Singapore:Layout 1 14/1/10 20:19 Page 84
Regional Focus
maceutical and biotechnology companies have
invested in 30 commercial-scale facilities, where
some of their most innovative medicines are pro-
duced. More than 20 of these facilities are in com-
mercial production and have received zero major
observations from key international regulatory
bodies (eg European Medicines Agency and US
Food & Drug Administration).
Some of the key benefits of manufacturing in
Singapore include:
a71 Rapid set-up and export – Companies setting up
in Singapore can construct and validate a manu-
facturing plant within 24-36 months, given the
city-state’s quality manpower, world-class infra-
structure and reliable supporting services. In addi-
tion, Singapore has established a good track record
with regulatory authorities, as well as strong trade
linkages with major markets. Together with its
a71 Excellent connectivity – Singapore is well con- excellent logistics connectivity, companies can
nected with regional markets within a seven-hour quickly export and distribute their products to
flight radius. As a leading aviation hub in Asia, global markets.
Singapore’s Changi Airport serves more than 80 a71 Pro-business environment – Singapore is well-
international airlines, with more than 4,500 flights known for its business-friendly environment, with
each week, connecting to 200 cities in more than 60 its good corporate governance, clear and consistent
countries. Coupled with its world-class infrastruc- government guidelines and excellent IP protection.
ture, Singapore has been a location of choice for Singapore also offers a politically stable and
companies to host regional meetings and confer- favourable tax environment. This ease of doing
ences. Furthermore, Singapore is connected to an business is complemented by the country’s support
extensive network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), for the adoption of environmentally-friendly prac-
having concluded 19 FTAs that cover 60% of the tices and technologies in the manufacturing sector.
world’s GDP that include key markets such as a71 Quality manpower – Singapore offers a base of
China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New skilled local talent who are well-trained in science
Zealand and the European Free Trade Association. and mathematics. Singapore’s workforce is con-
a71 Ease of relocation – As the city that offers the sistently ranked the world’s best labour force
best quality of life in Asia (Mercer HR, 2009), it (BERI). Since the 1970s, the city-state has had
has been easy for companies to relocate some of zero man-days loss on strikes due to its tripartite
their most talented staff in Singapore. The city- system that brings together the government,
state provides a safe environment and a base of employers and unions to address manpower
renowned international schools (eg Tanglin Trust, issues harmoniously. Manpower costs remain
United World College) that cater to the needs of competitive with entry salaries for BEng gradu-
expats’ families. In a recent global expats survey ates pegged at US$1,500 each month for about 50
(HSBC, 2009), Singapore was ranked the world’s working hours each week.
fourth most attractive city. At the same time, a71 Industry’s partner in process development –
Singapore remains a cost-competitive location and Companies (eg GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis) are
is ranked 10th against other more expensive cities extending beyond commercial manufacturing into
in Asia (ECA International, 2009). process development. In addition to setting up their
own process development units, companies can also
Manufacturing innovative medicines partner our research institutes (eg Institute of
As global companies seek to manage their risks by Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Bioprocessing
diversifying the geography of their production Technology Institute) to optimise manufacturing
plants, Singapore presents a reliable manufacturing processes and the formulation of new products. The
site where they can effectively transfer technology, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology
efficiently scale-up manufacturing and ensure qual- has partnered companies to develop automation
ity control of their products. Today, leading phar- solutions to streamline operations.
84 Drug Discovery World Winter 2009/10
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