Technology is also a critical enabler in the growth and development of the petrochemicals industry, and Singapore is investing heavily in R&D with the

"We want to reach the point where we can compete with the US, Europe and Japan as an investment location focused on technology-intensive processes and high-value specialty products." - Julian Ho, Executive Director, Energy, Chemicals and Engineering Services, EDB

"We want to reach the point where we can compete with the US, Europe and Japan as an investment location focused on technology-intensive processes and high-value specialty products," says Ho. "Companies are increasingly choosing Singapore as a location for differentiated technologies that are close to their hearts."

For one, British firm Lucite - the world's leading producer of methyl methacrylate (MMA), the basic ingredient of the acrylic industry - chose Singapore to launch its new Alpha technology, which it predicts "will change the face of the methacrylates industry." According to the company, the technology can cut costs by up to 40 per cent by using ethylene, carbon monoxide and methanol as feedstock, as opposed to traditional methods based on acetone cyanohydrin.

Likewise, Shell plans to implement its proprietary OMEGA technology in its new plant; the technology is touted as the most efficient technology in the world to convert ethylene to monoethylene glycol, an important raw material for industrial applications.

With other companies following suit, Singapore can expect to remain one step ahead of the competition in terms of technology - and in time to come, launch revolutionary technologies of its own.

From creation to protection

It must be said that cutting-edge technologies and research are futile if the resultant expertise and products cannot be protected. As such, the country takes its IP protection seriously with a regime that is ranked highly in Asia. Companies can file for IP protection globally from Singapore, as it is a signatory to major IP conventions and treaties, such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

Within the country, institutions such as the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre ensure investors have all the services they need for new patents, copyrights and trademarks, IP litigation, technology intelligence and IP valuation. This is a strong incentive for companies not only to develop unique proprietary technology, but also to locate their Asian developmental centres and build their brands from Singapore's shores.






BASF has chosen Singapore for its R&D activities.
Consequently, chemical companies have been eager to locate their IP base in Singapore. Leading chemicals company BASF is investing about S$4 million (US$2.9 million) in a Singapore-based organic electronics R&D centre that will focus on two important growth clusters: nanotechnology and energy management. "Our investment underlines our firm commitment to Singapore and will generate innovation for our customers in Asia-Pacific and other regions," says Dr Martin Brudermüeller, Member of the Executive Board, BASF, who is responsible for its Asia-Pacific operations.