$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.

The award will offer students financial support and early industry exposure to drive interest and build industry-ready expertise, BMAC said.

Each award recipient will get a one-time cash award of between $3,000 to $5,000; priority placement for internship opportunities with participating BMAC companies in their final year of study; and, opportunities to participate in exclusive BMAC-organised activities such as fireside chats and site tours.

According to the council, some 1,000 students from ITE, and all the polytechnics are expected to benefit from the award over the next five years.

EDB's senior vice-president Goh Wan Yee, who is one of two co-chairs of the BMAC, highlighted that the biopharmaceutical industry is a key pillar of Singapore's economy that offers meaningful job opportunities and career pathways for Singaporeans.

"The BMAC Study Award represents a combined commitment from the industry and our educational institutions to develop the next generation of local biopharmaceutical talent. We hope the award encourages more young Singaporeans to join the industry and shape the future of biomedical sciences from Singapore."

Sanofi Singapore's site head Koh Liang Hong, who also co-chairs the BMAC, said the industry-led study award reflects its collective commitment to develop Singapore's next generation of pharmaceutical talent.

"As the needs and demands of the biopharmaceutical industry evolve, so will the type of skillsets needed to support the industry’s continued growth."

Applications for the study award will open in 2027 to year 2 students enrolled in eligible diploma/Higher Nitec biomedical-related courses at the polytechnics and ITE.

新加坡的生物制药行业，以当地领先的跨国公司为首，启动了一项 480 万美元的研究奖励计划，以加强其制造人才储备。

生物制药制造商咨询委员会（BMAC）于周四（10 月 22 日）表示，该计划将支持理工学院和工艺教育学院（ITE）学习生物医学科学相关课程的学生，帮助他们追求在生物制药制造领域的长期职业生涯。

该理事会是由 21 家在新加坡开展业务的公司组成的联盟，其中包括 Abbott、Alcon、AstraZeneca、MSD、Pfizer、Sanofi 和 ThermoFisherScientific 等领先的生物制药跨国公司。

新加坡经济发展局 (EDB) 的数据显示，生物制药和医疗技术行业约占新加坡国内生产总值 (GDP) 的 1.9%。

目前，该公司在全国拥有 60 多家制造工厂、30 多个研发中心和 80 多个区域总部，雇佣员工超过 9300 人。

BMAC表示，该奖项将为学生提供经济支持和早期行业接触机会，以激发他们的兴趣并培养他们具备行业所需的专业技能。

每位获奖者将获得一次性现金奖励 3,000 至 5,000 美元；在最后一年的学习中，优先获得参与 BMAC 项目的公司的实习机会；以及参加 BMAC 组织的专属活动（如炉边谈话和实地考察）的机会。

据理事会称，预计未来五年内，ITE 和所有理工学院将有约 1000 名学生受益于该奖项。

新加坡经济发展局高级副总裁吴婉仪是生物制药咨询委员会的两位联席主席之一，她强调生物制药行业是新加坡经济的重要支柱，为新加坡人提供了有意义的就业机会和职业发展道路。

“BMAC学习奖体现了业界和教育机构共同致力于培养下一代本地生物制药人才的承诺。我们希望该奖项能够鼓励更多新加坡年轻人加入生物制药行业，共同塑造新加坡生物医学的未来。”

赛诺菲新加坡公司负责人许良鸿（同时也是BMAC的联合主席）表示，这项由行业主导的研究奖项体现了他们共同致力于培养新加坡下一代医药人才的承诺。

“随着生物制药行业的需求不断变化，支持该行业持续发展所需的技能类型也会随之改变。”

该学习奖学金的申请将于 2027 年向理工学院和工艺教育学院 (ITE) 符合条件的生物医学相关文凭/高级技师文凭课程的二年级学生开放。