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BioMedical Asia 2008 attracts over 1,000 experts
The highlight of BioMedical Asia 2008 was six conferences centered on bio
manufacturing, therapeutics, licensing, investments, informatics and logistics.
Singapore's annual biomecal event "BioMedical Asia
2008" is one of the widely attended events in Asia.
The latest edition of the event saw participation from over
1,000 business and scientific leaders from Asia and around the world. The
attendees included 200 international expert speakers and panelists representing
the most influential companies, venture capitalists and research institutes from
Asia Pacific, Europe and the US.
Over 600 delegates, including over 30 venture capitalists
such as Novartis Venture Fund, Lilly Asian Ventures, Coastview Capital and JAIC
Asia Capital with a combined total fund value of more than $12 billion took part
in the event.
| Since the year 2000, when the biomedical
sciences initiative was launched in the island country, manufacturing
output has expanded four-fold from $4.64 billion (S$6.3 billion) to
$17.67 billion (S$24 billion) in 2007 at a compounded annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 21 percent. Value-added also increased by more than threefold
from $2.80 billion (S$3.8 billion) in 2000 to exceed $9.57 billion (S$13
billion) in 2007. Employment doubled from 5,880 to more than 11,500 over
the same period. |
The highlight of BioMedical Asia 2008 was six conferences
centered on bio manufacturing, therapeutics, licensing, investments, informatics
and logistics. The two-day event also saw two industry summits on contract
manufacturing and clinical partnering, five pre and post-event master classes,
and exhibitions by the world's top biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
During the plenary session, Gordon Binder of Coastview
Capital, Prof. Philippe Kourilsky of College de France and Dr Ansbert Gadicke of
MPM Capital, discussed the market trends and drivers of the biomedical industry
while crystal gazing on the future growth, emerging biomedical innovation from
Asia and its impact, as well as the evolution of the global biotech capital
market and how Asia fits into the equation.
Meanwhile Singapore's growth in life sciences seems to be
on upswing. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) says it brought in
$686 million (S$932 million) of investments in fixed assets and $180 million
(S$245 million) in total business spending for the biomedical sciences industry
in 2007. This strong wave of investments points to an expanding base of
manufacturing and research activities for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical,
medical technology and healthcare sectors in Singapore.
Investments in 2007 will lead to creation of over 1,700 jobs
when fully realized. Over the next few years, biomedical sciences announcements
and expansions will contribute more than 5,000 positions for engineers,
scientists, technicians and corporate executives across manufacturing and
R&D facilities.
The next edition of BioMedical Asia is scheduled from March 16-19, 2009 at
Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Center.
BioMedical Asia 2008 Highlights
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Sartorius Stedim opens support center in Singapore
European biotech equipment maker Sartorius Stedim
Biotech has set up a technical support center at Temasek Polytechnic in
Singapore.
The center offers a pilot plant station as well as
specific training courses and seminars covering theoretical principles
and process optimization. Sartorius is expected to use this new
Technical Support Center to help its major customers in the
biopharmaceuticals industry in relocating production to Singapore and to
provide onsite technical support. The new center will play a key role in
transferring the customers' processes from their development centers
to their new production sites.
In order to create and test efficient processes, the
Technical Support Center has been furnished with ultra-modern equipment.
TNT reports eight-fold increase in Singapore
Dutch courier giant TNT Express' Singapore
healthcare business has grown eight-fold. The company currently
dominates over 60 percent of the outsourced R&D logistics for the
life science industry and its healthcare business grew by 68 percent
last year, making it the fastest growth sector for the international
express integrator in Singapore. The growth is most pronounced in
specialist sectors such as Clinical Express.
In addition to its tailored distribution centers, TNT's
continued focus on networks ensures that it retains a leading position
in the healthcare sector in the region. Last week, TNT announced it will
invest €100 million (estimated S$215 million) over the coming five
years to strengthen its network coverage, connectivity and
infrastructure.
Singapore's TTN goes global
The Technology Transfer Network (TTN), founded by
Exploit-Technologies of A*STAR with other technical training institutes
in Singapore has joined hands with the Office of Technology Alliances of
the University of California, Irvine (UCI).
As an Affiliate Member, the UCI Office of Technology
Alliances will be able to participate in enhanced collaboration with the
network of TTN members to share best practices, leverage expertise and
resources, and collaborate on networking opportunities to enhance
technology transfer to the industry globally.
The core activities of the TTN include collaboration on IP cluster
mapping, training and certification of TTO professionals, joint
marketing and events, technology advisory services, industry
collaboration and regular dialogue, and sharing of best practices. |
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