Speech by Minister Gan Kim Yong at Takeda Groundbreaking Ceremony

Mr Ricardo Marek, President of the Growth and Emerging Markets Business Unit, Takeda,

Mr Thomas Wozniewski, Global Manufacturing and Supply Officer, Takeda,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. Good afternoon.

2. I am pleased to join you at the ground-breaking ceremony of Takeda’s first zero carbon emissions building within its global manufacturing and supply network. This zero carbon building is the first of its kind in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Singapore. We are here at JTC’s Woodlands Wafer Fab Park, which houses an exciting ecosystem of global semiconductor and biomedical firms.

3. I would also like to congratulate Takeda on its 240^th anniversary.  Founded in 1781 in Osaka, Japan, Takeda has a long and rich history. Today, it is the largest pharmaceutical company in Asia, and among the top 10 in the world.

Singapore as a Biomedical Sciences Hub

4. Singapore has built up our capabilities in the biomedical sciences industry over the years, to become one of the world’s leading biomedical sciences hubs. We have manufacturing facilities across a wide range of products, including bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients, bulk biologics, drug products and nutritionals, headquartered here in Singapore. The sector invests heavily in research and development, and has a strong focus on innovation, supported by a growing talent pool. This enables the sector to create a diverse range of job opportunities for Singaporeans.

5. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a substantial increase in global demand for healthcare products. The pace of technological advancements in the biomedical sciences sector has also accelerated tremendously. I am glad that pharmaceutical companies such as Takeda have invested in Singapore to leverage our strong manufacturing capabilities, commitment to tech innovation, global connectivity, and skilled workforce.

6. I am also glad that we have developed strong public-private initiatives over the years, such as the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Advisory Council (BMAC), which includes EDB and JTC, as well as 16 top biopharmaceutical companies in Singapore, including Takeda. BMAC brings together the public and private sector to exchange views and collaborate on emerging trends, opportunities and challenges in the industry. One of the key focus areas for BMAC is sustainability. BMAC companies work together to develop best practices and share knowledge on innovative technologies to minimise waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a greener future for Singapore.

Sustainability

7. Earlier this year, the Government unveiled the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which charts out Singapore’s path towards a more sustainable future. This includes greening 80% of our buildings (by GFA) through smart and sustainable building solutions. We are encouraged by Takeda’s decision to site its first carbon zero building in Singapore. This illustrates the company’s commitment to combat climate change and make its operations environmentally sustainable, complementing our efforts in greening Singapore’s industrial estates.

8. Singapore is committed to a low-carbon future, in line with our international climate action commitments. We need both large and small companies, as well as individuals, to do our part to achieve our sustainability goals. Takeda’s zero carbon building is a positive step towards our ambitions.

Conclusion

9. Congratulations once again to Takeda. Thank you.