1 MedTech Manufacturing Consortium to Help Local Industry ...

3. Commented Dr Lim Ser Yong, Executive Director of SIMTech, “Since ourestablishment in 1993, SIMTech has been working with medical technology andsupporting enterprises in the precision engineering and electronics clusters in productdesign, manufacturing processes, creation of medical technology systems andimproving manufacturing operations. With the support of the relevant governmentagencies and industry associations, we are now able to provide a more holisticassistance to local enterprises in the medical technology sector.”Importance of Medical Technology Industry4. The medical technology industry is a new area of growth for Singapore and providesan excellent opportunity for the local electronics and precision engineering industries todiversify and expand their businesses. As part of Singapore’s burgeoning biomedicalsciences sector, the medical technology industry doubled its manufacturing output fromS$1.5 billion in the year 2000 to about S$3 billion in the year 2008. Over the sameperiod, its manpower base also doubled from about 4,000 to more than 8,200 last year.By the year 2015, the medical technology sector targets to achieve S$5 billion inmanufacturing output (Source: EDB, 2009).About MedTech Manufacturing Consortium5. The MedTech Manufacturing Consortium is supported by the Economic DevelopmentBoard (EDB), International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore), Singapore WorkforceDevelopment Agency (WDA) and SPRING Singapore, with the Singapore PrecisionEngineering and Tooling Association (SPETA) and Biomedical Engineering Society(BES) participating as an industry association partner.6. Said Mr Thian Tai Chew, Director of Technology Business Division, IE Singapore,“With the forming of this consortium, we hope to grow the capabilities of moreSingapore-based companies in the medtech segment. Singapore-based companies inthe consortium can leverage on IE Singapore’s overseas activities, such as businessmissions and trade fairs, to increase their exposure to the potential and requirements of2

the global medtech sector, so as to increase their exports and to find new partners andcustomers overseas.”7. On improving SMEs' competitiveness through technology innovation, Mr Simon Lim,Director of Manufacturing and Engineering Division, SPRING Singapore said, "SPRINGhas partnered various institutes to set up 5 Centres of Innovation (COI), including thePrecision Engineering COI (PE COI) in partnership with SIMTech, where localenterprises can have ready access to technology, knowledge and R&D infrastructure.By pooling resources and seeking opportunities as a collective group, the consortiumwill enable more manufacturing SMEs to develop new solutions for the thriving medtechsector."8. “WDA is excited to support this effort. Through the WSQ Graduate Diploma inMedTech Manufacturing, we hope to raise manpower capability in this high skilled andtechnology intensive sector. The programme will also help both new entrants andexisting professionals capitalise on the excellent career and job opportunities in thesector,” said Mr Chan Heng Kee, Chief Executive, WDA9. “As an industry association, SPETA strives to help companies in the precisionengineering industry to grow their businesses. Medtech manufacturing has beenidentified as a growing sector and SPETA can tap on the expertise in SIMTech to helpdevelop new products and new capabilities. This initiative is a timely vehicle to helpMedtech companies achieving their objective,” commented Dr Ricky Souw, SPETAChairman.10. "Biomedical Engineering Society values this opportunity to work closely withSIMTech to push for initiatives that would help the local medical devices sector to growand most importantly to provide the necessary training and exposure for our localbiomedical engineers to meet Singapore’s medical technology industry’s demands andchallenges. I am confident that this strategic alliance in building a collaborative3

platform, will contribute vastly to the future of Singapore,” highlighted Prof James Goh,President, Biomedical Engineering Society (Singapore).11. To date, 26 companies ranging from MNCs and local enterprises have signed up asmembers of the consortium (Annex 6 refers). Arising from the two roundtablediscussions involving 50 companies across the medical technology value chain andpartners from the healthcare and regulatory bodies, three main challenges hinderingthe local manufacturing industry from participating extensively in the medical technologyindustry are identified. Broadly, these are the lack of:i) business and market intelligenceii) skilled manpower knowledgeable in manufacturing technology and regulations andcertifications of medical devices and products; andiii) technology, know-how and R&D expertise12. A framework was developed to address common issues and consortium projectsidentified to help local enterprises tap into new markets and position new products andcapabilities for the global medical technology industry.13. The identified areas to enhance local capabilities involve medical device design anddevelopment, supply chain management and process technologies in the manufacturingof small medical technology components and devices such as contact lenses, scientificanalytical equipment, implantables, syringes, stents, cathethers, hearing aids andresearch instruments. The industry, SIMTech and WDA will spend S$ 10 million overthe next five years for technology and manpower development.14. The Precision Engineering Workforce Skills Qualifications (PE WSQ) GraduateDiploma in MedTech Manufacturing, developed by WDA in collaboration with SIMTech,complements the consortium to help upgrade the knowledge and skill sets of theexisting pool of engineers and managers in the local industry as well as facilitate theentry of new talents into the medical technology industry (Annex 3 refers).4

Amongst other medical devices generated by SIMTech are the automatic safety needleand the self-heating blood bag. The automatic safety needle with the automaticallyactivated safety needle sheath simplifies the use of syringes safety for cathethers,glucose and saline administration in patients, reducing the risk of contamination andinfection to care givers and healthcare workers. The portable self-heating blood bag isable to warm up the fluids within the bag into normal temperatures without usingconventional warm water bath methods. This portable heating bag can be customisedfor other medical device applications, opening up new medical product opportunities.6

Annex 1About Singapore Institute of Manufacturing TechnologyThe Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) is a research instituteof the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) of the Agency for Science,Technology and Research (A*STAR).SIMTech develops high value manufacturing technology and human capital tocontribute to the competitiveness of the Singapore industry. It collaborates withmultinational and local companies in the precision engineering, electronics,semiconductor, medical technology, aerospace, automotive, marine, logistics and othersectors. For more information, please visit http://www.SIMTech.a-star.edu.sgAbout the Agency for Science, Technology and ResearchThe Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the lead agency forfostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based andinnovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences, and physicalsciences and engineering research institutes, and seven consortia & centre, which arelocated in Biopolis and Fusionopolis, as well as their immediate vicinity.A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, humanand industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research inthe universities, hospitals, research centres, and with other local and internationalpartners. For more information about A*STAR, please visit http://www.a-star.edu.sgAbout International Enterprise SingaporeInternational Enterprise (IE) Singapore is an agency under the Ministry of Trade andIndustry spearheading the development of Singapore’s external economic wing.Our mission is to promote the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises andinternational trade. With a global network in over 30 locations and our 3C framework ofassistance – Connections, Competency, Capital, we offer services to help enterprisesexport, develop business capabilities, find overseas partners and enter new markets. At7

the same time, we work to position Singapore as a base for foreign businesses toexpand into the region in partnership with Singapore-based companies. Please visitwww.iesingapore.gov.sg for more information.About Singapore Workforce Development AgencyThe Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitivenessof our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. Intoday's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDAcollaborates with employers, industry associations, the Union and trainingorganisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training systemthat is skills-based, open and accessible, as a mainstream pathway for all workers -young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives - to upgrade andadvance in their careers and lives. For more information, please visithttp://www.wda.gov.sgAbout Singapore Precision Engineering and Tooling AssociationSingapore Precision Engineering and Tooling Association (SPETA) is a non-profit tradeassociation representing locally registered companies engaged in the manufacturing ofmoulds & dies, jigs & fixtures, metal stamping, metal castings, plastic and rubbermoldings, precision machining, photonic and semi-conductor equipment, aerospace andautomotive parts, as well as in providing services related to the precision engineeringindustry. For more information, please visit www.speta.orgAbout Biomedical Engineering Society (Singapore)The Biomedical Engineering Society (Singapore) was formed in 1991. Its membershipincludes engineers and doctors from the universities, polytechnics, hospitals andindustries. The main objective of the Society is to promote professional excellence inBiomedical Engineering. The Society endeavours to serve as an impartial and nonpoliticaladvisory body on biomedical engineering, initiates scientific exchanges amongits members and others by collecting and disseminating information throughpublications, correspondence, regional courses and scientific meetings. BES8

encourages, promotes and assists in efforts to co-ordinate or guide research anddevelopment related to biomedical engineering. BES also guides and supports theefforts of those responsible for the education and training of the professions involvedand coordinate these activities. BES will undertake appropriate projects to encourageand facilitate uniform practice by developing standards nomenclature, techniques andinstrumentation.For more information, please visit www.bes.org.sgMedia ContactsMs Lee Swee HengSingapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech)DID: +65 6793 8368HP:+ 65 9620 3902Email: shlee@SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg or leesh@scei.a-star.edu.sgMs Jennifer TanIE SingaporeDID: + 65 6433 4738HP: + 65 9489 0715Email: jennifer_tan@iesingapore.gov.sgMs Amy WongSingapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA)DID: + 65 6512 2144Email: amy_wong@wda.gov.sgMs Khoo-Tan Peck HaBiomedical Engineering Society (Singapore)Email: secretary@bes.org.sg9

Annex 2MEDTECH MANUFACTURING CONSORTIUMBackgroundTo support the development of the medtech industry in Singapore, SIMTech is forminga technology-driven MedTech Manufacturing Consortium. The main mission of theconsortium is to address the medical technology needs and challenges faced by theSingapore manufacturing industry. It aims to assist the diversification of the capabilitiesof the local manufacturing industry to medtech manufacturing and to establish medicaltechnology R&D platforms for technology transfer and knowledge sharing amongststakeholders in the medtech industry.Key Objectives of the ConsortiumThe consortium aims at providing and facilitating medtech technology support to theSingapore SMEs to enable them to fully exploit the results of potential R&Dcollaboration with the research institutes, value chain partners and MNCs.The objectives of the consortium are:• To address the medical technology needs and challenges faced by the Singaporemanufacturing industry• To help diversify the capabilities of the local manufacturing industry to medtechmanufacturing• To establish medical technology R&D platforms for technology transfer andknowledge sharing amongst stakeholders in the medtech industry• To facilitate greater interaction and leveraging of expertise from industry, researchinstitutes and funding organisationsMember Benefits• MedTech Graduate Diploma• MedTech Consultancy Services• OEM/Suppliers Partnership Project• Member Networking Session• MedTech Business Matchmaking Session• Overseas Technology Study Missions• MedTech Conference/Workshop• Technology and Competitive Intelligence Report10

Identified Research Areas1. Forming technology for precision forming of medical devices and medical equipmentcomponents of polymeric, metallic and ceramics materials for use in safety needleslenses polymer-based microfluidic chips for DNA analysis and medical diagnostic2. Surface finishing to anodise and polish surgical materials for good corrosionprotection, bio-inertness, anti-sticking and durability3. Carbon coatings surface finishing for implantable parts to increase biocompatibilityand mechanical performance of metal parts used as implants4. Flexible and Conformal Technologies for wearable medical electronics and sensors5. Micro-laser welding to join dissimilar materials where heat sensitivity can be aproblem6. Mass finishing of small medical components by abrasive flow machining whereprocessing of complex internal passage is inaccessible by conventional methods.11

Annex 3WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS (WSQ) GRADUATE DIPLOMA INMEDTECH MANUFACTURINGThe Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Graduate Diploma in MedTechManufacturing is a training programme developed by the Singapore WorkforceDevelopment Agency (WDA) in collaboration with the Singapore Institute ofManufacturing Technology (SIMTech). This programme aims to equip existingengineers and technical specialists with the requisite knowledge and skills in the latestmedical device regulations and manufacturing technology to support the emergingmedical technology manufacturing sector in Singapore, as well as facilitate the entry ofnew talents into the industry.The WSQ Graduate Diploma in Medical Technology Manufacturing is offered on a parttimebasis comprising practical training and classroom lectures and case studiesconducted by industry specialists and SIMTech researchers. Under this Programme,WDA will provide course fee funding to subsidise the cost of training.The Programme consists of 5 modules. Specifically, these are:• Medtech Regulatory Overview• Medical Device Design Innovation and Development• Medtech Manufacturing Regulatory and Quality System• Medtech Manufacturing Processes• Medtech Manufacturing and Supply Chain ManagementParticipants have to complete all 5 modules to be conferred the WSQ GraduateDiploma in MedTech Manufacturing.12

Annex 4FUNDING SCHEMEWDA Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) (www.wda.gov.sg)SPUR or Skills Programme for upgrading and Resilience, is an enhanced fundingsupport scheme developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) inconsultation with the tripartite partners including the National Trades Union Congress(NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF). The nationalprogramme is a national response to help Singaporeans to cope with manpowerchallenges as we enter a period of slower growth due to the global financial crisis.13

Annex 5Strong Participation from Industry“To fully develop Singapore’s medical technology, a concerted effort with differentexpertise ranging from government agencies to industry players is critical. Thispartnership forms the value-chain, tapping on the expertise from research instiutes,academia and industry to develop breakthrough in medical technology and accelerateadoption of these new technology to the market.”Mr Mark Tan, Managing Director, Acme Monaco Asia Pte Ltd“We believe that the establishment of the MedTech Manufacturing Consortium willstrengthen the entire value chain proposition for Singapore as a leading country for biomedicalproducts manufacturing. Together with A*STAR and SIMTech, local SMEs orEMS providers like Beyonics will benefit from the upfront participation and accessibilityto the latest developments in the bio-medical industry, generating businessopportunities.”Mr Goh Chan Peng, Chief Executive Officer, Beyonics International Pte Ltd.“A platform like the MedTech Manufacturing Consortium is a win-win situation for allparties involved. The very clear and methodical way it is set up gives us the confidenceto participate.”Mr Hans Kunen, Managing Director, Delcam SEA Pte Ltd.“Leveraging on the enhanced support, range and depth of resources from theconsortium, we shall be in a better position to successfully overcome key challengesposed by the MedTech manufacturing industry, with high barriers of entry.”Mr Raymond Yee, Vice President, Corporate Development, Fischer Tech Ltd“There is now a window of opportunity for Singapore to move ahead of competitors andup the value chain via innovation.”Mr Lim Teck Sin, Founder of KOOPrime Pte Ltd14

“We are very pleased to support the mission of the MedTech ManufacturingConsortium. This initiative is a testament of the strong support that Singapore hastraditionally shown the medical technology sector, and how it is taking a leadership rolein enabling innovation. Singapore is uniquely advantaged with regard to the high level ofconcentrated technology and business expertise in our industry sector. We look forwardto very productive engagements with our colleagues within the Consortium.”Anthony Fernando, Director R&D and CoE Leader Asia, PerkinElmer, Inc.“By being a part of MedTech Manufacturing Consortium we hope to impart ourknowledge and experience to companies, keen on being international players inproducing safe, effective and high performing medical devices to the world market.”Mr Manfred Herbert Lottig, Chief Operating Officer, TÜV Rheinland“We are proud to be a member of the consortium which allows us to play a part intechnology transfer and knowledge sharing amongst stakeholders in the medicaltechnology industry particularly in the areas of testing and certification of medicalproducts to international standards.”Mr Chong Weng Hoe, Chief Executive Officer, TÜV SÜD PSB.15

MEDTECH MANUFACTURING CONSORTIUM MEMBERSAnnex 6No Company Names Contact Person Position / Title Business1 Acme Monaco Asia Pte Mr Mark Tan Managing Medical guidewires, orthodonticLtdDirector archwires2 Applied Total ControlTreatment Pte LtdMr Marcus SiaManagingDirectorPlating, anodising, polishingetc.3 BD Mr Steven Lau R&D Director Manufacture of diagnostics,medical devices andequipment, laboratoryinstruments and other finishedproducts4 Beyonics PrecisionEngineering Pte Ltd5 Cardinal HealthSingapore6 CEI ContractManufacturing Ltd7 CEL Coatings IndustriesPte Ltd8 Contract SterilizationServices Pte LtdMr Goh Chan PengDr Wong WeiChongMr Ho Weng WahMr Benjamin LeeBoon SoonMr James M P TanChief ExecutiveOfficerVice President,R&DEngineeringGeneralManagerGeneralManagerManagingDirector9 Delcam S.E.A. Pte Ltd Mr Hans Kunen ManagingDirector10 Ebel Industries Pte Ltd Ms Michelle Ang GeneralManager11 Excel Marco Singapore Mr David Ong Chief ExecutivePte LtdOfficer &ManagingDirector12 First Engineering Mr Andrew Tan Director,BusinessDevelopment13 Fischer Tech Ltd Mr Raymond Yee Vice President,CorporateDevelopment14 Fong Engineering Mr Jeremy Fong ManagingDirector15 Fujicon Engineering Ms Toh Guat Lian Director,MarketingPlastic injection moulding,electronics manufacturingserviceMedical segment- medicalproduct distribution & infectionprevention/clinical/proceduralproducts,Pharmaceutical segmentpharmaceuticalsupply chain,manufacturer and specialtyservices and nuclear andpharmacy servicesEthylene oxide sterilisationservice, tubing assembly forsecond heartEquipment manufacturingSterilising servicesSoftware providerCoatingIntegrated control and safetysystem, management system,medtech consultancy serviceInjection moulding /micromoulding, rapid toolingfabrication, laser etching,modular assemblyMould/tooling design &fabrication, Injection moulding,decorative process & finishing,surface treatmentManufacturing, engineering andcomponents suppliersSystem integration forcomponent/feeding solution,16

manufacturing line automation16 KOOPrime Pte Ltd Mr Lim Teck Sin Founder ITrial (clinical researchplatform), medical robotics17 Microtech EngineeringPte Ltd18 NUH-University SurgicalClusterMr Gilbert GohDr Lim JuiGeneralManagerExecutiveDirectorMachining, moulding serviceSurgical treatments. multidisciplinaryspecialty-basedsurgical group19 Orthogenix Prof Casey K Chan Founder Orthopaedic products20 PerkinElmer SingaporePte Ltd21 Polyone Singapore PteLtdMr AnthonyFernadoMr Fong Lai ChangDirector,OperationsTechnicalDirectorMedical diagnostic systemPolymer materials, services andsolutions22 Sanwa Plastic IndustryPte Ltd23 Siemens MedicalInstruments24 The Biofactory Pte Ltd(previously SGMolecular DiagnosticsPte Ltd and spin-off of(DYAMED Biotech PteLtd)Dr Ricky SouwDr Thomas Hies25 TÜV Rheinland Mr Manfed HerbertLottigManagingDirectorHead ofDepartmentManufacturing, engineering andcomponentsHearing aids & accessoriesMr Theodore Tan Director Automated moleculardiagnostic platformChief OperatingOfficer26 TÜV SÜD PSB Mr Dirk Eilers President &Chief ExecutiveOfficerCertification and auditingserviceCertification and auditingservice17