.

Strategic Collaboration with Trade & Industry Association Singapore
Asia Pacific Business Forum

SIPMM Institute collaborated with Trade & Industry Association Singapore (TIAS) to provide business and professional development courses for the trade association, which has more than 2,000 members.

SIPMM Established Educational Arm
Graduation Ceremony 2013

With the gazette of the Private Education Act (Chapter 247A) in December 2011, SIPMM Academy was established as a separate entity to conduct SIPMM courses relating to purchasing, warehousing, logistics and supply chain management.

SIPMM Established Corporate Training
SIPMM Skills Certifications

SIPMM established a separate entity to conduct professional and specialized skills workshops that are conducted at hotels. The entity also conducts customised In-House Trainings that are delivered at the company’s premise.

Strategic Collaboration With World Certification Institute in the US
World Certification Institute (WCI)

SIPMM collaborated with World Certification Institute (WCI), a global body that is headquartered in Washington, to offer Competency Credential Awards.

SIPMM Assisted CFLP To Develop the Official China PMI
China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP)

SIPMM assisted the China government and its professional association, China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) to produce the official China PMI. The launch was a huge success for China.

Launch of Singapore’s PMI in 1998
Singapore PMI

SIPMM successfully conducted pilot trials to produce the Singapore Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the manufacturing industry. The Singapore PMI was made available to the public on January 1999. Since then, the monthly index has become a key barometer of the Singapore economy and is closely watched by economists, analysts and media agencies worldwide.

Strategic Collaboration with Southern Cross University in Australia
Southern Cross University

SIPMM collaborated with Southern Cross University (Australia) to conduct the Bachelor of Business Administration degree with specialism in Purchasing and Logistics Management.

Strategic Collaboration with SAF School of Logistics for ALOC
SAF School of Logistics (Advance)

SIPMM collaborated with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) School of Logistics to jointly conduct the Advanced Logistics Officers’ Course (ALOC).

Strategic Collaboration with SAF School of Logistics for ULOC
SAF School of Logistics

SIPMM collaborated with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) School of Logistics to jointly conduct the Unit Logistics Officers’ Course (ULOC).

Collaboration with RMIT University
RMIT University

SIPMM collaborated with RMIT University (Australia) to conduct the Master of Business (Logistics Management) degree.

SIPMM Hosted the 2nd IFPSM Asia-Pacific Regional Conference
2nd Asia Pacific Regional Conference

SIPMM hosted the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference for a second time, and the event attracted huge turnout with active participation from the regional countries.

Academic Award Presentation at SIPMM Graduation in 1989
1989 SIPMM Graduation

SIPMM top students receiving their academic awards from Mr. Henry Heng, former Administrator of SDF Secretariat, who later became the first Chief Executive of Council for Private Education (CPE).

SIPMM Diploma Courses Launched
Business Law Class

SIPMM launched its own diploma with specialism in purchasing and materials management. The photo above shows a Business Law class conducted by the late Mr. S. Rajan, who was a district judge.

Pre-Launch Briefing Of SIPMM Diploma Courses with prospective students
1988 Diploma Prelaunch

SIPMM planned a launch of it own diploma courses with specialism in purchasing and materials management, as well as in logistics and supply chain management. Prospective students attending the Pre-Launch Briefing at SIPMM lecture room.

Strategic Collaboration with University of North London
University of North London MOU Signing

SIPMM collaborated with University of North London (formerly known as Polytechnic of North London) to conduct higher diploma courses that were awarded by the university. The photo above shows the MOU signing ceremony at SIPMM office in 1987 (Left: Mr Philip Price, the university representative and Prof. Poh from SIPMM).

Early Batch of SIPMM Graduates
Certificate Graduates

Photo of the graduating class of SIPMM Certificate in Purchasing Management. The success of its Certificate courses spurred SIPMM to explore diploma courses.

SIPMM Academic Board established
George Lee with Prof Poh

The founding members of SIPMM Academic Board (From left: Mr. George Regasamy from Singapore Airlines, Prof. Philip Poh and Prof. Lee Hsing Yi).

SIPMM Hosted the 1st IFPSM Asia-Pacific Regional Conference
First Asia Pacific Regional Conference

SIPMM hosted the first Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in Singapore, and initiated closer collaboration with institutes in the Asia-Pacific region.

SIPMM Co-Founded IFPSM, the World Body, and was elected to the Council
International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM)

SIPMM co-founded the world body, the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) and was elected to the Council.

SIPMM Founded in 17th March 1972
SIPMM Founded 1972

SIPMM was founded as a professional institute for the development of those engaged in purchasing, warehousing, logistics and supply chain management.

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