Biopharma manufacturing sector to create more jobs in the next 3 years

Employment in the sector has already tripled to 6,000 in 2015.

The biomedical cluster, particularly the biopharmaceutical sector, is expected to create more jobs in the city-state as it grows to be the second largest contributor to the Singapore's manufacturing output.

In his speech at the AbbVie Manufacturing Campus opening ceremony, Trade and Industry Minister S Iswaran said the state is already working closely with Workforce Development Agency (WDA), as well as the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers Advisory Committee (BMAC) in building up a talent base to meet the biomedical manufacturing industry's growing needs.

"Biopharmaceutical manufacturing is a knowledge-intensive sector where talent is a critical success factor for companies. The jobs in this industry are aligned with the strengths and aspirations of Singaporeans, with good growth prospects," Iswaran said.

He noted that employment specifically in the biopharmaceutical sector has more than tripled from about 1,900 in 2000 to around 6,000 in 2015, with locals comprising approximately 80% of the number.

"EDB (Economic Development Board) expects our biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector to create more than 300 jobs over the next 3 years," he said.

Iswaran noted how the sector could offer opportunities for jobseekers who wish to re-skill themselves.

"It is therefore evident that the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry offers good opportunities for new job market entrants as well as experienced workers," he said.