New Scheme to Boost Aspiring Local Leaders in Biopharma Sector

Focus on Roles with Cross-Border Scope; Overseas Transition Support Programme Also Launched

- Tay Hong Yi

Promising local leaders in Singapore's key biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry can apply to join a 12-month programme meant to prime them for higher roles with cross-border scope come November.

They will be the first to benefit from the Singapore Leaders Network's (SGLN) Industry Interest Groups initiative, which Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong launched at a Sept 8 event to mark the SGLN's third anniversary.

SGLN said the industry interest groups are an effort to strengthen Singapore's leadership pipeline in key industries such as biopharmaceutical manufacturing, energy and chemicals – plus others in years to come.

"They may not be stationed overseas, but they may also need to know how to operate in these overseas markets," said DPM Gan, on the importance of Singaporean professionals gaining overseas exposure.

Even firms that operate only here may still work with customers which operate abroad, he noted.

He was speaking at a dialogue attended by around 150 SGLN members and programme participants at Rochester Commons in Buona Vista, where the Human Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI) offices are.

The SGLN is a networking group backed by the Economic Development Board (EDB), managed by HCLI, and set up in 2022 to help Singaporeans prepare for global corporate leadership roles.

The biopharmaceutical manufacturing track of the initiative is a joint effort between SGLN and the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers' Advisory Council.

A parallel track is in the works for energy and chemicals, with a launch target of early 2026.