Foreword

The year 2023 was characterized by caution, conservatism, and steady growth. As we transition from the pandemic to the endemic era, 2024 brings the promise of optimism, aspiration, and a vibrant growth trajectory with innovative solutions in Singapore's healthcare landscape. In this market outlook, we will explore the key factors that shape the dynamic nature of the industry in Singapore.

Continuous growth in APAC Life Science market

The Life Science market in the APAC region, particularly in key markets such as China, Japan, Singapore, and India, is undergoing continuous expansion. China, in particular, is actively establishing itself as a localized biopharma innovation hub through its own research and development efforts, as well as partnerships with multinational players operating within the country. Although M&A activities had a slow start in 2023, they gained momentum towards the end of the year, surpassing the 2022 level by 30%. This signifies the enduring importance of M&A in the life science ecosystems, as it plays a vital role in maintaining productivity in the development of innovative medicines, expediting clinical advancements, and introducing new treatment options to patients.

Southeast Asia as One-Region

Singapore is emerging as a prominent regional hub for biotech and MedTech start-ups, but the demand for biotech talent continues to outpace supply, resulting in a talent shortage. In response to this, Singapore has taken proactive steps to attract overseas talents while simultaneously maintaining its commitment to nurturing biotech-related activities. By implementing various measures to draw in talent from abroad, Singapore aims to address the shortage and bolster its leading position in the region. Additionally, neighboring markets such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines are witnessing increased activity and are becoming attractive locations for regional hubs. These markets offer advantages such as more affordable living standards, a higher cost of value, improving infrastructures, and favorable government policies, making them appealing destinations for biotech and MedTech companies.

Accelerated Drug R&D

Anticipate significant advancements in drug R&D as we move forward. Small-molecule drugs are expected to maintain their dominance in the market due to their advantages in manufacturing, formulation, administration, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, we anticipate a rise in the adoption of biologics supported by improved technologies that address production and delivery duration challenges. Furthermore, the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the pharmaceutical industry will continue to expand and explore its roles, particularly in drug discovery, personalized medicine, and process optimizations. The growing demand for AI in these areas signifies its potential to revolutionize various aspects of the pharmaceutical sector.

Asia's role in the landscape of Clinical Trial

Asia will maintain a prominent position in global clinical trials and clinical stage development, underscoring its vital role in advancing medical research. The importance of patient diversity in these trials cannot be overstated, as companies embracing inclusive methods to enhance participant diversity are likely to expedite regulatory acceptance. Sponsors will need to adopt new and innovative strategies to reach a broader global patient population. However, these efforts must be accompanied by ongoing discussions on data privacy and safeguarding personal information. Establishing partnerships with patient advocacy groups and community leaders is crucial in promoting positive information, fostering trust, and cultivating a healthy and reliable clinical ecosystem and patient journey. By prioritizing inclusivity, data privacy, and collaborative partnerships, the clinical research community can advance medical knowledge while ensuring the well-being and trust of patients.

Navigating ASEAN drug access policies

The Southeast Asia market serves as an ideal testing ground for navigating dynamic regulatory systems and payment policies. Notably, Chinese pharmaceutical companies are gaining global recognition through successful license-out deals and are actively expanding into SEA markets. The ASEAN countries encompass a range of drug access policies, with some having independent regulatory systems and capabilities, while others rely on authorities from the US and/or Europe. Despite its seemingly small size on a global scale, the region offers immense opportunities for exploring drug potential, assessing patient acceptance, and determining drug competitiveness in the market. This unique positioning of the SEA landscape contributes to its ongoing vibrancy and makes it an attractive destination for pharmaceutical advancements and market expansion.

Inside this report, we have also covered:

• Market hiring trends;
• Salary benchmark for different roles by functions;
• Key demographics analysis related to education level, gender, turn-over rate etc. 

Download the guide >

For more information about the SG employment market for life sciences & healthcare professionals, please reach out to edmond.leung@morganphilips.com.