Singapore’s biopharmaceutical industry launches S$4.8 million study award to support students in pursuing meaningful careers in the industry

This press release was issued by Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Advisory Council (BMAC).

• Spearheaded by leading biopharmaceutical MNCs in Singapore, the award will benefit around 1,000 students from six Institutes of Higher Learning – polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education – over the next five years.
• As biopharmaceutical companies continue to deepen their presence here, and with new facilities coming onstream, the award will offer students early exposure to the range of good job opportunities in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Singapore’s biopharmaceutical industry today launched a S$4.8 million study award to strengthen its manufacturing talent pipeline. The initiative, the first of its kind in Singapore for the industry, will support polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students studying biomedical sciences-related courses as they pursue long- term careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

The BMAC Study Award – an industry-led initiative to drive local talent development

Launched by the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Advisory Council (BMAC), an industry alliance comprising leading biopharmaceutical MNCs with manufacturing presence in Singapore, the BMAC Study Award offers students financial support and early industry exposure to drive interest and build industry-ready expertise. Each award recipient will receive:

1. A one-time cash award of S$3,000 – S$5,000;
2. Priority placement for internship opportunities with participating BMAC companies in their final year of study; and 
3. Opportunities to participate in exclusive BMAC-organised activities, such as fireside chats and site tours, to gain greater exposure to the industry and network with industry mentors.

Around 1,000 students from ITE, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic are expected to benefit from the award over the next five years.

The BMAC Study Award is the latest talent development initiative by the council. In November 2025, BMAC partnered with the Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN) to launch the SGLN Biopharma Leaders Programme, aimed at developing biopharmaceutical global leaders.

Building talent for Singapore’s growing biopharmaceutical industry

Singapore’s biopharmaceutical industry has grown significantly over the past two decades. Eight of the world’s top 10 biopharmaceutical companies have manufacturing and/or R&D presence in Singapore. There are more than 60 biopharmaceutical manufacturing sites manufacturing products ranging from Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and advanced biologics such as therapeutics and vaccines, to emerging modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

Today, the industry employs more than 9,300 workers – a 54% increase since 2014. As companies continue to deepen their presence in Singapore, they continue to hire and develop talent across a range of roles such as Production Technicians and Managers, Quality Control and Quality Assurance Technicians.

Applications for the BMAC Study Award

Applications for the BMAC Study Award will open in 2027 to Year 2 students enrolled in eligible Diploma/Higher Nitec biomedical-related courses at the polytechnics and ITE.