Singapore, April 16, 2008: ‘Biomedical Asia 2008’, one of the major platforms for the Asian biomedical sciences industry has attracted over 1000 business and scientific leaders to Singapore on its opening day yesterday. They include 200 international expert speakers and panelists representing the most influential companies, venture capitalists and research institutes from Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States.

Inaugurating the two day conference, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry, government of Singapore urged the participants to take advantage of this gathering that draws its context from the Asian environment to address global challenges in biomedical sciences.

"Within the next decade, we will see Asia emerge as a global powerhouse in the biomedical sciences industry. The sheer size of its market, talent and resource base cannot be ignored. What distinguishes Asia though, is its sheer diversity - of political systems, culture, and economic development. This presents monumental challenges, as well as tremendous opportunity for those who dare to think differently," the minister said.

To navigate Asia's complex and dynamic playing field, companies and scientists need to forge partnerships that marry an in-depth understanding of local conditions with a knowledge of international markets. Strategically positioned at the international crossroads of geography, commerce, culture and science, Singapore presents an ideal location to forge these partnerships.

The highlight of Biomedical Asia is six conferences centered on bio manufacturing, therapeutics, licensing, investments, informatics and logistics. In addition, there are two industry summits on contract manufacturing and clinical partnering, five pre and post-event master classes, and an extensive exhibition by the world's top biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

 

‘Biomedical Asia 2008’as a key convention in biomedical space in this part of the region,  provides participants different settings where they can share and discuss latest discoveries, partnership opportunities, viable business ventures, and best practices with industry movers and shakers from around the world.

BioMedical Asia 2008 is organized by Terrapinn, with the support of Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Bio*One Capital, Singapore Tourism Board and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The event is endorsed by key industry associations in Asia Pacific: Australia's Biotechnology Organization, BioSingapore, Japan Bioindustry Association, Bioindustry Association of Korea, Malaysian Biotechnology Organization and the Thai Society for Biotechnology.