Biotech Writing Competition

Biotech Writing Competition

The Biotech Connection Singapore Writing Competition is open to all Singapore residents 21 years old and above.
Why join this writing competition?
This is a dedicated writing competition for you to:
a) express your view on biotech landscape in Singapore and Asia, including but not limited to innovation, investment and career;
b) display your flair in writing;
c) expand your professional network.
Cash prizes will be awarded to top entries. Finalists may be invited to a networking dinner with the judges. The winning entries may also be published on the BCS website. 
Event schedule and format*:
*subject to changes
Competition Theme
Participants may write articles relating to current trends and topics in Asia, including but limited to emerging trends, innovation, the post-covid landscape, and career paths.
Online Submission
  • Individual entries can be uploaded as a word or pdf document in https://tinyurl.com/bbcw23. By submitting entries, participants have agreed to the Terms and Conditions of this competition.
  • The deadline for registration is 31st May 2023, 11:59 pm.
  • No late sign-ups will be entertained. If you encounter technical issues, please email us directly at communications@biotechconnection-sg.org.
       Entries should be:
      • Submitted in English only.
      • Non-fiction.
      • Between 1200-1500 words in length.
      • Typewritten, with the page numbering.
      • Include title and word count.
      • Written specifically for this competition. Only original and unpublished work will be accepted.
      • Written by a single author and not a collaborative effort.
      Prizes:
      • 1st prize: SGD1000
      • 2nd prize: SGD500
      • 3rd prize: SGD300.
      • First 20 entries will stand to win exclusive BCS merchandise.
      • Winning entries may be published on the BCS website.
      Selection Criteria
      • Participants are encouraged to write a perspective article/opinion piece. The panel will assess the entries for: technical accuracy, accessibility, impact, relevance to the theme, engagement.
      The results for the 1st Biotech Writing Competition are out!
      We would like to congratulate the winners  for their engaging and informative articles. We would also like to sincerely thank Daphne Ng, Malvika Katarya, Kami Navarro and Yi Ling Teo for taking time to judge the first science writing competition organised by BCS and everybody who submitted their entries.
      If you’re interested in learning more about scientific writing, or interested in reading the winning entries, stay tuned as we will be publishing them on this website.

      Judges' Profiles

      Dr Daphne Ng Hui Ping, Science Communication Lead at NTU Corporate Communications Office 
      Daphne swapped her pipette for the pen when she realised the importance of science communication. Wanting to do more to make science more accessible to the world outside the laboratory, she turned her science writing hobby into a career. Since then, Daphne’s stories have appeared in popular science publications and media outlets. Now, Daphne writes about the exciting research at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, something that she looks forward to doing every day.
      Dr Yi Ling Teo, Senior Medical Writer at Costello Medical
      Yi Ling is currently a Senior Medical Writer in the Medical Communications division at Costello Medical, Singapore. Since joining Costello Medical in 2019, Yi Ling has been responsible for the delivery of multiple project types including manuscripts, congress abstracts and presentations, strategic publications planning, and publication workshops, across multiple therapeutic areas.
      Yi Ling graduated with an honours degree in Pharmacy from the National University of Singapore and went on to receive a PhD at the same institution.
      Ms Kamila Navarro, Scientific Editor, NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical & Technological Innovation 
      As Scientific Writer and Editor at the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Synthetic Biology for Clinical & Technological Innovation, Kamila spearheads the communications efforts of NUS’ focal synthetic biology programme. Previously, she was the Science Editor of Wildtype Media Group, where she managed the award-winning publication Asian Scientist Magazine. Before coming to Singapore, Kamila pioneered a curriculum for Science and Risk Communication in her native Philippines, as well as published on the state of local science communication. Kamila is also the co-founder of Pinoy Scientists, an online platform that highlights the stories of Filipino scientists worldwide.
      Dr Malvika Katarya, Senior Medical Writer at AMICULUM Asia 
      Malvika earned her Master’s degree in Neuroscience from King’s College London and worked in academic research labs for several years, investigating the molecular pathology of neurodegenerative diseases.
      Malvika has more than six years of experience as a medical writer and has supported local, regional and global clients in the pharmaceutical industry to develop tailored and engaging medical communications.
      She has developed medical affairs, commercial and publication materials across a variety of therapy areas including oncology, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rare metabolic diseases, laboratory diagnostic products and medical devices. She has also supported clients and faculty with medical events including advisory boards, congresses and workshops.
      Any changes to the above details will be updated on this webpage and communicated via email. If you have any questions, please send them to communications@biotechconnection-sg.org. We look forward to receiving your applications!

      Organised by:

      Terms and Conditions

      1. The Biotech Writing Competition 2023 (“Competition”) is open to people aged 21 and over (“Entrant”).
      2. The Competition is not open to the current executive committee of Biotech Connection Singapore.
      3. Entries on behalf of another person will not be accepted and joint submissions are not allowed.
      4. Entrants must reside and/or work in Singapore. Entrants who cannot produce reasonable evidence of residence or work in Singapore will be disqualified.
      5. No responsibility is taken for entries that are lost, delayed, misdirected or incomplete or cannot be delivered or entered for any technical or other reason.
      6. Each prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and where applicable, not redeemable for cash or other prizes.
      7. Biotech Connection Singapore (the “Organizer”) accept no responsibility for any costs associated with participating in or accepting the Competition, including, without limitation, personal expenses, insurance, travel and transfers.
      8. The Organizer accept no responsibility and disclaims any liability for any damage, loss, injury or death incurred or suffered as a result of participating in or accepting the Competition.
      9. Winners will be notified by e-mail. In the event the winners cannot be contacted within seven (7) days of the first notification attempt, the prize may be forfeited, and no compensation will be given.
      10. The Competition begins at 9:00:01 am Singapore Time on 15 March 2023 and ends at 11:59:59 pm Singapore Time on 15 May 2023.
      11. The judges’ decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into. The Organizers reserve the right not to award a Competition if the Entries do not meet the requirements.
      12. By entering, each Entrant warrants and represents the following with respect to their Entry:
      — 12.1 The Entry is 100% original and Entrant is the sole and exclusive owner of the material;
      — 12.2 The Entry will not infringe on or conflict with the copyright, trademark, trade secret or any other personal or proprietary right of any other party;
      — 12.3 The Entrant shall be liable and provide compensation in the event of any action, claim or proceedings brought against the Organizers by a third party as a result of infringement of existing copyright caused by the Entrant in participation to the competition.
      — 12.4 Entry into the competition constitutes the Entrant’s irrevocable permission, at no additional compensation or consideration, for the Organizers or their affiliates to reproduce the Entrant’s entry in scientific or promotional communications including, but not limited to, Biotech Connection Singapore.
      1. This competition is being run by Biotech Connection Singapore, A*StartCentral, Ayer Rajah Crescent, #05-03 Block 79, 139955.
      2. The Organizers reserve the right to amend the rules of the Competition at any time without prior notice.
      3. The Competition will be governed by the laws of the Republic of Singapore.
      4. Entry into the Competition is acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.