Singapore hopes to import biotech talent

The Island-state of Singapore views biosciences and health care servicesas its most promising future economic growth area, hoping that it will complement its existing strengths in electronics, chemicals and transport. The Singapore government is keen to retain its distinction of having one of the most competitive economies in the world. The search for a new industry on which to pin future aspirations has become all the more significant following last year's recession - a consequence of Singapore's over-dependence on electronics, writes John Burton in the Financial Times.

As it bids to become a world leader in biosciences, the Singapore government is encountering problems which may hold back the development of this intended growth area. Firstly, there is a lack of highly-skilled personnel in Singapore to fill the type of roles required to achieve a successful intellectual property base within biosciences. Secondly, Singapore's non-entrepreneurial culture has meant a lack of investment in venture companies.

Lack of highly skilled individuals