$4.8m study award launched for poly, ITE students pursuing biomedical sciences courses

Singapore's biopharmaceutical industry, spearheaded by its leading multinational companies (MNCs) here, has launched a $4.8 million study award to strengthen its manufacturing talent pipeline.The Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers' Advisory Council (BMAC) said on Thursday (Oct 22) that the initiative will support polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students studying biomedical sciences-related courses as they pursue long-term careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.The council is an alliance comprising 21 companies with operations in Singapore, including leading biopharmaceutical MNCs such as Abbott, Alcon, AstraZeneca, MSD, Pfizer, Sanofi, and ThermoFisherScientific.Data from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) shows that the biopharmaceutical and medical technology sector contributes about 1.9 per cent of Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP).There are now more than 60 manufacturing plants, over 30 research and development centres, and more than 80 regional headquarters operating in the country — employing more than 9,300 workers.