Singapore's chemical industry received a boost with Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. unveiling plans to open its first R&D centre outside Japan. Known as the Mitsui Chemicals Singapore Technical Centre, it will be housed at the Agency of Science, Technology and Research's (A*STAR) Institute of Chemical & Engineering Sciences (ICES).

The Centre will focus on the areas of catalysis and asymmetric synthesis - two areas which Mitsui and ICES have joint research on as a result of their collaboration in 2004. The two parties will leverage each other's capabilities to enhance the competitive edge of chemical companies by providing the means to create new materials and chemicals. Not only will such developments improve current processes by making them more environmentally friendly and efficient, they will also bring tremendous cost savings to chemical manufacturing operations.

"The Mitsui Chemicals Singapore Technical Centre, which will include functions ranging from R&D to production, will greatly contribute to our further business expansion in Asia," says Dr Akihiro Yamaguchi, senior managing director, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.