Ambassador of France to Singapore,
His Excellency Mr Stephen Marchisio

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Arkema,
Mr Thierry Le Hénaff

Chief Operating Officer of Arkema,
Mr Marc Schuller

Distinguished Guests,

Introduction

 

1. Good afternoon. It is a real pleasure to be here to celebrate Arkema’s bio-based Rilsan® Polyamide-11 (“PA-11”) Singapore plant.

 

2. Or as those at Arkema call it, “Project Symphony” - and I must say, it’s music to my ears.

 

a. For those less familiar, PA-11 is a high-performance polymer made from renewable resources like castor oil.

 

It is a strong, flexible, and sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials.

 

b. I was told that this plant will produce PA-11 with a carbon footprint of just 1.3 kilogram of carbon dioxide per kilogram of product – over 80% lower than fossil-based options.

 

This makes PA-11 one of the most sustainable high-performance polymers on the market today.

 

3. Project Symphony is a celebration of many firsts.

 

a. It is Arkema’s first plant in Singapore.

 

b. It is the world’s largest integrated bio-factory for high-performance polymers, consolidating the full value chain, from processing castor oil to end product.

 

c. It is also financed through Arkema’s first ever Green Bond for 300 million euros.

 

4. Well done to Arkema for your commitment to sustainability and innovation!

 

Singapore is the ideal springboard for specialty chemicals growth in Asia

 

5. Arkema’s decision to anchor Project Symphony in Singapore is also a boost for our broader ambition for a Sustainable Jurong Island.

 

6. As we mark 25 years since Jurong Island’s official opening, we are focused on shaping its next phase – one where it remains globally competitive, but also low-carbon and future-ready.

 

7. Arkema’s investment supports this vision. It brings cutting-edge green manufacturing and adds to our pipeline of sustainable products.

 

8. At the same time, Singapore offers Arkema distinct advantages.

 

a. First, an open trade architecture.

 

Singapore has 28 implemented Free Trade Agreements that gives access to markets representing over 85% of the global GDP.

 

b. Second, a world-class infrastructure that ensures seamless flow of materials and finished goods.

 

c.    Finally, a pro-business and trusted regulatory framework that makes it easy to operate, adapt and scale.

 

9. With a growing middle class, demand for advanced materials, is rising across Asia.

 

a. From cars to electronics, high-performance polymers are essential in our everyday life. PA-11, for instance, can make products lighter and tough and can be found in running shoes and energy systems. It is literally helping us go that extra mile!

 

10. Companies need a base that is efficient and can strategically position them for growth in the region.

 

a. I am happy that Arkema, alongside other leading multinationals – like SABIC and Kuraray – have chosen Singapore as their regional hub.

 

Partnering in Singapore for co-innovation in sustainable materials

 

11. Back to Project Symphony. As Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, as well as Minister for Manpower, let me share how Arkema is already hitting the right notes in two areas close to my heart: deepening innovation and developing talent.

 

12. Let’s start first with innovation. Arkema’s facility creates new opportunities to co-develop sustainable materials, reduce waste, and advance low-carbon chemistries for a greener future. Singapore has committed to grow our output of sustainable products on Jurong Island by 1.5 times from 2019 levels by 2030. This facility brings us a step closer.

 

13. Beyond manufacturing, we are excited by Arkema’s joint R&D projects with the Nanyang Technological University.

 

a. These range from enhancing PA-11’s mechanical properties, to developing bicycle helmets using Elium® thermoplastic resin which are safer, lighter, and more cost competitive.

 

Proof that green innovation can also be good business.

 

Advancing towards a sustainable future from Singapore by investing in talent and ecosystems

 

14. Secondly, on talent. We need skilled people to power a sustainable future.

 

15. Arkema’s PA-11 plant has created around 200 highly skilled jobs in operations, process development, support functions and more.

 

16. Producing bio-based polymers differs significantly from conventional petrochemical processes. I’m glad that Arkema, with the support of EDB, has invested in training Singaporeans by bringing in capabilities from France.

 

17. Arkema is also grooming the next generation of local leaders. Five Singaporeans have already taken up overseas placements within the company, gaining valuable international experience and perspectives.

 

a. They include Mr Benjamin Er. Benjamin joined Arkema in 2019 to lead sales, marketing, and business development for Thiochemicals in Asia. He notably oversaw regional Dimethyl Disulfide storage projects, including one in Singapore. Last year, he took on a new role in France as Head of Corporate Planning. He now supports Arkema’s Executive Committee and Board on global strategy and investments. A fantastic example of how Singaporeans can help shape the future of sustainable industry around the world. Congratulations Benjamin!

 

18. Before I conclude, let me highlight one more ‘first’ worth celebrating. Arkema, together with Temasek Trust and Solidaridad, will jointly announce work on the Castor Farmer Education Fund, a first-of-its-kind donor-advised fund to uplift castor farming communities in India. It is a powerful example of business with purpose. It also reinforces Singapore’s role as a trusted partner for sustainable innovation and inclusive growth across borders.

 

Conclusion

 

19. Finally, let me end by congratulating Mr Thierry Le Hénaff and the entire Arkema team.

 

20. In today’s complex and interdependent world, the path to sustainability demands bold innovation and bold people to bring them to life. We are proud to be part of Arkema’s journey in Asia, and we look forward to deepening this partnership as we build a more resilient, greener, and inclusive future together.

 

21. Wishing Arkema every success in this exciting new chapter. Thank you.