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SINGAPORE: Clinical research organisation, Quintiles Transnational, is planning to expand its presence in Singapore. It is doubling its regional headquarters workforce to more than 500 employees.
Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said these jobs would provide Singaporeans with the opportunity to play a key role in developing life-saving medicines that will impact patients worldwide.
Speaking at the official opening of Quintiles' Asia-Pacific regional headquarters in Singapore, Mr Gan said pharmaceutical and biotech companies are tapping more on external research resources.
This trend has increased the demand for contract clinical research services offered by companies like Quintiles.
The Economic Development Board (EDB) is also working with Quintiles to make available opportunities for Singaporeans to play a role in advancing human healthcare.
Mr Gan said: "To build up Singapore's pool of clinical researchers, EDB will launch 50 training positions in partnership with companies for Singapore residents who are keen on joining this sector. We are pleased that Quintiles is among the first to come on board this initiative."
Mr Gan added that the Workforce Development Agency is also working to develop a specialist track for clinical research professionals under the Process Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) framework.
"In future, clinical research companies can leverage on the WSQ courses to train new trainees and upskill existing workers. The specialist track will equip workers with relevant practical skills and enhance their knowledge in clinical trial management."
This is targeted to be available by the second quarter next year.
Singapore's biomedical sciences sector employs 16,000 people including 4,000 researchers.
The global contract clinical research market, worth US$20 billion last year, is expected to grow annually by 8.5 percent to reach US$35 billion in 2015.
- 938LIVE/ir
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