Republic Poly, EDB launch talent program for biopharma sector

This press release was issued by Republic Polytechnic (RP).

In collaboration with the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturer’s Advisory Council (BMAC) and supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Republic Polytechnic (RP) today launched the Talent Advancement Programme (TAP), the first-of-its-kind initiative across local polytechnics designed to prepare students for the growing biopharmaceutical industry.

The strategic partnership with the BMAC, comprising 16 globally leading biomedical sciences companies, ensures a sustainable pipeline of talent for this high-growth industry in Singapore. As a key feature, it will also offer students an extensive 36-week internship in their final year, providing unparalleled exposure to the inner workings of leading biopharmaceutical companies.

Students who are part of the TAP acquire deeper expertise and practical experience that align with the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Skills Framework¹, making them highly sought-after by employers. The programme also includes opportunities for multi-departmental rotations and involvement in industry-driven projects, equipping students with real-world insights into the global biopharmaceutical operations. This enhances their employability, with many graduates expected to get a head start from the internship companies so that they can secure roles in manufacturing, automation, engineering, and supply chain, within the sector.

Photo credit: Republic Polytechnic

"The TAP programme brings fresh talent into the biopharma industry, giving BMAC companies like us the chance to work directly with students who already have hands-on experience and a better understanding of industry standards. Having early access to these talents enables us to build a skilled workforce ready to have an impact on the rapidly growing biopharma sector and, ultimately, for patients worldwide."

Lim Hock Heng
Co-Chair of BMAC, and Vice President and Site Director
GSK

"The longstanding collaborations that Republic Polytechnic has with the leading biopharmaceutical firms have been instrumental in producing industry-ready graduates. This partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for our students to learn from the best in the field, given the industry’s track record in operational excellence and innovation. The Talent Advancement Programme not only bridges the gap between education and industry but also empowers our graduates to thrive and be adept in an increasingly competitive world."

Jeanne Liew
Principal and Chief Executive Officer
Republic Polytechnic

The collaboration will also allow both parties to shape the educational experience to meet the demands of the biopharmaceutical sector as they serve the healthcare needs of patients worldwide. Come Academic Year (AY) 2025, close to 360 Year 2 students from the relevant science and engineering-related diplomas will be eligible to apply for the programme. This will steadily increase to approximately 1,000 in AY 2027 when the curriculum revamp for about 9 diplomas is completed.

"We welcome this partnership between Republic Polytechnic and BMAC. This initiative will equip students with the relevant skills and exposure to contribute meaningfully to the industry upon graduation. It will also strengthen the talent pool needed to support the growth of the biopharmaceutical sector in Singapore."

Goh Wan Yee
Senior Vice President and Head, Healthcare
EDB

There are over 60 biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Singapore across diverse modalities – from Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) to Biologics (Therapeutics and Vaccines) and Cell Therapies. Eight out of the top 10 biopharmaceutical companies have best- in-class facilities here. These facilities produced S$18.7 billion worth of products in 2023, hiring more than 9,500 workers, contributing 1.5% to the nation's GDP.

The launch of the TAP is part of RP’s Open House 2025, which will be held from 9 to 11 January at its Woodlands campus. Fresh O-Level, N-Level and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) graduates seeking higher education opportunities are welcome to visit RP to find out more about RP’s full-time diploma programmes in Applied Science, Business, Engineering, Hospitality, Infocomm, Sports and Health, as well as Technology for the Arts, Media and Design.

¹https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/skills-framework/biopharmmfg

Topics

Hiring & Talent

Republic Polytechnic partners Singapore Economic Development Board and biopharmaceutical giants to launch the industry’s first talent programme to inject industry-ready professionals for the biopharmaceutical sector in Singapore

Topics

The latest business insights and news delivered to your inbox