Singapore’s biopharmaceutical manufacturers have launched a S$4.8 million study award for polytechnic and ITE students in biomedical science courses, with each recipient getting S$3,000 to S$5,000. The BMAC Study Award, launched on Thursday, 22 October, by the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Advisory Council (BMAC), is the first of its kind for the industry in Singapore.
What each student gets
- A one-time cash award of S$3,000 to S$5,000
- Priority placement for internships with participating BMAC companies in the final year of study
- Places at BMAC events such as fireside chats and site tours
Who can apply
Applications open in 2027 to Year 2 students in eligible biomedical-related Diploma and Higher Nitec courses. Some 1,000 students are expected to benefit over the next five years.
The six institutions taking part are ITE, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic. The award was launched at the Joint Polytechnic-ITE Biomedical Science Forum at Singapore Polytechnic.
The jobs behind the award
BMAC is an alliance of biopharmaceutical multinationals with manufacturing plants in Singapore. The industry employs more than 9,300 workers, up 54 per cent since 2014, across more than 60 manufacturing sites. Eight of the world’s top 10 biopharmaceutical companies have manufacturing or research operations here, making products from active pharmaceutical ingredients and biologics such as vaccines to antibody-drug conjugates. Roles range from production technicians and managers to quality control and quality assurance technicians.
“The BMAC Study Award reflects the industry’s collective commitment to develop Singapore’s next generation of biopharmaceutical talent,” Koh Liang Hong, Site Head of Sanofi Singapore and BMAC co-chair, wrote in the release.
Goh Wan Yee, Senior Vice President at the Economic Development Board and the council’s other co-chair, called the industry “a key pillar of our economy that offers meaningful job opportunities and career pathways for Singaporeans”.
The award follows the SGLN Biopharma Leaders Programme, which BMAC launched with the Singapore Leaders Network in November 2025 to develop global leaders for the sector.
