On 1 February 2018, Mondelēz International unveiled its Singapore Technical Center, the first in Asia, amid a celebratory atmosphere which had partners, retailers and staff join in the opening event. This facility will focus on innovation for gum and candy, and is part of the company’s investment in nine fully equipped and technologically advanced Research, Development, Quality and Innovation (RDQI) hubs around the world, three of which are here in Asia.

The Singapore Technical Center will be home to up to 75 experts – scientists, developers, engineers, analytical chemists and other specialists from all over the world. The state-of the-art site is equipped with multiple technical capabilities such as a pilot facility, a packaging creative studio and a range of labs for technical research.

In Maurizio Brusadelli’s speech, Mondelēz International EVP and President for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA), he mentioned Mondelēz’s presence in Singapore since the mid-80s and in 2016, made Singapore home to its AMEA region headquarters. He shared about the region’s snacking market growth potential estimated at more than US$100 billion and went on to talk about Mondelēz needing to continue to have the right people, the right products and stay close to their consumers and customers changing needs. All which is possible due to Singapore’s fantastic infrastructure, thriving RDQI ecosystem and the collaborative approach of government organisations and public-private partnerships, making it a perfect place for innovation.

Ms Thien Kwee Eng, Assistant Managing Director of EDB, mentioned in her speech that EDB would continue working hand-in-hand with brand owners and food and ingredient houses to encourage co-innovation, as well as support the research space through colleagues from A*STAR. She concluded her speech by congratulating Mondelēz on the opening and echoed its mission to continue creating “delicious moments of joy”.