Singapore's Potential to be COVID-19 Vaccines R&D and Production Hub
Ministry of Trade and IndustrySpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Dr Tan Wu Meng’s inquiry into Singapore’s onshore vaccine manufacturing capabilities and its potential to become a research and development hub for future pandemic preparedness. Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong clarified that while Singapore currently produces active components like bacteria antigens, finished vaccine production by BioNTech, Thermo Fisher, and Sanofi will begin in 2023. These efforts are supported by the Ministry of Health’s Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response (PREPARE) to develop versatile research and technology platforms. Such initiatives aim to deepen domestic research capabilities, improve access to vaccines during future epidemics, and attract international development partners. Collectively, these strategic manufacturing and innovation activities are intended to secure Singapore’s global position as a leading pharmaceutical and vaccine hub.
Transcript
30 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what is Singapore's current onshore vaccine manufacturing capabilities; (b) to what extent these encompass the production process and supply chain for COVID-19 vaccines; and (c) whether and how soon Singapore can be positioned as a vaccine research and development and manufacturing hub for future and next-generation vaccines as part of future pandemic preparedness.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Singapore currently does not produce finished vaccines, although we manufacture active components that go into making the final product, for example, bacteria antigens. We are anchoring more vaccine manufacturing activities here not only to meet local demand but also to supply to the world. For example, BioNTech’s new plant in Singapore will begin manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines from 2023, while Thermo Fisher and Sanofi will manufacture a range of vaccines.
We are strengthening our research and innovation ecosystem to complement and support our biopharma manufacturing activities. For example, MOH launched the Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response (PREPARE) this year. One of the thrusts of this programme is to develop research and technology platforms that can be used for both infectious and non-infectious disease vaccines. This would deepen our research capabilities, enhance Singapore’s attractiveness as a vaccine development partner and improve our access to potential vaccines during future epidemics.
Collectively, these efforts will strengthen and secure Singapore’s position as a leading pharmaceutical hub.