How Singapore’s robust supplier ecosystem is powering the growth plans of MedTech manufacturers

Singapore is a proven high-value Medical Technology (MedTech) manufacturing powerhouse. Its MedTech manufacturing output has expanded more than three-fold from US$4 billion (S$5.4 billion) in 2012 to US$14 billion (S$18.8 billion) in 2022. There are over 400 global and regional MedTech companies here, staffed by a workforce of around 16,000. The growing concentration of such companies has spurred the growth of local health startups providing solutions and new innovations to the broader healthcare ecosystem – today, there are over 400 startups, a six-fold increase from about 10 years ago.

Made-in-Singapore MedTech devices are making their mark globally, and the Asian market for MedTech is expected to hit US$225 billion by 2030. Currently, one in seven hearing aids used worldwide and nine in 10 gene expression chips used globally are produced in Singapore. Singapore is a best-in-class manufacturing plant for several of the global MedTech companies operating here, including Agilent Technologies’ facility, which has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as part of its Global Lighthouse Network.

Singapore is also a trusted location for MedTech companies to conduct research and development (R&D) activities. WS Audiology, the world’s number one hearing aid company by volume, has tapped into the rich talent pool to set up an innovation hub of more than 200 researchers, scientists, and engineers, alongside its manufacturing facility and regional headquarters in Singapore. It plans to deepen its capabilities in audiological research for the Asian population with an expanded research laboratory. Biotronik, a leading cardiovascular implant company, also opened its Asia Pacific Manufacturing and Research hub for its state-of-the-art cardiac rhythm management devices.
 

Underpinning Singapore’s strong MedTech manufacturing base is a vibrant supplier ecosystem comprising more than 2,700 precision engineering and Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers.

Here are three ways in which Singapore’s network of suppliers are helping MedTech companies shore up their supply chains to serve customers in the region and the world.
 

1. Providing a comprehensive suite of high-precision components and turnkey production solutions

Singapore’s MedTech ecosystem offers capabilities along the entire sourcing and manufacturing value chain. By partnering with local suppliers, MedTech companies can tap into a suite of turnkey services to complement their existing manufacturing operations — be it component sourcing and sub-assemblies, contract manufacturing, or development of automation/Industry 4.0 systems.

Leading microscopy and scientific instrumentation company Leica Microsystems (LMS) chose Singapore to set up its global production plant for surgical microscopes. The company works closely with local enterprises who supply Leica with the complex precision machining and sheet metal components necessary for these products.
 

2. Driving innovation through partnerships

In addition to sourcing and manufacturing capabilities, Singapore is a driver of innovation and R&D. MedTech companies can co-innovate with Singapore’s supplier base to develop a new product or improve an existing process.

Fong’s Engineering and Manufacturing is a homegrown engineering company that started in 1982 as a manufacturer and supplier of metal components for sectors such as oil and gas, electronics, and defence. The company has been able to build new capabilities and expand its suite of offerings, to partner with global MedTech clients in the design and development of high-end medical devices such as endoscopy and surgical power tools.

Such co-innovation collaborations can be supported by the Government’s Partnerships for Capability Transformation (PACT) scheme, which has been running since 2010. Under PACT, the Government co-shares the upfront risk of supplier identification and qualification, a fee which would be incurred by the manufacturer and its suppliers. To date, 2,500 Singapore-based firms have benefitted from the scheme.
 

3. Delivering quality through regional networks and proven expertise in MedTech manufacturing systems

Many local suppliers have broadened their operations outside Singapore and have built a strong regional network. Sunningdale Tech, for instance, operates across 17 locations in nine countries, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Similarly, local precision engineering manufacturer Beyonics has production facilities in Malaysia, Thailand and China. They provide global MedTech companies access to opportunities in different regional markets, and potentially accelerate their time-to-market.

These suppliers have established a track record of quality assurance and compliance through their long-standing collaborations with global MedTech companies, to meet the requirements of regulators of key export markets including the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency and Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). This is particularly important for the MedTech sector, where products are subject to stringent standards and regulations.

Singapore’s vision is to be a leading MedTech hub in Asia where global companies innovate, manufacture and commercialise end-to-end solutions for the world. With its strong base of suppliers, shared innovation culture, and emphasis on quality, Singapore is an ideal partner for global MedTech manufacturers seeking to expand both in the Asian and global markets, so as to deliver greater impact to patients.
 

Keen to find out more? Learn how Singapore’s MedTech ecosystem supports global manufacturers seeking growth and impact.