1. June — July 2016
Careers@Singapore: Biomedical Sciences
Wanted: Professionals for biologics jobs in Singapore
The booming biomedical sciences sector in Singapore has attracted many leading biopharmaceutical companies to set
up their global manufacturing base in the thriving city-state.
Companies such as AbbVie, Amgen, Baxalta, GlaxoSmithKline, Lonza, and Roche are drawn by Singapore's efficient
operating environment, talented workforce and strong intellectual property protection.
More recently, Singapore also made significant inroads into biologics – a more sophisticated process in which medicines
are derived from living cells. Today, Singapore is home to nine biologics plants with a total capital expenditure of about
$2.7 billion.
More investments mean more jobs in the biomedical sector, which has inadvertently led to a battle for talent.
He is only half-joking. Recruitment has been "challenging", he shared, as the biomedical sector here is growing with
many companies expanding and looking to hire employees.
But he credits his human resource team for filling the vacancies quickly at Novartis' new US$500 million biologics plant in
Tuas, located at the western tip of Singapore. It is working towards commercial operations next year and currently
employs around 500 employees – 200 are full-time staff while 300 are on contract.
Mr Mario Henke, project director of Swiss pharmaceutical
giant Novartis' new biologics facility in Singapore had an
interesting story to share about recruiting employees
here.
When he exchanged notes with a pharmaceutical
company chief based in another country recently, they
found that their experience in hiring employees were
polar opposites.
"For every job opening in that company, there would be
more than 100 applicants. We are the other way round
here in Singapore. We could have 100 job openings, but
maybe only 1 job applicant", said Mr Henke.

2. The company also opened its doors to global job seekers, from other Asian countries as well as from Europe and the
US, adding great diversity to the workforce here with at least 19 nationalities.
What helped were word of mouth recommendations, which he likened to "fishing for friends". There were up to 200
referrals from employees whose friends were keen to join after hearing good things about the company.
It is still looking to recruit about 20 to 40 more employees in 2016 and another 150 in the following years, mainly in
technical jobs such as lab technicians and bio-technologists, shared Mr Henke who is in charge of Novartis' first biologics
production site in Asia.
More than a decade ago, Singapore's Economic Development Board set out to diversify the pharmaceutical industry
away from traditional bulk chemicals and into biologics manufacturing. The agency has been highly successful, creating
thousands of jobs over the years.
Mr Henke said Singapore holds a lot of promise and excitement for job seekers, citing a long list of what is so attractive
about working in Novartis' new plant.
As the "newest kid on the block", he said Novartis has the latest technology and a good mix of traditional steel
equipment and newer disposable facilities that meant employees could learn various techniques, adding to their diversity
of skills and offerings.
Employees also have many opportunities for progression. For instance, there is a job rotation scheme for identified
talents among Novartis' four plants in Singapore – covering pharmaceuticals, biologics, eye care and contact lens.
Apart from career advancements, he said the new biologics facility in Singapore "is a beautiful bio-plant" with creative
spaces and recreational zones carved out for meetings and even zumba or yoga classes.
Singapore is also a great place to live and work, said Mr Henke, a German who moved to Singapore with his family in
September 2013. It was his dream come true.
He had vacationed in Singapore in 2008, and fell in love with the country. He had told his girlfriend now wife: "Whenever
Novartis wants to build something here, I want to be part of it."
To him, Singapore represents the best of Asia, without the chaos or crowds found in other countries in this region. "It's
easy and excellent to move around. It's so organised, so clean, so safe – nothing to worry about", he said.
He loves the wide variety of cuisine here, which mirrors the multi-cultural society as well as showcases the cosmopolitan
city. But what he treasures is exploring the outdoor attractions such as beaches and heritage trails on this tropical island.
"I love the people, the weather and food in Singapore", he said with a smile.
Career Opportunities
For the full list of positions available, visit
www.contactsingapore.sg/eCareers/BMS/JunJul2016/microsite

3. To access this flyer online, please visit https://www.contactsingapore.sg/ecareers/bms/junjul2016
About Contact Singapore
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We engage overseas Singaporeans and global talent to work, invest and live in Singapore.
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In the heart of Asia lies Singapore – a bustling, world-class city state that has made waves around the world for
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Singapore has been consistently acknowledged as a global business hub – one that features developed
infrastructure, political stability, open business policies, a skilled workforce, the use of English as the main
working language and respect for intellectual property rights. Many multinational companies have chosen to set
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regard Singapore as an ideal location to grow their businesses, with many of them using the country as a
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