BMAC – Biopharmaceutical Manufacturer's Advisory Council
An initiative by leading Biopharmaceutical companies in the world to establish Singapore as the country of choice for global biomedical sciences manufacturing.
BMAC Co-Chairs Ms Goh Wan Yee, Senior Vice President, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Mr Koh Liang Hong, Site Head, Sanofi Singapore, presenting a symbolic cheque to representatives from the Institute of Technical Education, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic at the Joint Polytechnic-ITE Biomedical Science Forum, held at Singapore Polytechnic. Photo credit: Singapore Polytechnic
SINGAPORE, 22 October 2026 – Singapore’s biopharmaceutical industry today launched a S$4.8 million study award to strengthen its manufacturing talent pipeline. The initiative, the first of its kind in Singapore for the industry, 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 BMAC Study Award – an industry-led initiative to drive local talent development
Launched by the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Advisory Council (BMAC), an industry alliance comprising leading biopharmaceutical MNCs with manufacturing presence in Singapore, the BMAC Study Award offers students financial support and early industry exposure to drive interest and build industry-ready expertise. Each award recipient will receive:
Around 1,000 students from ITE, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic are expected to benefit from the award over the next five years.
“As the needs and demands of the biopharmaceutical industry evolve, so will the type of skillsets needed to support the industry’s continued growth. The BMAC Study Award reflects the industry’s collective commitment to develop Singapore’s next generation of biopharmaceutical talent, and we are excited to be partnering closely with the local IHLs on this journey.”
Mr Koh
Site Head, Sanofi Singapore
“Exposure to the industry and direct engagement with industry leaders give our students experiences that go beyond the classroom. On behalf of the polytechnics and ITE, we hope the BMAC Study Award will open new doors for our students — helping them enter the workforce with the confidence and skills to build meaningful careers.”
Ms Jessie Tong
Acting Deputy Senior Director, School of Chemical & Life Sciences, Singapore Polytechnic
BMAC Members and representatives from the participating Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) at the Joint Polytechnic-ITE Biomedical Science Forum. Photo credit: Singapore Polytechnic
The BMAC Study Award is the latest talent development initiative by the council. In November 2025, BMAC partnered with the Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN) to launch the SGLN Biopharma Leaders Programme, aimed at developing biopharmaceutical global leaders.
Building talent for Singapore’s growing biopharmaceutical industry
Singapore’s biopharmaceutical industry has grown significantly over the past two decades. Eight of the world’s top 10 biopharmaceutical companies have manufacturing and/or R&D presence in Singapore. There are more than 60 biopharmaceutical manufacturing sites manufacturing products ranging from Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and advanced biologics such as therapeutics and vaccines, to emerging modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Today, the industry employs more than 9,300 workers – a 54% increase since 2014. As companies continue to deepen their presence in Singapore, they continue to hire and develop talent across a range of roles such as Production Technicians and Managers, Quality Control and Quality Assurance Technicians.
“The biopharmaceutical industry is a key pillar of our 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.”
Ms Goh
Senior Vice President, EDB
Applications for the BMAC Study Award
Applications for the BMAC Study Award will open in 2027 to Year 2 students enrolled in eligible Diploma/Higher Nitec biomedical-related courses at the polytechnics and ITE.
About the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Advisory Council (BMAC)
The Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Advisory Council (BMAC) is an industry alliance comprising leading biopharmaceutical companies in Singapore. BMAC works closely with government agencies, including the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), and other partners to support the growth and development of Singapore’s biopharmaceutical industry.
BMAC’s work spans key areas including people and talent; infrastructure and community; safety and health; sustainability; and technology and innovation.
Its members comprise 21 companies with operations in Singapore: Abbott, AbbVie, Alcon, Amgen, AstraZeneca, GSK, Kaneka, Lonza, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, PharmaGend, Reckitt, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Viatris, WuXi Biologics, WuXi XDC, and Wyeth.
For more information, visit https://www.bmacsingapore.org/.
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