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Speech by Mr Yeoh Keat Chuan, Director Biomedical Sciences, EDB at the opening ceremony of Invitrogen Singapore’s Supply Centre on Tuesday, 14 November 2006, 12:00pm
Mr. Ben Bulkley, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Invitrogen Corporation
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. It gives me great pleasure to join you this morning for the opening ceremony of Invitrogen’s inaugural On-Site Supply Centre in Singapore.
2. As a leading global supplier of research and biopharmaceuticals manufacturing supplies, Invitrogen has been recognised many times for its emphasis on customer service and technical support. We are proud that Invitrogen is setting up its first “On-Site Supply Centre”, here at the Biopolis in Singapore.
3. Over dinner last night, I asked Ben and his colleagues, what was unique about this On-Site Supply Centre. They explained that this “retail concept” would provide a platform for researchers from different research institutes and organizations to get together and explore opportunities for collaboration. In fact, this is also one of the unique features of Biopolis – which provides the physical proximity through shared space and infrastructure for private-public sector partnerships and collaborations to germinate and flourish.
4. The Biopolis, a purpose built campus for biomedical sciences R&D, was developed on the basis that the clustering of BMS research activities would provide economies of scale benefits to industry. At the Biopolis, tenants have access to common infrastructure and scientific equipment as well as a range of contract services such as media preparation and sterilization.
5. Invitrogen’s On-Site Supply Centre will add key scientific services such as cloning and custom synthesis. Researchers will now have immediate access to high quality and customized research supplies. More importantly, they can also leverage the on-site technical specialists to help fine-tune their research protocols and provide research consultation.
6. The take up rate for the 2 million sq ft in Biopolis Phase I exceeded our expectations. Today, Biopolis Phase I is virtually fully occupied. It is also home to more than 20 biotech and pharmaceutical companies and more than 1,200 researchers and scientists from all over the world. Two weeks ago, we launched Biopolis Phase II, bringing the total research floor space to 2.4 million sq ft. The opening of Invitrogen’s new Supply Centre is very timely. It will further enhance the plug and play research environment at the Biopolis and Singapore, making it even more attractive for companies to set up research operations here.
7. In closing, I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the management and staff of Invitrogen Corporation on the official opening of your inaugural On-Site Supply Centre in Singapore. I wish you every success.
8. Thank You.
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