Speech at Memorandum of Cooperation Signing for the Biomedical Manufacturing Implementation Committee

Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade , Industry and Manpower, Hall, Singapore Polytechnic

Mr. Tan Hang Cheong,
Principal, Singapore Polytechnic

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Introduction

Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you today for the inking of the Memorandum of Cooperation for the Biomedical Manufacturing Implementation Committee (BMIC).

2.   The Memorandum of Cooperation marks an important step towards the upgrading of skills of our workforce in the biologics manufacturing industry.  Singapore is a leading site in Asia for biologics manufacturing. Companies such as Baxter, GSK Biologicals, Lonza and Roche have invested about US$2 billion altogether in six major projects. These plants are expected to be operational in the coming few years and will employ more than 1,000 skilled engineers and technicians.

Continuing Education and Training (CET) − A key enabler for industry growth

3.   To help meet the manpower needs for this growth, I am pleased that the Biomedical Manufacturing Implementation Committee (BMIC), together with key industry players and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), have joined hands to develop and deliver cutting-edge Continuing Education and Training (CET) to the Biomedical Manufacturing Industry. 

4.   This effort will leverage on strong technical and training capabilities of the partner organisations within the BMIC, namely Singapore Polytechnic, Millipore Singapore and DPS Engineering.  Unlike traditional modes of training where a single training provider owns the facilities, develops the curriculum and delivers the training, BMIC combines the expertise of all three partners to deliver a suite of training that is not available today. 

5.   Each party in this unique alliance will play a crucial role.   DPS specialises in training relating to the compliance and validation of Biomedical Manufacturing facilities.  Millipore delivers Bioprocess training that equips trainees with generic skills that can be applied to any workplace scenario.

6.   As for Singapore Polytechnic (SP), it offers to share its resources and expensive equipment in the  Biologics Manufacturing Training Centre with the trainers and trainees. SP teaching staff also bring with them many years of teaching and industry experience, while the polytechnic constantly develops new training programmes to meet industry needs.

WSQ for building new capabilities

7.   What is the outcome of this collaboration?  The BMIC collaboration has made possible two new important qualifications for the industry − the WSQ Higher Certificate in Process Technology (Biologics Manufacturing) and the WSQ Higher Certificate in Process Technology (Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing). 

8.   Companies can tap on the WSQ Higher Certificate in Process Technology (Biologics Manufacturing) to develop their staff to take on roles as Biologics Operators and QA Specialists.  Those who graduate from the WSQ Higher Certificate in Process Technology (Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing) will be able to serve as Validation Specialists and QC Specialists.

9.   Moving forward, WDA will be developing programmes to further other capabilities, such as those for the emerging Clinical Research Trials segment.

Expanding CET facilities

10.   At this juncture, I would also like to commend Singapore Polytechnic on its commitment to CET.  As Mr Tan mentioned earlier, I had the opportunity of formally opening Singapore Polytechnic’s Professional & Adult Continuing Education or PACE Academy.

11.   This multi-disciplinary training academy addresses the diverse training needs of adult workers by offering not just the WSQ courses in Pharmaceuticals & Biologics Manufacturing that we see today, but also in other technology areas such as Aerospace, Environmental Technology and Precision Engineering.   In addition, it also offers other programmes leading to professional certification and customised courses catering to the specific needs of employers and workers. 

12.   Mr Tan had earlier shared PACE Academy’s success in training about 39,000 participants over 1,000 course runs in the academic year 2009/2010. I also understand that to date, it has delivered a total of 6,152 WSQ Statements of Attainment. I am pleased to note the direction it is taking in support of the CET Master Plan.  I look forward to the Academy playing an even greater role in CET in the years ahead. 

Conclusion

13.   Today, with the formalisation of the strategic alliance of the Biomedical Manufacturing Implementation Committee, we are taking another positive step in deepening the talent pool of a skilled workforce for the Biomedical Manufacturing Industry.  I would strongly encourage the industry to leverage this excellent initiative to build capabilities and skills.  With more competitive enterprises and a skilled workforce, Singapore will continue to be the premier choice and ideal location for Biomedical Manufacturing.

14.   Thank you.