Coinciding with the official launch of Biotech Connection Singapore, October 1st 2014 saw the first event rolled out – the Entrepreneur’s Rule Book. A lively, informative and very much interactive discussion between two highly successful life science entrepreneurs, Prof. Steven Myint and A/Prof. Tan Sze Wee.
Patents give inventors exclusive rights for a limited period of time and thus provide incentives to undertake risky research projects. They also spur private investment to commercialise products and services.
The global Med Tech market is projected to grow at a rate of 4.4% annually, making it one of the fastest developing industry sectors. The stage is set for Singapore to grow into a vibrant, global Med Tech hub with an industry-ready workforce, “plug and play” infrastructure, and the growth of public-private partnerships, along with considerable government support.
The ability to write in a clear, informative and engaging way is a critical part of the scientist’s toolbox, as it allows the broader community to share in the excitement of basic scientific discovery. Unfortunately, few scientists receive formal training in communication, and the need for well-written scientific material has never been greater.
Singapore’s biomedical sciences (BMS) initiative began with a bang in 2000 with a S$6 billion government commitment over 5 years earmarked to establish new research centres, attract multi-national companies (MNCs), and to build infrastructure such as the Biopolis. Government spending on R&D has now increased to S$16.1 billion for phase 3 of the BMS initiative from 2011 to 2015, with the aim of “capturing opportunities for greater economic and health impact”.