3 May, 2022 - 09:14 By Tony Quested

Abcam opens Singapore gateway to Asian markets

Abcam’s office in Singapore. Image courtesy of Abcam plc.

Cambridge life science enabler Abcam has officially opened its newest regional hub – in Singapore – which will be deployed as a springboard to lucrative Asian markets.

Healthcare spend in Asia is projected to grow by 135 per cent to $2.3 trillion by 2026 and the life sciences sector in the region continues to expand rapidly.

This move marks a major milestone in Abcam’s growth, building on its recent expansion in Shanghai and Hangzhou (which continues to serve customers in mainland China) and Adelaide, Australia.

Abcam supplies life science research tools to clients worldwide; its Singapore facility will service the growing APAC life sciences community – offering scientific and technical support and providing a commercial headquarters for the region.

CEO Alan Hirzel said: “For the past two decades, we have witnessed how the quality of science, investment in R & D and growing presence of world-class talent have made APAC a central place to drive innovation and advances in life science and healthcare.

“We’re excited to be at the heart of the dynamic life sciences ecosystem in Singapore. The new regional hub will strengthen our interactions with researchers in APAC and will help the global life sciences community push the boundaries of research.”

At its new base at the Biopolis Biomedical Research Hub – a stone’s throw from some of the region’s leading research centres – Abcam joins over 350 life sciences companies, including eight of the top 10 global pharma players, that have laid down roots in the country.

Junie Fo, VP of Investment Facilitation for the Singapore Economic Development Board commented: “We are pleased that Abcam has chosen Singapore as the location of its new APAC hub.

“We are confident that by tapping into our vibrant healthcare and innovation ecosystems, Abcam will be able to support the life sciences community in Singapore to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs.”

The official opening ceremony was attended by Professor Tan Sze Wee, assistant chief executive of enterprise at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, alongside members of Abcam’s executive leadership team.