Despite hailing from diverse industries, UVJC, Tomoro, CSA Group, and Pandora have found in Singapore the essential ingredients for regional growth. These range from Singapore’s world-class research ecosystem, to the availability of a deep pool of skilled talent, to business-friendly policies and support programmes, and more.
Read their success stories:
Cleaner semiconductor chip packaging, AI-enabled healthcare sensors, and more efficient solid-state batteries – these innovations are among the potential applications of precision manufacturer Universal Vapor Jet Corporation’s (UVJC’s) proprietary printing technology.
This technology was originally developed and used for OLED displays. UVJC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the US-based Universal Display Corporation, was established in December 2024 with the aim of extending the printing technology’s use in new industries – think semiconductors, biomedical sciences, clean energy, and advanced electronics.
UVJC assembled its core leadership team in Singapore, signalling that the next phase of its proprietary printing technology’s evolution would be driven from Asia. CEO Chandran Nair credits Singapore’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem for this decision:
"[Singapore gives] us the right ecosystem to bridge laboratory research and industrial-scale commercialisation. Being here, we’re at the doorstep of customers and industries we serve, we have access to a rich pipeline of research talent and collaboration opportunities, and strong institutional support."
Chandran Nair
CEO
UVJC
The company opened its 8,000 square-metre global headquarters and R&D centre here in October 2025, committing S$50 million over five years in tools, equipment, and talent.
Tapping on the deep-tech talent pool and research and innovation capabilities in Singapore, UVJC has forged multiple research partnerships with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore’s leading public R&D agency.
They include working with the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology on 3D printing and die-bonding processes for precision engineering and semiconductor manufacturing and the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering to explore AI-enabled healthcare sensors, such as wound-healing monitors, among others.
In 2026, UVJC will unveil its first jet printing tool (designed and built entirely in Singapore). The tool is currently going through its final acceptance phase, and once approved, could open doors to creating new materials and devices, while implementing cleaner, faster, and more intelligent manufacturing.
UVJC is also expanding its Singapore workforce across engineering, materials science functions, and looks to deepen partnerships with local research institutes and universities.
When businesses want to move beyond AI experimentation to embed AI into their core operations (and fast!), that’s where AI consultancy Tomoro steps in. Their approach focuses on speed and practical implementation – moving from concept to deployment in a matter of weeks.
The UK-based AI consulting and engineering firm, founded in 2023, has established its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore, working with major clients across finance, healthcare, consumer goods, and media.
Singapore’s world-class AI talent and diverse client base looking to deploy AI solutions made it an obvious choice for Tomoro’s expansion. As Tomoro’s co-founder Albert Phelps says, these are core components “needed to build industry-changing AI solutions” and central to why they chose Singapore as the launchpad for Tomoro’s APAC growth.
Within just one year in Singapore, the company has grown its local engineering and delivery team to over 25 professionals, establishing a formal internship programme with the National University of Singapore, and structured onboarding to develop homegrown AI engineering talent.
The local team now serves clients not just in Singapore, but across APAC, Australia, London, and Europe.
On 11 May 2026, OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced its intentions to acquire Tomoro as the founding acquisition for its new OpenAI Deployment Company1 . The Tomoro team continues building on its Singapore presence, tapping into the skilled engineering talent pool to help enterprises move beyond generic AI tools and redesign how work gets done.
The smartphone you own, electrical appliances in your kitchen, and wireless performance of medical devices – before these products reach your hands, they will need to pass rigorous safety and performance standards.
CSA Group, a global organisation with over a century of expertise in standards development and testing, inspection and certification, helps manufacturers navigate regulatory requirements and bring safe, compliant products to market.
The Canadian company started out in Singapore in 2014, with a team of three. By 2022, CSA Group had established its first Electrical Laboratory here, strengthening Singapore’s R&D ecosystem with advanced testing capabilities and helping businesses bring innovations to market, faster.
Today, Singapore operates as CSA Group's ASEAN headquarters, employing over 30 testing, inspection, and certification professionals. Their operations now include a second state-of-the-art Electromagnetic Compatibility and wireless laboratory, supporting manufacturers across Information and Communication Technology, automotive electronics, medical devices, and industrial equipment sectors.
Singapore's position as a technology and innovation hub, coupled with its strategic location for serving Asia’s fast-growing markets, made it an ideal choice for CSA Group's regional expansion.
Today, CSA Group continues to expand its capabilities by investing in local talent development through structured internship and mentorship programmes, contributing to Singapore's future-ready workforce and long-term economic growth across the region.
From its charm bracelets to dazzling statement pieces, Pandora’s creations have delighted millions worldwide. Now, the Danish jewellery brand is strengthening its presence in Asia through a new regional headquarters in Singapore, positioned to drive growth across one of the world's most dynamic regions with a growing base of young and savvy consumers.
The jewellery brand has been in Singapore since 2015, but operationally expanded the Singapore office to its Asia headquarters in 2025. It will house around 50 employees across branding and marketing, market development, and operations. The hub will oversee the company’s Asia cluster, coordinating retail operations and supporting distributors across key markets including Japan, South Korea, India, and Southeast Asia.
Singapore proved the ideal choice for Pandora’s regional expansion. Tapping on a multicultural, digitally savvy population plugged into both global and regional trends, Pandora can gain valuable insights into Asia’s diverse consumer landscape, and tailor its offerings and marketing initiatives to different markets. The strategic location enables access to the region and efficient coordination of operations.
Lastly, Singapore offers a strong and stable operating environment – and Pandora intends to continue growing its Singapore hub, strengthening commercial capabilities, and driving brand development across the region.
Beyond geographic advantages, Singapore is the most popular regional headquarters destination in the Asia-Pacific, supported by a diverse talent pool.
The latest Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 plan commits S$37 billion to advance research and innovation in key economic areas, such as semiconductors and sustainability. A robust network of research institutes, top-ranking universities, and over 4,500 tech startups and 286,000 small and medium enterprises, provides pathways for industry collaboration.
For businesses considering a move to Asia, Singapore offers the infrastructure, talent, and ecosystem needed to scale efficiently across the region. Check out EDB’s Guide to Setting Up in Singapore for more information.
Register for The Workshop to get a complimentary and personalised consultation with curated professional services providers to support your expansion to Southeast Asia.
Read past issues of “The Smart Move”:
Footnote:
1 "OpenAI launches the OpenAI Deployment Company to help businesses build around intelligence", OpenAI, 11 May 2026.
