SINGAPORE
Brief Market Report on Biomedical, In Vitro Diagnostic,
Medical Services and Equipment, Telemedicine Sectors
in Singapore
APRIL 2014
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
Content Page
Subject
Page
1. Market Overview of Biomedical Sector in Singapore
3
2. Singapore Government Support and Initiatives
to Develop the Biomedical Sector in Singapore
5
a) Building of Key Plug-And-Play Infrastructure
to support the Development of the Biomedical Sector in Singapore
6
b) Industry Ready Workforce for the Biomedical Sector in Singapore
7
3. In Vitro Diagnostic
8
4. Medical Services and Equipment
9
5. Telemedicine
10
6. Biomedical Research Institutes to enhance the
BioMedical Research and Development (R&D) in Singapore
11
7. Upcoming Exhibitions for In Vitro Diagnostic,
Medical Services and Equipment Sectors in Singapore
15
8. Future Forecast of the Biomedical Sector in Singapore
16
9. Relevant Contacts for the Biomedical Sector in Singapore
18
10. Bibliography
19
2
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
1. Market Overview of Biomedical Sector in Singapore
In 2011, Singapore’s medical technology sector contributed about S$4.3 billion in
output and about 9,000 jobs.
Part of Singapore’s burgeoning biomedical sciences sector, the medical technology
industry almost tripled its manufacturing output from S$1.5 billion in the year 2000
to about S$4.3 billion in the year 2011. Over the same period, its manpower base
more than doubled from about 4,000 to 9,000. By the year 2015, the medical
technology sector targets to achieve S$5 billion in manufacturing output.
Riding the trend towards increased medical technology innovation in Asia to harness the
region’s opportunities, 30 global medical technology companies including Biosensors,
Becton Dickinson, Alcon and Hill-Rom—as well as local start-ups like HealthSTATS and
Veredus Laboratories—currently carry out Research and Development (R&D) in areas
such as technology and product development in Singapore.
Dedicated infrastructure such as the Medtech Hub, Biopolis and Tuas Biomedical Park
provide a plug-and-play environment for the bio-cluster community. In addition, medical
technology companies are able to tap on innovative ideas from partnerships with publicsector researchers and clinicians, advanced technologies provided by global industry
leaders and test-bedding infrastructure in hospitals.
Key factors that attract these medical technology companies to Singapore include the
support of an established electronics and precision engineering industry, availability of
contract manufacturing services, reverse logistics services and sterilisation services as
well as excellent integrated and value-added logistics services.
Singapore offers key engineering capabilities that enable medical technology companies
to engage in product re-engineering and scale up their manufacturing operations. The
strong base of high-quality, ISO13485-certified suppliers in Singapore’s medical
technology sector has extensive experience in working with medical technology MNCs,
adhering to strict standards of IP protection and regulatory requirements stipulated by US
FDA and European EMEA. Their capabilities include electronic product conception,
manufacturing and supply chain management; plastic components moulding; metal
forming and casting; ceramics; surface treatment; as well as cleansing, packaging and
sterilisation.
3
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
Singapore has also taken further steps to enhance R&D efforts by bringing in researchers
to conduct extensive fieldwork, with the city now home to more than 6,000 researchers
from across the globe. Mr Yoh-Chie Lu (Executive Chairman, Biosensors) and Dr. Eitan
Konstantino (President & CEO, TriReme Medical, Founder of Quattro Vascular) are
amongst the scientific leaders and entrepreneurs who have moved to Singapore to head
the city-state’s research institutes, consortia and laboratories, as well as build up a
sustainable start-up and venture ecosystem.
As a microcosm of Asia, Singapore provides an ideal base for companies to develop new
technologies and product innovations, test-bed new solutions and systems for the regional
and global market, as well as to nurture the growth of R&D and commercialisation
activities.
4
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
2. Singapore Government Support and Initiatives to Develop the
Biomedical Sector in Singapore
•
To facilitate and enhance partnerships between original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs) and suppliers, Singapore has established a number of platforms to ensure
that suppliers’ capabilities evolve to meet the needs of the industry which include:
1. EDB’s Partnerships for Capability Transformation (PACT) — which
subsumed the Local Industries Upgrading Programme — was initiated in 2010
to develop their competencies of locally based OEMs and suppliers to meet
manufacturing quality and certification requirements. The Singapore
Government committed S$250 million over a five-year period to help defray part
of the qualifying expenses for such partnerships.
2. Medical Technology Manufacturing Consortium, spearheaded by the
Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) — a publicly-funded
research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research
(A*STAR) — is a 26-member consortium formed in 2009 to reinforce local
industry capabilities and establish medical technology R&D platforms for
technology and knowledge transfer by exploiting the results of R&D
collaboration with the research institutes, value chain partners and MNCs. This
includes optics and fluid dynamics, new materials such as composites and
alloys, as well as advanced manufacturing processes comprising micro and
large format machining.
•
To encourage the formation of medical technology start-ups in Singapore, SPRING
Singapore launched the S$40 million Biomedical Sciences Accelerator (BSA)
Programme to support and nurture innovative companies. SPRING Seeds Capital will
be working with a local company, Clearbridge Accelerator, to co-fund the programme
as well as to identify, invest and grow young medical technology companies to help
bring their innovative ideas and technologies to the market.
•
The Singapore government remains committed to growing the medical
technology industry by investing in further research. In 2010, it was announced
that S$3.7 billion would be invested in biomedical sciences research for the
period 2011 to 2015. This is a 12 per cent increase over the investment made in the
previous 5 years, demonstrating that biomedical sciences R&D remains a priority in
Singapore’s long-term strategy to boost its economic competitiveness, achieve
sustained growth and establish the country as Asia’s innovation capital.
5
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
a) Building of Key Plug-And-Play Infrastructure to support the Development of the
Biomedical Sector in Singapore
Singapore is committed to invest in infrastructure to help medical technology companies
defray heavy capital investments and create flexibility in cost. The Medtech Hub is the first
specially built facility for the medical technology industry in Singapore and is set to host an
integrated ecosystem of local and international medical technology companies, such as
manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, and providing shared utilities. As the
medical technology industry is a highly regulated one, the Medtech Hub will provide
common sterilisation, shared corridor facilities and a warehousing facility that comply with
Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice guidelines. This will help
companies reduce costs and risks in manufacturing their products to meet the regulatory
requirements.
Most notably, the Biopolis at one-north is the premier research hub for Biomedical
Sciences, hosting key public and private biomedical research laboratories, institutes and
organisations. It anchors the development of the entire R&D value chain of life sciences,
encompassing basic drug discovery, clinical development and medical technology
research. By fostering a collaborative culture among scientists, technopreneurs and
researchers and providing access to state-of-the-art facilities, scientific infrastructure and
specialised services, the Biopolis allows companies to reduce R&D costs significantly and
accelerate the development timeline.
Strategically located next to the Biopolis, the Fusionopolis houses Singapore’s public
sector research institutes that specialise in physical sciences and engineering disciplines.
By promoting cross-disciplinary research with biomedical sciences companies and
research institutes, it helps to enhance Singapore’s capabilities in medical technology
innovation.
6
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
b) Industry Ready Workforce for the Biomedical Sector in Singapore
Singapore aims to build up an industry-ready workforce to meet the needs of companies
that require globally-oriented talent attuned to Asia’s healthcare needs. This requires
developing a pool of talent that is multi-disciplinary (engineering, regulatory science,
clinical) in nature and experience, and familiar with the company-specific medical device
development cycle.
Key programmes to address these needs include:
•
EDB’s Medical Technology IDEAS (Innovate, Design, Engineer for Asia in
Singapore): The programme enables multidisciplinary teams of engineers, Volatile
organic compounds (VOC) specialists and regulatory experts to gain valuable
knowledge through on-the-job training in companies’ global and Singapore-based
R&D facilities.
•
The Singapore-Stanford Biodesign Programme: EDB and A*STAR’s
collaboration with Stanford University, the programme is designed to meet the
region’s need for Asian medical device innovators familiar with Asia’s unique clinical
and market needs.
•
To date, Singapore’s medical technology manufacturing sector employs more
than 9,000 skilled workers in high-value and complex roles, and this number is
set to grow with more than 20,000 science and engineering graduates entering the
workforce from Singapore’s tertiary institutions each year. Companies can also
access a strong base of more than 300,000 skilled employees in related sectors
(e.g. pharmaceutical, electronics, engineering). At the same time, government
agencies such as the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the
Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) continue to work closely with industry
partners in enhancing manpower capabilities through customised training
programmes and skills upgrading schemes.
7
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
3. In Vitro Diagnostic
In Vitro Diagnostics is considered as one of the fastest growing segments of global
and Asian healthcare industry. The Asia Pacific In Vitro Diagnostic market has
enjoyed double digit growth over the past few years.
Technology and Public-Private Partnerships in Singapore
Companies can collaborate with scientists in Singapore’s public-sector research institutes
to work on developing new medical technology innovations and applications for in vitro
diagnostic. These institutes have established strong capabilities in various technologies
across multiple disciplines such as bio-imaging, cell biology, materials engineering,
microelectronics and nano-technology that can be translated into novel applications for life
science instruments and medical devices.
For example, the close collaboration between scientists from the Experimental
Therapeutics Centre (ETC) under A*STAR and clinicians from Tan Tock Seng Hospital
has enabled the successful development of the most comprehensive and rapid H5N1 bird
flu test kit available to date. With this highly advanced kit, doctors can now rapidly detect
all existing strains of the H5N1 viruses in a single test with almost 100% accuracy, within a
few hours. AITbiotech Pte Ltd, a regional provider of genomic services and molecular
diagnostics kits, has recently signed a licence agreement with Exploit Technologies, the
technology transfer arm of A*STAR, to market this H5N1 kit regionally.
An extension of its headquarters in North Carolina, USA, the BioVenture Centre in
Singapore engages in technology development for areas that include cellular and in-vitro
diagnostics for chronic conditions and diseases, as well as media for biologic therapies,
cells and tissues. This allows BioVenture Centre to maximise its contributions to new
ventures and customers.
8
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
4. Medical Services and Equipment
Singapore currently ranks sixth globally and first in Asia in medical tourism. 350,000
foreign patients travel to Singapore each year for medical care. One million patients
are treated annually in Singapore. Singapore medical expenditures increased from
US$5 billion in 2006 to US$9.7 billion in 2010. 38 per cent of medical products
purchased in Singapore are re-exported to rest of the Asia region.
Singapore’s medical device market is worth more than $200 million US dollars, and
many economists have predicted strong economic growth in Singapore. The latest
estimates indicate that Singapore will have the fastest growing economy in Asia
with a 12 per cent growth rate for the year 2010.
Singapore continues to grow as a regional hub for medical manufacturing.
According to Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), as part of
Singapore’s biomedical sciences sector, the medical technology industry doubled
its manufacturing output from S$1.5 billion in 2000 to about S$3 billion in 2008.
As Asia’s leading location for medical technology, Singapore is home to over 30
medical technology companies which have set up commercial-scale plants to
produce medical devices for the regional and global markets.
Singapore is a trusted base for companies to manufacture complex and high quality
instruments and medical devices for global markets. In 2012, Life Technologies
announced that it had set up a Global Instrument Centre of Excellence in Singapore,
which will design and manufacture including next-generation sequencing and molecular
diagnostic instruments. The company will also move the manufacture of Ion Torrent's
Personal Genome Machine to the Singapore centre, Life Technologies’ only internal
instrument manufacturing facility outside of the United States. Medtronic, the world’s
largest standalone medical devices manufacturer, also anchored its high value-added
manufacturing of cardiac devices and lead in Singapore. The company opened its first
pacemaker and leads manufacturing facility here in 2011, making the launch its first inAsia site manufacturing cardiac devices and lead.
In addition, all of the top 10 medical technology companies have their regional
headquarters in Singapore, from which to drive business expansion in Asia. Global
leaders that have set up manufacturing, R&D and headquarter functions in Singapore
include AB SCIEX, Baxter International, Becton Dickinson, BIOTRONIK, Hoya Surgical
Optics, Life Technologies, Medtronic and Siemens Medical Instruments.
9
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
A variety of medical products, ranging from syringes and catheters, to research
instruments and scientific analytical equipment, are manufactured in Singapore, including
10 per cent of the world’s contact lenses, over 70 per cent of the world’s microarrays, and
about half the world’s thermal cyclers and mass spectrometers.
In Singapore’s quest for encouraging the development of innovative medical technology
products, there have been several successful endeavours that have since taken off. One
example is the development of the world’s thinnest one-day disposable contact lens by
Japanese company Menicon. Called “Magic”, the innovation was developed in Singapore,
at the corporation’s first R&D and manufacturing facility outside Japan, with total
investments of S$123 million.
Through technological innovations in the form of medical devices, NUS’s Medical
Engineering Research and Commercialization Initiative (MERCI) aims to help patients by
bringing practical solutions to them. MERCI is led by a team of experienced doctors,
engineers and business professionals in the medical device industry. Central to the
initiative is the goal of developing cost-effective, innovative and clinically trial-able
solutions that would benefit the Singapore healthcare system based on a systematic and
low-risk operating model.
5. Telemedicine
Readiness for Tele Health Services in Singapore
As of now, more than 80 per cent of homes and offices in Singapore have existing
infrastructure, Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) in place
to have access to Tele Health Services such as High- definition video conferencing
solutions for remote consultations with doctor, where high internet bandwidth is required.
In collaboration with software giant Hewlett Packard, Singapore-based company
Healthstats also produced a wireless monitoring device to facilitate the monitoring of blood
pressure by patients and doctors.
To accelerate the commercialisation process, locally based companies can test-bed their
ideas in collaboration with local hospitals. For example, Excelpoint with the support of KK
Women's and Children's Hospital and several government agencies, developed a novel
breathoptics technology to monitor breathing cycles and detect abnormal breathing
patterns in newborn babies.
10
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
6. Biomedical Research Institutes to enhance the BioMedical Research
and Development (R&D) in Singapore
Over the past 20 years, Singapore has steadily built a strong foundation of basic and
clinical research through its biomedical research institutes under A*STAR which have
gained the regard of the global scientific community.
Bioinformatics Institute (BII)
30 Biopolis Street
#07-01 Matrix
Singapore 138671
Tel: (65) 6478 8298, Fax: (65) 6478 9048
Website: www.bii.a-star.edu.sg
Email: enquiry@bii.a-star.edu.sg
The Bioinformatics Institute (BII) was established as the computational biology research
and postgraduate training institute as well as a national resource centre in bioinformatics.
The BII focuses on theoretical approaches aimed at understanding biomolecular
mechanisms that underlie biological phenomena, the development of computational
methods to support this discovery process, and experimental verification of predicted
molecular and cellular functions of genes and proteins with biochemical methods.
Bioprocessing Technology Institute
20 Biopolis Way
#06-01 Centros
Singapore 138668
Tel: (65) 6478 8888, Fax: (65) 6478 9561
Website: www.bti.a-star.edu.sg
Email: admin@bti.a-star.edu.sg
The Bioprocessing Technology Institute’s (BTI) mission is to develop manpower
capabilities and establish cutting-edge technologies relevant to the bioprocess community.
Spearheading bioprocess R&D, the BTI has core expertise in expression engineering,
animal cell technology, stem cells, microbial fermentation, product characterisation,
downstream processing, purification and stability, with supporting proteomics and
microarray platform technologies. BTI, with its R&D and its GMP manufacturing
capabilities, bridges the gaps between discovery, process development and
commercialisation.
11
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
Genome Institute of Singapore
60 Biopolis Street
#02-01 Genome
Singapore 138672
Tel: (65) 6808 8000, Fax: (65) 6808 8292
Website: www.gis.a-star.edu.sg
Email: genome@gis.a-star.edu.sg
Established in June 2000, the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) is a national flagship
initiative with a global vision that seeks to use genomic sciences to improve public health
and prosperity. As a centre for genomic discovery, GIS pursues the integration of
technology, genetics, and biology towards the goal of individualised medicine. Its scientific
focus is to investigate post-sequence genomics; to understand the genetic architecture of
pan-Asian populations with emphasis on cancer biology, pharmacogenomics, stem cell
biology and infectious diseases.
Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
31 Biopolis Way
#04-01 Nanos
Singapore 138669
Tel: (65) 6824 7000, Fax: (65) 6478 9080
Website: www.ibn.a-star.edu.sg
Email: enquiry@ibn.a-star.edu.sg
The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) spearheads the advancement
of biomedical sciences in Singapore. Positioned at the interface of two frontiers of
engineering, IBN is focused on creating knowledge and cultivating talent to develop
technology platforms that will spur the growth of new industries.
Since 2003, the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) has carved out a
unique niche at the interface of bioengineering and nanotechnology with its impactful
research. IBN is helmed by Executive Director, Professor Jackie Ying, who was a
Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1992 2005). Under her direction, IBN conducts research at the cutting-edge of bioengineering
and nanotechnology. Its programs are geared towards linking multiple disciplines across
engineering, science and medicine to produce research breakthroughs that will improve
healthcare and our quality of life.
12
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
Research Capabilities
•
Drug and Gene Delivery
•
Cell and Tissue Engineering
•
Biosensors and Biodevices
•
Pharmaceuticals Synthesis and Nanobiotechnologies
Institute of Medical Biology
8A Biomedical Grove
#06-06 Immunos
Singapore 138648
Tel: (65) 6407 0150, Fax: (65) 6464 2049
Website: http://www.imb.a-star.edu.sg
Email: webmaster@imb.a-star.edu.sg
The Institute of Medical Biology (IMB) has a strategic, programme-directed portfolio of
research focused on issues at the critical interface between basic science and medicine. It
aims to facilitate the development of translational research by building bridges between
clinical and basic science.
IMB currently hosts research programmes concerned with different aspects of human
diseases. Programmes include the Singapore Onco-Genome project, Regenerative
Medicine, Papillomavirology, Epithelial Biology and the Lab of Stem Cell Biology from the
Singapore Stem Cell Consortium (SSCC). IMB helps scientists and clinicians work closely
together to support, inform and refine each other’s strengths and specialisations to
increase the efficiency of the translation process, and ultimately contribute towards a
better quality of life.
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
61 Biopolis Drive
Proteos
Singapore 138673
Tel: (65) 6586 9755, Fax: (65) 6779 1117
Website: www.imcb.a-star.edu.sg
Email: enquiry@imcb.a-star.edu.sg
The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) was established to help develop and
support biomedical R&D capabilities in Singapore. Today, IMCB has established itself as a
world-class research institute in biomedical sciences with research activities focusing on
six major fields: Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Structural Biology, Infectious
13
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
Diseases, Cancer Biology and Translational Research with core strengths in cell cycling,
cell signalling, cell death, cell motility and protein trafficking.
IMCB’s recent achievements include being part of an international consortium that
successfully sequenced the entire pufferfish (Fugu) genome—a world’s first. IMCB was
also awarded the Nikkei Prize 2000 for Technological Innovation, in recognition of its
growth into a leading international research centre and its collaboration with industry and
research institutes world-wide.
Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences
30 Medical Drive
Singapore 117609
Tel: (65) 6407 0100, Fax: (65) 6776 6840
Website: http://www.sics.a-star.edu.sg
Email: enquiry@sics.a-star.edu.sg
The Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS) mission is the development of
disease-oriented clinical and translational research programs in focused disease areas.
SICS is distinguished by its focus on clinical sciences and the use of innovative
approaches and technologies that enable the efficient and effective study of human health
and diseases. The institute aims to attract, train and nurture clinician-scientists and serve
as a critical bridge linking basic research undertaken by A*STAR Research Institutes and
clinical research programmes in Singapore’s public hospitals, disease centres and
universities.
14
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
7. Upcoming Exhibitions for In Vitro Diagnostic, Medical Services and
Equipment Sectors in Singapore
MEDLAB Asia Pacific
Date: 18 – 20 March 2015
Venue: Marina Bays Sands, Singapore
Website: http://www.medlabasia.com/en/Home/
Contact Person: Tom Coleman
Designation: Exhibition Director
Tel: +971 (0) 4 336 5161 Ext. 2508
Direct line: +971 (0) 4 407 2508
Fax: +971 (0) 4 336 4021
Email: tom.coleman@informa.com
The inaugural MEDLAB Asia Pacific was launched in February 2014 as part of the
MEDLAB series.
Now in its' second year, the exhibition will provide a platform for leading companies to
showcase current technologies and clever innovations in the field of laboratory and
diagnostics.
Held on 18-20 March 2015 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, this event will bring together
leading companies who will showcase today's products and innovations, which are part of
the key trends in disease state management.
Held alongside the exhibition, MEDLAB Asia Pacific will feature six individual scientific
conference tracks, which will provide unparalleled education and management solutions to
help labs excel.
With more than 50 expert speakers, healthcare professionals in attendance will be given
an opportunity to explore the current technology and science which is driving today's
diagnostics and patient care.
15
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
8. Future Forecast of the Biomedical Sector in Singapore
Between now to 2050, Asia’s ageing population is expected to dramatically increase
by 314 per cent — from 207 million to an eventual 857 million. Home to half of the
world’s population, Asia presents new growth opportunities with an ever-rising ageing
population and burgeoning middle-class.
It is forecasted that Asia’s healthcare market will grow from US$246 billion in 2009
to US$349 billion in 2012, presenting a prime market to tap into.
An ageing population, a prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing affluence of its
middle class have collectively led to an increase in demand for high quality medical
technology products. This naturally presents tremendous opportunities for global medical
technology companies to extend their presence here in Asia and address the healthcare
needs of in this region.
As global medical technology companies seek to navigate the diversity and complexities of
Asia’s regulatory landscape and clinical needs, Singapore will play a key role in being
Asia’s gateway. Besides having talent access in the region, companies can also rely on a
stable pro-business, pro-innovation environment that will help drive both innovation and
top-line growth in Asia.
For medical technology companies seeking entry to regional markets, Singapore’s probusiness stance makes it easy to commence operations within a short time frame. It takes
15 minutes to register a business online, three to six weeks to receive approval for clinical
trials, and 24 to 36 months for a manufacturing facility to be operational.
To nurture a pro-innovation environment for both local medical technology companies and
the growing number of international arrivals, Singapore is strong on both ‘soft’ and ‘hard’
infrastructure. The former includes the nation’s protection and enforcement of intellectual
property rights, core capabilities in science and engineering, and its base of voice-ofcustomer and regulatory specialists. The latter includes the Biopolis and Fusionopolis —
key purpose-built research campuses that co-locate corporate labs with public-sector
research institutes to facilitate private-public partnerships and entrepreneurial networks,
which go on to seed new innovation.
16
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
Singapore is committed to being the “Biopolis of Asia”, a leading international biomedical
sciences cluster. The government has so far invested over S$5 billion in building up
industrial, human and intellectual capital in this area, and seeks to develop the sector ever
further. With the region’s healthcare needs yet to be fully met, medical technology
companies can look forward to more growth opportunities to enhance their economic
presence
17
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
9. Relevant Contacts for the Biomedical Sector in Singapore
1) SPRING Singapore
Address: 1 Fusionopolis Walk, #01-02 South Tower, Solaris, Singapore 138628
Contact Person: Mr Tan Yee Teck
Designation: Head of Biomedical Services, Healthcare Services & International
Partnership Office, Europe
Tel: +65 6279 3101 | Mobile: +65 9638 8983 | Fax: +65 6659 0641|
Email: TAN_Yee_Teck@spring.gov.sg
Website: www.spring.gov.sg
SPRING Singapore is an agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry responsible for
helping Singapore enterprises grow and building trust in Singapore products and services.
As the enterprise development agency, SPRING works with partners to help enterprises in
financing, capability and management development, technology and innovation, and
access to markets. As the national standards and accreditation body, SPRING develops
and promotes an internationally-recognised standards and quality assurance
infrastructure. SPRING also oversees the safety of general consumer goods in Singapore.
2) Agency For Science, Technology And Research (A*STAR)
Address: 1 Fusionopolis Way, #20-10 Connexis North Tower, Singapore 138632
Tel: +65 6826 6111 | Fax: +65 6777 1711
Email: contact@a-star.edu.sg
Website: www.a-star.edu.sg
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the lead agency for
fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and
innovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical
sciences and engineering research entities, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis as well as
their immediate vicinity.
A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and
industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research in the
universities, hospitals, research centres, and with other local and international partners.
18
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002
10. Bibliography
Economics Development Board (EDB), 4 April 2014, Future Ready Singapore: Medical
Technology
Website: http://www.edb.gov.sg/content/edb/en/industries/industries/medtech.html
IDA Singapore, 12 April 2012, Enabling Ageing-In-Place through TeleHealth
Website:https://www.ida.gov.sg/~/media/Files/Archive/Collaboration%20Opportunities/Coll
aboration%20Opportunities_Level2/20120326114308/Public_Briefing.pdf
Medlab Asia Pacific, About Singapore
Website: http://www.medlabasia.com/en/Overview/AboutSingapore/
19
Singapore Office
6 Temasek Boulevard, #07-03, Suntec Tower Four
Singapore 038986 - Singapore
Tel: +65-6820 3180 Fax: +65-6333 8058
Email: singapore@ice.it
Website: www.italtrade.com/singapore
ICE Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero
Via Liszt 21, 00144 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39-06 59921 Fax: +36-06-89280332
Website: www.ice.gov.it
Cod. Fisc. 80069170589 Part. Iva 02120151002