“Data” is the new oil and “AI” is the new electricity, the application of emerging technologies is impacting individual and all industries in the coming decades. Next phase of contextual data can only achieve by deploying more sensors and the development of robust industrial IoT. The convergent of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) is another emerging challenge faced by many end-users and is one of the critical success factors for a return of investments in both existing and new manufacturing plants. Standardization, security, privacy are majors issues need to address in the coming decade. Singapore is taking a practical approach to ensure we will be at the forefront of the adoption of these technologies by developing our version of advanced manufacturing assessment tool i.e. The Singapore Smart Industry Readiness Index (SSIRI) to guide the SMEs coupled with the SkillFuture framework to upskill and reskill our workforce. Colin will share his experience of involving in industrial automation since early 80’s and his thoughts of the Forth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in his presentation.