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Singapore Investment News
Singapore’s Urban Solutions for Cities of the Future
June 2010

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Photo courtesy of Audi Fashion Festival

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Cover picture courtesy of JTC Corporation

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Contents
02 BUSINESS BRIEFS 04 REPORT 15 PROFILE
Strategic partnerships fuel strong growth in biomedical sciences Global biomedical companies partner Singapore to address the global industry's challenges and capitalise on Asia's growth. Banking on innovation Vyomesh Joshi’s confidence in Singapore as an innovation hub was instrumental to the growth of Hewlett-Packard in the Republic.

16 PROFILE

06 REPORT

Hewlett-Packard opens new cutting-edge lab in Singapore The IT giant significantly makes its presence felt in research and development via the opening of its newest high-tech facility.

A manufacturing success Mr John K Woodworth sees that Singapore’s bedrock is still going to be manufacturing and R&D – and 3M is leading the way.

17 PROFILE

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Global spot for biomedical manufacturing Dr Patrick Y Yang’s contributions have placed Singapore on the global map for pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing.

Singapore’s urban solutions for cities of the future In light of unprecedented growth and rapid urbanisation in Asia, the Republic leads the way with sustainable and innovative urban solutions.

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Singapore confers top honours to outstanding business leaders Four executives of multinational companies were awarded the Public Service Star and Public Service Medals for their contributions toward Singapore’s economy.

Singapore puts itself on the fashion map through the Asia Fashion Exchange From grooming Asian up-and-coming design talent to putting Singapore fashion on the international stage and creating an exchange platform for fashion industry players from East and West, Singapore is making its mark as a major player in the global fashion arena.

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The human factor The recipient of the Distinguished Friends of Singapore Public Service Star is a man dedicated to promoting Asian talent.

Business Briefs

Global Entrepolis @ Singapore 2010 to highlight global trends with Asian perspective

QuEST Global Engineering awarded International Headquarters status

With QuEST’s IHQ status, the company is poised for further business growth GES 2010 will provide insightful views from respected business leaders

The Global Entrepolis @ Singapore (GES) is back for its seventh successful run this year, and will be held on 6-8 October at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore. This premier international summit on business leadership and global trends offers CEOs riveting and thoughtprovoking analysis on the region’s current business issues, as well as a look at upcoming trends in the new decade. GES 2010 will help business leaders understand how they can benefit from the constant growth in Asia. The discussion at the summit will also give participants important insights into the rise of Asian businesses in a burgeoning global economy. The summit is a good platform for businesses to come together and provides healthy opportunities for business ventures and partnerships by bridging trade barriers. The summit, presented by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), has been graced by outstanding speakers in the past like Scott Davies, Chairman and CEO, UPS, and Jack Ma, Chairman and CEO, Alibaba Group. This year's participants can expect an equally distinguished panel of speakers. �
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On 1 April, QuEST Global Engineering, an India-based engineering and testing solutions specialist, announced it will be setting up its international headquarters in Singapore. The company is a leading provider of outsourced engineering and testing services for various industries such as aerospace, consumer products and oil and gas. Many of its major customers such as RollsRoyce, Pratt & Whitney, General Electric and Honeywell also operate in the country. Aerospace activities account for a third of QuEST’s business and Singapore’s reputation as a leader in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) makes it the perfect location to set up its international headquarters. QuEST will be consolidating its global operations and ownership of entities in Singapore. It will also be setting up a 60-member team in the Republic to run the company’s operations. This is a significant move for QuEST, which reinforces Singapore’s attractiveness as a home for companies to manage and drive their global business growth. Speaking on this momentous occasion, QuEST Global Engineering, CEO and Co-Founder, Ajit Prabhu said, “We will be looking at setting up key engineering centres of excellence at our Singapore Headquarters in the coming years.” �

ESI sets up first manufacturing and servicing plant in Asia

Cargotec sets up regional logistics hub in the Republic

Lim Hwee Hua, Singapore’s Second Minister for Finance and Transport, officially opens Cargotec’s brand new facility Nicholas Konidaris, President & CEO, ESI and Anna Chan, Assistant Managing Director, EDB, officially open ESI’s new Singapore plant

On 12 March, US firm Electro Scientific Industries (ESI) opened its first Asian manufacturing and servicing plant in Singapore, the first outside the United States. The industry leader in semiconductor yield enhancement equipment and passive component testers chose the Republic because of its strong logistics capabilities, sound business environment and great pool of talent. This new plant, located at the Kaki Bukit industrial hub, will support ESI’s Asian micro-machining and passive components customers. The new facility is able to serve its 80 per cent customer base which is located around the region. At the facility’s opening ceremony, Anna Chan, Assistant Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), said, “We believe that ESI made the right decision in choosing Singapore, as this operation will provide the company with an excellent perch to participate even more closely in the Asian market. While recognising ESI’s significant manufacturing investment in Singapore, we would also like to encourage ESI to leverage on Singapore as a strategic home base for growth in Asia through activities in strategic business management, manufacturing control towers as well as research and development.” �

Cargotec, a Finnish cargo-handling solutions provider, recently opened a facility in Singapore to serve as the company’s regional logistics hub. The facility reinforces Cargotec’s growth in Asia Pacific. The 17,721-square-metre facility is located at the Tukang Innovation Park and is reported to cost US$14 million (S$19.5 million). Cargotec’s total investments in the country since last year has amounted to US$28.6 million (S$40 million), which includes the upgrading of its manufacturing and assembly plant for their maritime transportation and offshore brand MacGregor in Tuas. Currently, the region makes up 36 per cent of Cargotec’s total operations and accounts for more than US$1.3 billion (S$1.8 billion) in annual sales. According to Mikael Makinen, President and CEO, Cargotec, the Singapore facility will bring together the various business areas of the company, allowing it to derive greater cost-efficiencies and effectiveness with shared services and use of resources. At the facility’s opening, Lim Hwee Hua, Singapore’s Second Minister for Finance and Transport, said, “As industry leaders such as Cargotec continue to establish and augment their activities here, we will generate buzz that helps attract other related businesses to Singapore.” �

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Report

Strategic partnerships fuel strong growth in biomedical sciences
Global biomedical companies partner Singapore to address the global industry's challenges and capitalise on Asia's growth.

Julian Ho, Assistant Managing Director, EDB (right) and Beh Kian Teik, Director, Biomedical Sciences, EDB (left) sharing key developments in Singapore’s biomedical sciences sector for the year 2009

Despite a difficult year in 2009, global biomedical sciences companies forged stronger alliances with Singapore to tackle the industry’s challenges while harnessing Asia’s growing opportunities. In this regard, Singapore’s biomedical manufacturing output continued to grow steadily to about S$21 billion ($15 billion) and employed more than 13,000 people in the year 2009. In addition, biomedical sciences investments in the same year amounted to S$1.2 billion ($857.3 million) in total fixed asset investment and S$700 million ($500.1 million) in total business spending. When fully implemented, they will create more than 1,600 jobs for professionals, managers,
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engineers, research scientists and engineers, and skilled workers. The investments will also contribute S$1.3 billion ($928.7 million) in value-added per annum. “The global biomedical sciences industry is confronted with the need to improve R&D productivity. At the same time, they need to navigate Asia’s complexities and diversity to effectively tap into the region’s fast-growing markets. As Asia’s leading bio-cluster, Singapore is well-positioned to help biomedical sciences companies accelerate their innovation and capitalise on Asia’s growth story,” said Mr Julian Ho, Assistant Managing Director, EDB.

In 2009, global biomedical sciences companies have located strategic functions in Singapore that include regional headquarters (e.g. Medtronic, Quintiles, Takeda), first-in-Asia and global manufacturing facilities (e.g. GlaxoSmithKline, Illumina, Lonza, Medtronic, ResMed, Roche) and R&D bases in Asia (e.g. Abbott, 3M, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Inviragen, FORMA). These investments will strengthen Singapore’s position as a strategic home-base to drive biomedical sciences companies’ business expansion and innovation in Asia. Accelerating Innovation in Asia Singapore presents key advantages for companies that seek to address the impending patent cliff and develop innovative medical devices for Asia. Leading companies (e.g. AstraZeneca, Bayer, Lilly, Roche) are partnering Singapore’s nationwide research network that integrates the country’s multidisciplinary capabilities in basic and translational research. In addition, medical technology companies (e.g. 3M, AB Sciex, Hill-Rom, Welch Allyn) are tapping into Singapore’s scientific and engineering capabilities to carry out value engineering and develop cost-effective products that can address Asia’s healthcare needs. Singapore has built up a substantial base in biomedical R&D, with more than 4,300 researchers carrying out biomedical sciences R&D in 50 companies and 30 publicsector institutes that expend more than S$1 billion ($714.4 million) each year in R&D. In 2010, the Biopolis, Singapore’s key biomedical research hub that co-locates public-sector institutes with corporate labs to facilitate public-private partnerships, is slated for a 460,000

square-feet expansion, which will bring its total research space to more than 3 million square feet. Key Base to Expand Footprint in Asia As companies seek to expand their footprint in Asia to tap into the region’s fast-growing healthcare markets, Singapore emerges a key beach-head site for both global companies and Asian enterprises. In 2009, leading Japanese pharmaceutical company, Takeda, opened its new regional headquarters that will work with its regional clinical trial coordination centre and R&D centre in Singapore to drive both business expansion and innovation in Asia. In addition, global medical technology leader, Medtronic, will manage its international operations from its newly opened regional and international headquarters in Singapore, where it will also build its first-in-Asia cardiac device global manufacturing facility. Core Site of Manufacturing Excellence in Asia Singapore is committed to be in time for the future and is working with companies to create value, especially as biomedical sciences companies seek to optimise their global manufacturing operations while harnessing Asia’s fast-growing markets. These partnerships include EDB’s collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline to build up capabilities and develop solutions in sustainable manufacturing, and local suppliers’ partnerships with MNCs to enhance their capabilities under EDB’s new Partnerships for Capability Transformation (PACT) programme. Nurturing Asia-Ready Talent Besides building up capabilities in new growth areas, talent development is another key initiative to achieve top-line growth. EDB continues to partner leading biomedical sciences companies to train Singaporeans in their cutting-edge global manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Europe. In R&D, EDB partnered A*STAR and Stanford University in January 2010 to launch the Singapore-Stanford Biodesign Program that will nurture the next generation of medical device innovators in Asia. In April 2010, EDB launched a complementary Medtech IDEAS (Medtech Innovate, Design, Engineer for Asia in Singapore) programme in partnership with medical technology companies to train multidisciplinary teams of engineers, voice-of-customer specialists and regulatory experts in companies’ headquartered facilities and Singapore-based R&D labs. These initiatives will build up a base of Asia-ready talent who can help companies to effectively harness Asia’s fast-growing opportunities. �
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“As Asia’s leading bio-cluster, Singapore is well-positioned to help biomedical sciences companies accelerate their innovation and capitalise on Asia’s growth story.”
– said Mr Julian Ho, Assistant Managing Director, EDB

Report

Hewlett-Packard opens new cutting-edge lab in Singapore
The IT giant significantly makes its presence felt in research and development via the opening of its newest high-tech facility.

Minister Lim Hng Kiang looks at a demo during the opening of HP Lab Singapore

In a move that could be heralded as a game-changer in the fields of research and development (R&D) and information technology, Hewlett-Packard (HP) opened a new cutting-edge laboratory in Singapore in February this year, just days after the Singapore government announced that R&D would be a major component in the 2010 budget. HP is infusing US$35.6 million (S$50 million) over the next five years into the 7,000-square-foot facility in Fusionopolis, one of Singapore’s R&D hubs.
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Up in the Clouds HP Lab Singapore, like other HP labs, is designed to foster innovation by looking five and 10 years into the future. Such a goal dovetails with the Singapore government’s aim to make the island an innovation hub. At present, HP Lab Singapore is looking at less mainstream projects like cloud computing technology and other projects as the next big thing. The lab will also conduct R&D on data centre and application design principles that will explore how tomorrow’s design principles will be met.

Cloud computing essentially allows organisations to share technologies openly via the Internet. It has a lot of potential and HP stands to gain by looking into the nascent technology this early. For instance, industry analysts say that the global market for cloud computing services is estimated to increase to US$150 billion (S$211 billion) by 2013. Cloud computing made its presence felt in Singapore last year when the Ministry of Education adopted Google’s cloud-based applications. The Singapore lab is one of three HP Labs – the other two in Palo Alto in the United States and Bristol, United Kingdom – that is working on the Cirious platform, which is HP’s principal cloud software platform. The goal of Cirious is to enable providers to have a platform to develop, host and manage their services from the cloud, as well as integrate them with various services from other providers. Aside from this, Cirious will also explore how future cloud computing needs will be met and determine what an ideal cloud centre looks like. The Singapore lab will also support a number of cloud initiatives already in the pipeline such as the OpenCirrus Project, a collaboration between HP, Intel and Yahoo!, which provides an open-source test bed for cloud-computing research. Though still in its infancy, it is only a matter of time before cloud computing will become the template by which technology is transferred. With the global market for cloud computing widening, this technology could potentially radically shift the way companies obtain software and computer capabilities.

An Open Innovation Approach One of the main goals of the laboratory is to hasten the pace of technology transfer between the government, the academe, and HP. HP Labs Singapore will benefit from a close collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), HP and various other institutions. Aside from this, HP Labs Singapore will also open dialogues with customers across Asia Pacific to promote co-innovation and to showcase new technologies, as well as pay attention to customer feedback. Future plans for the laboratory include partnerships with the government on various projects. By collaborating with various institutions as well as pushing its research, HP is helping to bring about new business opportunities and immense business benefits. In fact, the very nature of cloud computing – collaborative and non-restrictive – makes it the ideal technology for small and medium enterprises that may not have the wherewithal for a full IT system. The technology is also a good lure for multinational corporations, as well as other firms within the region to set up shop here, given the dynamic R&D environment. Already, the new facility joins a growing list of corporate labs that have chosen to be based here, such as Nitto Denko, Vestas and Seiko Instruments. For such advanced technology, HP decided to situate the laboratory here because of its long history with Singapore, and also because the Republic is the most open to trade and investment in the region and its economy is one of the most competitive, making it ideal for R&D. Singapore also serves as the regional hub for many of HP’s biggest accounts, making it easy for the company to extend its philosophy of open innovation. A Nesting Ground for Top Talent Aside from cutting-edge technology, HP Labs Singapore will also make use of something that Singapore has an abundance of – a growing pool of topnotch engineering talent, which HP was said to have considered when it decided to open the laboratory here. In fact, Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry, remarked during the opening ceremony that HP’s decision to base its lab here is yet another endorsement of the country’s attractiveness as an R&D location. The country boasts a strong intellectual property policy, a ready pool of scientific and research talent and a topnotch system of universities and research institutes that could contribute to the work that HP is doing. All these make the country an ideal host for innovation and knowledgesensitive activities, Lim said. �

HP’s decision to base its lab here is yet another endorsement of the country’s attractiveness as an R&D location.

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Feature

Singapore’s urban solutions for cities of the future
In light of unprecedented growth and rapid urbanisation in Asia, the Republic leads the way with sustainable and innovative urban solutions.

Photo courtesy of LTA

As a resource-constrained city-state, Singapore is continually evaluating innovative solutions to meet its national needs. Backed by a progressive leadership, Singapore has created resource-efficient policies and technologies through well-placed investments and forward-thinking collaborations. These have helped the Republic achieve both economic development and sustainability, and have improved the country’s overall quality of life.
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Singapore’s efforts have not gone unnoticed; the UN Habitat’s State of the Worlds’ Cities Report 2008/9 gave the city-state high scores in areas of pollution control, transport management and public housing, citing the nation as an example of good governance and balanced development. From transportation and public housing, to energy management and water treatment, Singapore has

developed and adapted some of the world’s most advanced urban solutions. The city has managed to turn its challenges into rewarding opportunities. Some of its solutions have also been replicated and implemented successfully in other cities. A Global Hydrohub Singapore’s success in water management is testament to the country’s resilience as it strives to achieve water self-sufficiency. With a strong emphasis on R&D and innovation, The Public Utilities Board (PUB), the Republic’s national water agency, pioneered the use of the 16-inch reverse osmosis membrane system on a large scale. This system was subsequently modified and introduced in PUB’s water reclamation plants in 2003 to mark a new era in Singapore’s water history. Today, this ultra-clean, high-grade recycled water is supplied primarily for nondomestic use. Branded NEWater, it is supplied to wafer fabrication parks, industrial estates and commercial buildings, where it is used for industrial and air-cooling purposes. NEWater contributes to 30 per cent of Singapore’s overall water supply and will increase to 40 per cent come 2020. The success of NEWater has gained international recognition and the Republic has garnered the interest of international players looking to tap into Singapore’s expertise in water management. Multinational companies such as GE Water, Toray and Siemens Water are collaborating with public research institutions and research centres within Singapore’s universities to establish global R&D facilities here. At the same time, Hyflux, a homegrown water-treatment company and

Singapore places a strong emphasis on public-private collaborations for R&D and innovation in water management

now a leading global environmental solutions provider, operates a global R&D and membrane manufacturing facility in Singapore — Asia’s largest R&D centre for membrane technology outside Japan. It has also gained entry into the growing China and Middle Eastern markets with its innovative water technologies, and won the project to build the world’s largest desalination plant in Algeria. Today, Singapore is recognised as a Global Hydrohub, home to a vibrant water industry of more than 70 companies. In this field, Singapore continues to innovate and invite leading companies to testbed cutting-edge technologies on its water infrastructure. Already, players in the water space such as Nitto Denko, Meidensha and Hitachi are testing advanced water technologies in PUB’s Ulu Pandan Water Reclamation Plant. As urbanisation accelerates and the need for clean and affordable water increases, Singapore hopes to play a role in providing sustainable water solutions for cities around the world. As a leading adopter of innovative water solutions, the city-state can act as a reference market for companies looking to build track records here and later scale up their solutions for global markets. A Living Lab For Innovation Going forward, Singapore looks to replicate its success in water management to areas such as Built Environment, Clean Energy, Infocomm Technology,

As world urban figures are predicted to double from 3.3 billion in 2007 to 6.4 billion by 2050, the creation of sustainable urban solutions becomes a necessity for countries wanting to effectively manage the burgeoning growth of its cities.

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Feature

Security and Urban Mobility. Not only will Singapore need to address city-specific problems such as traffic congestion and homeland security, it will have to do so using sustainable solutions built upon the principles of innovation and resource efficiency. This presents unique opportunities for collaborations with companies on R&D, design, testbedding, and demonstrations of future-oriented urban solutions here. Singapore’s ability to bring together industry, government agencies and research institutes to support experimentation and new idea generation is a key strength investors are likely to want to capitalise on. The city’s expertise in developing integrated, systemslevel solutions is also another important advantage companies can build upon. The Urban Solutions Programme Office of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) seeks to bring together solution providers and lead users, supported by a conducive regulatory environment, research institutes and excellent infrastructure to co-develop solutions to best meet Singapore’s needs. This provides an opportunity for companies to push the boundaries of innovation in an integrated environment, build track records and use Singapore as a reference site to launch into growth markets in Asia and beyond. The city-state’s excellent connectivity and its status as a trusted global business hub and financial centre are additional pull factors that make Singapore an ideal launchpad for the commercialisation of leading-edge urban solutions. Singapore’s Sustainable Blueprint Under a blueprint unveiled by the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Sustainable Development (IMCSD) in April 2009, Singapore is setting aside S$1 billion (US$714.4 million) over five years to help create a greener, more energy efficient and sustainable Singapore, influencing the way Singaporeans live and the way businesses run. Some targets the city-state hopes to achieve by 2030 include: - having 80 per cent of all buildings — including existing ones — achieve the Green Mark Certified rating from only over 200 buildings today - having a 35 per cent improvement in energy efficiency from 2005 levels - having 70 per cent of all journeys made to be via public transport An Economic Strategies Committee (ESC) – a panel of leaders from the public and private sectors convened in 2009 to help chart the country’s growth strategies – also recommended in February this year that five per cent

With excellent networks created both regionally and globally, the island-city’s status as a trusted business hub and financial centre are additional pull factors that make Singapore an ideal launchpad for the commercialisation of leading-edge urban solutions.

of peak energy demand in Singapore be supplied from renewable energy sources by 2020. Testbeds for Urban Solutions In setting out to achieve its sustainable targets, the city-state is partnering companies in testbedding several innovative Urban Solutions: - HDB Solar Testbed Being in the heart of the Asian sunbelt has given Singapore a natural advantage in the growing solar energy industry. The EDB is partnering the Housing Development Board (HDB) on a large-scale test-bedding of solar technology within 30 public housing precincts across Singapore. This project will help HDB and Town Councils better understand solar technologies so that it can be implemented on a wider scale when it becomes cost effective to do so in the future. In meeting our domestic needs, the project will also help the solar system integration industry innovate and develop new capabilities, such as optimising solar systems for the tropics. - Towards Smarter Power Grids While Singapore already has one of the most reliable power systems in the world, there is scope to develop a smarter grid that ensures Singapore’s electricity infrastructure is ready for the future while offering consumers more choices in energy consumption. To this end, the Intelligent Energy System (IES) pilot testbed, was announced in November 2009, and will be implemented on multiple sites across the nation

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with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) as the focal point to test and develop Advanced Metering and Communications Infrastructure, Demand Response Management Systems and Management Systems for Distributed Energy Sources. - Urban Mobility and Intelligent Transport Systems Having succeeded in implementing the world’s first electronic road toll collection system (ERP) as an effective means of managing traffic congestion, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has since rolled out the Singapore Urban Transport Solution (STARS) initiative, which focuses on collaborations between R&D and leading infocomms companies such as IBM, 3M and Cisco to create real-time traffic prediction, telematics, transport optimisation and integrated user experience. Such measures are in line with LTA’s Land Transport 2020 Masterplan, which aims to create an environmentally friendly people-centric transport system. Besides traffic management, another key interest area for Singapore is sustainable mobility. A multigovernmental agency taskforce led by the EDB and LTA set up last year, is investing S$20 million (US$14.3 million) to study the robustness, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of electric-powered vehicles in a tropical environment. The taskforce aims to set up a network of charging stations by the end of the year, and expand the network as demand grows. Renault-Nissan and Keppel Energy were the first signatories under this framework, which was established in May 2009. Large-scale Integrated Living Labs Besides the testbedding of specific technology, Singapore has also designated large-scale integrated platforms for the testbedding of systems-level Urban Solutions, each with their unique characteristics. - Punggol Eco-Town Punggol Town, positioned as Singapore’s waterfront eco-town, will be a “living laboratory” to test new ideas and technologies in sustainable development, integrating urban solutions to create a green living environment. Green technologies and urban solutions being tested will focus on the areas of energy, waste and water management. Eventually, the HDB hopes to lower the implementation cost of these solutions and to replicate them across other towns island-wide. - CleanTech Park A 50 hectare eco-business park, named CleanTech Park, jointly set up by the EDB and the JTC Corporation, is

Picture courtesy of JTC Corporation

An artist perspective of the CleanTech Park

set to be a choice location for green-minded business owners. This development will push the boundaries of sustainability, serving as a large-scale integrated “living laboratory” for testbedding and demonstration of systems-level clean technology solutions. Building on the synergies of being located next to the Nanyang Technological University, CleanTech Park will also house R&D activities from the university to promote collaborations between industry and academia, and unleash the economic potential created from these collaborations. It will serve as an epi-centre for research, innovation and commercialisation in clean technology. CleanTech Park will house a working population of 20,000 when it is fully built by 2030. Solutions Today for the Cities of Tomorrow These major developments have firmly placed Singapore as a valued partner to co-develop innovative solutions within the Asia Pacific. Through partnering companies in rigorous R&D, testbedding and careful implementation of urban solutions, Singapore has successfully bypassed looming resource constraints while building up strong capabilities for future-oriented technologies. More importantly, in offering its findings as urban solutions to the world, Singapore has secured for itself a position at the forefront of the 21st century. �

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Feature

Singapore confers top honours to outstanding business leaders
Four executives of multinational companies were awarded the Public Service Star and Public Service Medals for their contributions toward Singapore’s economy.

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His Excellency President S R Nathan and Mrs S R Nathan (front row, fourth and third from left) with the recipients, Dr Rob J Routs, former Executive Director, Downstream, Royal Dutch Shell Plc (first row, third from left); John K Woodworth, Senior Vice President, Corporate Supply Chain Operations, 3M Company (top row, third from right); Dr Patrick Y Yang, Head of Pharma Global Technical Operations, Roche (top row, second from right) and Vyomesh Joshi, Executive Vice President, Imaging and Printing Group, Hewlett-Packard Company (first row, second from right) and their spouses

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Singapore President S R Nathan conferred the Public Service Star (Distinguished Friends of Singapore) and Public Service Medal (Friends of Singapore) on four senior business executives for their outstanding contributions toward the development of Singapore’s economy. Dr Rob J Routs, former Executive Director, Downstream, Royal Dutch Shell Plc received the Public Service Star, while Vyomesh Joshi, Executive Vice President, Imaging and Printing Group, Hewlett-Packard Company (HP); John K Woodworth, Senior Vice President, Corporate Supply Chain Operations, 3M Company; and Dr Patrick Y Yang, Head, Pharma Global Technical Operations, Roche, received the Public Service Medals for their contributions. Initiated by the Singapore Economic Development Board in 1998, the Public Service Star and Public Service Medal recognise senior executives for their significant contributions to the economic growth of Singapore. Beyond corporate responsibilities, these leaders have also displayed strong initiative to promote Singapore's growth and interests. Deepening Relationships For the recipients, many of whom have gone on to other endeavours, the DFS and the FOS Awards are a big honour and validation of their commitment to their work in Singapore. “I am honoured and proud to receive the Public Service Star from the State of Singapore,” said Dr Routs. “This award is also recognition for the long-standing relationship between Singapore and Shell which has since led to major new and successful business programmes.” He added, “Singapore is committed to help businesses succeed by developing win-win solutions and these collaborations between industry and the government is stronger than what I have seen elsewhere in the world.” The other recipients also showed their appreciation for their awards. “HP has a long history with Singapore and it has been a partnership that has helped us strengthen and grow together,” said Joshi, adding, “We share Singapore’s vision of becoming a global hub for the world’s top technology companies.” Dr Yang accepted his award on behalf of the teams and individuals in three companies, with whom he has collaborated with over the years: Merck, Genentech and Roche. “I am pleased that Singapore, with its strengths
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“Singapore is committed to help businesses succeed by developing win-win solutions.”
– Dr Rob J Routs former Executive Director, Downstream, Royal Dutch Shell Plc

in business, manufacturing and technology, is a part of our mission to provide new medical treatments to the people who need them,” said Dr Yang. Woodworth remarked that “3M and Singapore share many common goals, such as innovation, productivity and growth, and this is one manufacturing and research and development.” A Public-Private Partnership for Singapore’s Economy At the ceremony, Leo Yip, Chairman, EDB, congratulated the four executives on their awards, which are two of Singapore’s most prestigious awards for international business leaders. “We are grateful to have the strong support and friendship of these four global business leaders. Their contributions have enabled Singapore to build deep capabilities in multiple industries and thus enhance our position as a competitive location for global and Asian businesses,” said Yip. �

Profile

The human factor
The recipient of the Distinguished Friends of Singapore Public Service Star is a man dedicated to promoting Asian talent.
Dr Rob J Routs is one of the reasons why Singapore’s economic development has been moving at a fast pace for the past two decades. Dr Routs’ expertise in management and organisational development has not only helped in boosting the growth of Dutch Shell Plc here in Singapore, but has contributed extensively to the growth of Singapore’s energy and chemical industry. Dr Routs has long been a friend of Singapore. As Shell’s Executive Director of Downstream, Dr Routs’ experience was key in enhancing the scale and competitiveness of Shell’s downstream operations in Singapore. One of the major projects under him was Shell’s largest petrochemical project in Asia – the Shell Eastern Petrochemical Complex (SEPC). Despite encountering some initial challenges due to rising global steel and construction costs, Dr Routs continued to champion the project. He believed that the integration of the new ethylene cracker complex with Shell’s existing Bukom refinery would be of strategic importance to both Shell and Singapore. Indeed, SEPC will help catalyse the next wave of growth for Singapore’s chemical industry by attracting high value downstream investments into the country. Aside from steering his company, Dr Routs is a strong believer in people development. He was part of Shell’s strategy to “Grow East,” and an important element of that strategy was to develop “Asian talent for Asia.” As he said during the awarding ceremony, “The growth is in Asia.” Because of his strong belief, he strengthened the Republic’s role as Shell’s regional hub for business and talent development. Dr Routs was also personally involved in fleshing out Singapore’s economic development strategies. He was an active member of the Singapore Economic Development Board’s (EDB) International Advisory Council from 2005 to 2009, and was an Emeritus Member after that. “A big part of why Singapore is such a success is that its government actively seeks out and takes the advice of industry leaders in a very direct and open forum to try and improve its competitiveness for the better of the country and the population,” said Dr Routs. �

His Excellency, President Nathan, congratulates Dr Routs

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Banking on innovation
Vyomesh Joshi’s confidence in Singapore as an innovation hub was instrumental to the growth of Hewlett-Packard in the Republic.
Singapore is the regional headquarters for HewlettPackard in Asia Pacific, its inkjet supplies production, as well as research and development (R&D) for HP Imaging and Printing Group’s (IPG) business inkjet printers worldwide. Such a strong presence in the Republic is due largely to Vyomesh Joshi’s support of Singapore. HP IPG’s presence has not only raised Singapore’s profile as a leading location for the printing and imaging industry, but the company has also played a critical role in building a strong supporting ecosystem through its strong collaboration and partnership with local businesses. Joshi looms large over Singapore’s high-tech industry. As the Executive Vice President, Imaging and Printing Group of HP, he was responsible for HP’s growing presence in the Republic. Over the past eight years under Joshi’s leadership, HP IPG’s operations here have grown significantly; Singapore is the control centre for IPG’s global supply chain of printer hardware and supplies. Aside from being the company’s regional headquarters for business operations in Asia Pacific, Singapore is also the main production site for inkjet supplies. The company has a strong base of employees here as well as a high-tech Micro-Electro-MechanicalSystems (MEMS) fabrication facility. Joshi is a strong advocate of Singapore as an innovation hub. He pushed for the growth of HP’s printer design and development activities in Singapore. HP’s Graphics Solutions operations also grew under his watch. This includes the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Substrate Certification Centre, and the steadily expanding production capacity of its fully-automated Indigo Ink plant, one of HP’s key global sites. Today, HP is the Republic’s largest printing and imaging investor. The company is key in boosting Singapore’s printing and imaging industry. As a result of these projects under HP, Singapore has also become a key destination for local and international engineering talent who want to work in HP. This development has gone toward building Singapore’s engineering talent pool. Aside from HP’s direct investments, the company’s strong presence here has helped peripheral local businesses. Local contract manufacturers, electronics manufacturing services companies, and component suppliers have all benefitted tremendously from the company’s extensive production and sourcing operations in Singapore. “HP and Singapore has been a partnership that has helped us strengthen and grow together,” said Joshi. “We continue to expand our imaging and printing activities in the region and share Singapore’s vision of becoming a global hub for the world’s top technology companies.” �

His Excellency, President Nathan, congratulates Mr Joshi

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Profile

A manufacturing success
Mr John K Woodworth sees that Singapore’s bedrock is still going to be manufacturing and R&D – and 3M is leading the way.
Mr John K Woodworth was a big influence over why 3M has such a huge footprint in Singapore. As Manufacturing Director of 3M’s Electronic Products Division in the mid 1990s, Mr Woodworth was instrumental in the company’s decision to set up its first manufacturing plant in Singapore; this plant was also the first of its kind in Asia. Convinced that Singapore’s skilled workforce and probusiness stance would work to his company’s advantage, he pushed for the site to be established here, even though the original plan was to expand an existing site in the US. This plant eventually became 3M’s flagship facility for new products for the growing electronics market in Asia. He was also instrumental in the company’s decision to locate its Asia Pacific “Superhub” in Singapore. When fully operational, 3M will host a wide range of manufacturing and R&D facilities for products ranging from advanced film coatings to N95 respirators in Singapore. This will make Singapore 3M’s most strategic base in Asia, and the control tower for the company’s R&D, manufacturing and supply chain operations in the region. When asked on the outlook of the manufacturing and R&D landscape in the Republic, Mr Woodworth said in an interview with SI News: “The outlook for Singapore manufacturing is quite positive. Whilst some industries with very high labour content have moved north, other companies will fill the gap with higher value-added products and services.” He’s also quite confident about Singapore’s strategy on R&D: “The Singapore strategy on R&D is going to work well also. 3M likes to sequentially add manufacturing first and follow it with significant R&D. This is because we need the plant to do experiments for the R&D team. We are able to get very high-quality people in R&D although when we enter new technologies like coating and extruding, it is a little more difficult.” Going forward, Mr Woodworth sees Asia Pacific, particularly Singapore, as a centre for innovation especially in the fields of manufacturing and R&D. For him, the region’s next big thing will continue to be electronics and then material science. “We are making products in Singapore that allow for more efficient use of light in display applications and some very thin coatings that allow for thinner devices. Nanoparticles and semiconductor materials are becoming very interesting.” It is this enthusiastic forward-thinking approach that gave Mr Woodworth his Public Service Medal. “When I found out that I was to receive the Public Service Medal from President Nathan, I was very honoured. The fact that the Singapore government recognises people from companies doing long-term investment and business in Singapore is a really unique situation. Singapore clearly recognises and rewards businesses for creating jobs and helping advance the knowledge of the country. In my particular case I am so proud to have led a long-term effort with the EDB and with our customers to invest in Singapore in both manufacturing and R&D in a way that didn’t exist before my time.” �

“DigiPen Singapore will play an integral role in addressing the digital media industry’s manpower capability needs. Being located in the heart of Asia means that students and faculty benefit from an Asian perspective in a cosmopolitan environment.”
– Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry His Excellency, President Nathan, congratulates Mr Woodworth

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Photo: LANXESS

Global spot for biomedical manufacturing
Dr Patrick Y Yang’s contributions have placed Singapore on the global map for pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing.
Dr Patrick Y Yang, Head of Pharma Global Technical Operations, Roche, is an important pioneer in Singapore’s biomedical manufacturing sector. He was instrumental in leading two companies’ decision to locate their firstin-Asia chemical-based pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing facilities in Singapore, thereby establishing Singapore’s strong track record in these high-value, complex manufacturing activities. For Dr Yang, a large part of why businesses like to locate here is “the advantage of being in the hub of the region.” He elaborated, “Because of its pro-business policies, Singapore is a great place to live and work. Easy access, incredibly reliable and dependable government system and the workforce quality here is at a consistently high level – there is a solid work ethic.” From the year 1997 to 2000, when Dr Yang was the Vice President of Asia Pacific Manufacturing Operations in Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), he was pivotal in the company’s decision to locate its first greenfield Asia Pacific pharmaceutical chemical manufacturing plant in Singapore. Under Dr. Yang’s leadership, MSD Singapore developed a high-performing team that achieved many significant milestones. These included an exemplary safety record, successful technology transfers, and zero observations from regulatory authorities worldwide. These stellar achievements, even in the context of MSD’s exceedingly high standards, gave MSD’s management confidence in Singapore. As a result, MSD set up a second pharmaceutical plant and subsequently its Asia-Pacific headquarters here in 2007. When Singapore made her foray into high-value biologics manufacturing in the early 2000s, Dr Yang had moved to Genentech - one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. As the executive overseeing Genentech’s manufacturing operations, Dr Yang led Genentech’s first foray into Asia through the acquisition of Singapore’s first commercial-scale biologics plant from Swiss based contract-manufacturer, Lonza. This was soon followed by Genentech’s decision to build a second biologics plant in Singapore. Both world class facilities were opened in 2009 by Roche, Genentech’s parent company. The US$500 million (S$700 million) combined investment represented the largest biologics investment by a single investor in Singapore. Today, Singapore is a key global manufacturing base in Asia for Roche and Genentech, where their most innovative products (e.g. Avastin, Lucentis, Herceptin) will be manufactured. “By producing important and truly innovative medicines in Singapore, we have an opportunity to help patients around the globe. I expect that Singapore will play an even more critical role in the coming decades as we advance in the fight against life- threatening diseases,” said Dr Yang. �
His Excellency, President Nathan, congratulates Dr Yang

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Feature

Singapore puts itself on the fashion map through the Asia Fashion Exchange
From grooming Asian up-and-coming design talent to putting Singapore fashion on the international stage and creating an exchange platform for fashion industry players from East and West, Singapore is making its mark as a major player in the global fashion arena.

Photos courtesy of Star Creation

Winners of the TaFf Design Competition: Audrey Lim (Singapore), Daniel Ngoo Hia Wen (Malaysia), and Kitty Miao Mei Rong (China)

Talk about the world’s shopping capitals and there is little doubt that Singapore stands among the finest. With many major fashion labels establishing their regional flagship stores in Singapore, it is little wonder that Singapore is considered by many to be a hothouse for the region’s latest trends and retail concepts. On
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Orchard Road, an iconic shopping district in this part of the world, four brand new malls – ION Orchard, Mandarin Gallery, Somerset@313 and Orchard Central – have opened within a year of each other, thrilling both local and regional shoppers with exciting new retail offerings. Other mainstays like Paragon and the Heeren

have undergone major facelifts, drawing the crowds with their brand-new facades and shop displays. Beyond being a shopper’s paradise, Singapore is fast making a name for itself as a platform for fashion industry stakeholders to discover business opportunities and promising design talent in Asia. Singapore As Asia’s Gateway of Fashion Exchange The Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX) was launched in April 2010 to enhance the international status of the Singapore fashion industry and to establish Singapore as the fashion gateway to Asia designers and markets. The AFX is a platform created to meet the industry’s needs for business-to-business and business-to-consumer platforms. In addition, there will also be talent development programmes to identify promising local and regional talent and position Singapore as a gateway for Asian designers and markets. According to Andrew Phua, Director of Tourism Shopping and Dining, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), “The AFX will step up to fill a current gap in the industry and become a fashion exchange hub of the region.” AFX: Harnessing Opportunities The inaugural AFX comprised four flagship events for both fashion industry professionals and consumers: Blueprint, Audi Fashion Festival, Asia Fashion Summit and a fashion design competition. Blueprint Blueprint, a business-to-business fashion tradeshow, targets regional and international fashion professionals. Held on 29 April to 1 May, this event brought together the best of Asian and international designers and international buyers. Consumers could purchase limited edition design creations at a special consumer fashion party known the Blueprint Emporium, allowing exhibitors to test their designs/brands in the cosmopolitan Singapore market. There were over 50 exhibitors present at Blueprint 2010, including some of Singapore’s well-known labels and designers such as Raoul, Antebellum and Wykidd Song. On the international front, notable names included Wes Gordon from New York, Greyhound from Thailand and Iommé from Denmark. Also present was Eugene Lin, a Singaporean designer based in the UK. Commenting on Blueprint, Lin said, “It’s a step in the right direction and the support from the government has been very good. There is an immense amount of talent in Singapore and we have the potential to compete with Asian fashion capitals like Hong Kong and Tokyo.”

Photo courtesy of Audi Fashion Festival

Supermodel Carmen Kass flanked by Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared2 – the international label that kick-started the AFF

Added Roj Singhacul, founder and designer of Thai label Issue, “We’re already very well-known in Thailand, but we want to reach out to an international audience. Attending Blueprint will help heighten our brand exposure on a global level, which will ultimately increase sales.” Audi Fashion Festival Launched and organised by Mercury Marketing and Communications in 2009, the Audi Fashion Festival (AFF) this year showcased collections by leading international and Asian designers. The AFF aims to be the platform for an East-meets-West fashion exchange; where both international and Asian designers could showcase their creations to the Asian audience and international fashion media. Apart from the fashion shows, there were also glamorous parties and events attended by members of the fashion elite and international supermodels, in support of the AFF. This year, the weeklong AFF was opened with much anticipation by Canadian label DSquared² of brothers Dean and Dan Caten. The show closed on a high note with drama and colour provided by Italian label Roberto Cavalli on 2 May. Asia Fashion Summit Organised by the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFf), the Asia Fashion Summit brought together fashion industry professionals across Asia to exchange ideas, keep abreast of industry trends and network for business opportunities. The inaugural summit was the
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Feature

converging point for over 200 creative directors and principal designers of fashion retailers, brand owners and buying houses. Participants were treated to workshops, forums and speakers such as Mr Aaron Boey (President, Levi Strauss Asia Pacific Division), Ms Maria Janssen (Global Managing Editor, WGSN), and Mr Jose Gomez (Senior Vice President of Business Development, Mango & MNG by Mango) among many others, which discussed topics like fashion brand building, trend forecasting, eco-fashion sustainability and fast retailing for savvy consumers. Fashion Design Competition The Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFf) also held a fashion design competition to position Singapore as the platform for the best design talent in Asia using Singapore as a base from which to create and eventually launch their works. The winners of the competition, which will be a yearly event, will benefit greatly as they will receive mentorship and resources to design and produce a collection that will be presented to an international audience at the next AFX. According to Kee Ai Nah, Director of Lifestyle Division, SPRING, the competition was a much-anticipated platform for many aspiring designers to showcase their collections, network with international brand names and establish their own labels. She also hoped that the competition would draw talent from the region, which in fact, has. Talented designers from all over Asia have participated in the inaugural competition, winning praise from fashion industry stakeholders and international media alike for their creativity and professional standards. “There’s tonnes of potential here, tonnes,” Dean Caten of designer duo DSquared² told Reuters about Asian talent. For his part, Colin McDowell, creative director, AFF, says, “The world can no longer afford to ignore Asian designers. I believe the rules of fashion will be dramatically rewritten in the next 15 years and this part of the world will spearhead this change.” Reaching out to Asia from Singapore Understanding the subtleties of Asian tastes and preferences could only be accomplished effectively by being in Asia. Singapore, as a multicultural city strategically located at the heart of Asia, is the perfect location for companies to base themselves. Fashion companies are already tapping into Singapore’s strengths, as the base for their regional headquarters, designing and developing new concepts and ideas primed for Asia.
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Photo courtesy of Audi Fashion Festival

A piece from Eugene Lin, a young Singaporean designer making waves in the UK fashion scene

Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&CO) established its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore to manage its operations and drive growth in the region. Apart from undertaking regional HQ functions such as brand strategy, finance, marketing and administration, LS&CO also houses its Global Sourcing Organisation (GSO) here, which oversees the Group’s sourcing operations globally. “Singapore is Asia and so much more,” says Aaron Boey, President, Asia Pacific, LS&CO. “With LS&CO and business in Asia Pacific continuing to grow strongly, and with the world’s focus on Asia as the fastest growing sourcing region, Singapore is a strategic and pragmatic choice to base both our regional corporate head office and global sourcing operations. In Singapore, we are connected to our key markets around the world through excellent infrastructure and geography; we can run a cost-competitive business, and have access to a pool of skilled professional talent.” �

The AFX is a joint effort by International Enterprise Singapore (IE) – which promotes the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and international trade; SPRING Singapore (SPRING) – the enterprise development agency responsible for growing innovative companies and fostering a competitive SME sector; Singapore Tourism Board; and the private sector. Further information can be found at www. asiafashionexchange.com.sg

EDB is the lead government agency for planning and executing strategies to enhance Singapore’s position as a global business centre and grow the Singapore economy. We dream, design and deliver solutions that create value for investors and companies in Singapore. In so doing, we generate economic opportunities and jobs for the people of Singapore; and help shape Singapore’s economic future. ‘Host to Home’ articulates how EDB is sharpening its economic development strategies to position Singapore for the future. It is about extending Singapore’s value proposition to businesses not just in helping them improve their bottom line, but also in helping them grow their top line. EDB plans to build on existing strengths and add new layers of capablities to enable Singapore to become a ‘Home for Business’, a ‘Home for Innovation’ and a ‘Home for Talent’. For more information on Singapore Investment news, please visit www.sedb.com/news

About the Singapore Economic Development Board

Publishing Consultant: Paperclip Communications Pte Ltd Please email your comments/feedback to: [email protected] This material is circulated by the Singapore Economic Development Board, 55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022, which is registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Acts as an agent of the Government of the Republic of Singapore. This material is filed with the Department of Justice where the required registration statement is available for public inspection. Registration does not indicate approval of the contents of this material by the United States Government. © Singapore Economic Development Board. All information correct at time of printing

Publication Team Editor: Jennifer Law ([email protected]) Editorial Contributor: Terrie V. Gutierrez ([email protected]) Art Director: Leslie Neo ([email protected]) Project Manager: Khim Yap ([email protected])

Singapore Economic Development Board
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