Singapore Science Park: A thriving ecosystem of synergistic industries
Nestled in verdant greenery, the innovation hub’s like-minded community, customisable workspaces and proximity to key partners make it an attractive option.
A lush plant wall adorns the entrance to Musim Mas' innovation facility at Singapore Science Park. Photo: Musim Mas
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Home to over 350 leading global and Singaporean enterprises, research institutions and tech start-ups, Singapore Science Park is a dynamic hub of innovation. From sustainable agri-tech advancements to cutting-edge cancer detection technologies and wearable biosensors, the park’s culture of discovery and progress aids in driving these breakthroughs.
For instance, from its office at integrated development The Rutherford, multinational corporation Avaya has spearheaded key technology projects, including eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) systems and contact centre applications for customers.
Located within the greater one-north district, Singapore Science Park offers one of the largest and most vibrant ecosystems. Co-working labs, collaborative spaces and networking events foster an environment where synergy thrives. Its diverse tenant base includes key players in the tech, biomedical and life sciences sectors, such as Dyson Singapore, Merck Singapore, Shopee Singapore and Johnson & Johnson.
Set amid greenery and linked to Kent Ridge Park, Singapore Science Park features biophilic landscaping that creates an inviting workplace for many. Since 2019, global sustainable palm oil solutions provider Musim Mas has housed its S$10 million innovation facility – the Novel IDEAS Center – at The Rutherford. Visitors are welcomed by a lush plant wall at the entrance, complemented by a digital display that provides information about the laboratories where they can co-create tailored palm oil solutions for their food and beverage formulations.
Mr Amit Sirohi, managing director of Avaya ASEAN and customer experience sales leader, highlighted that Singapore Science Park’s unique environment has made the company a desirable workplace: “Despite its convenient location, Singapore Science Park provides a tranquil atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of a typical commercial hub, with expansive green spaces and facilities that promote well-being.”
PURPOSEFULLY CRAFTED TO SUPPORT BUSINESS NEEDS
According to Ms Sharon Teo, managing director of Workspace Management at CapitaLand Investment, Singapore Science Park’s robust infrastructure and diverse unit types are designed to meet the needs of key industries in life sciences, technology and innovation. “These workspaces are purpose-built to support business requirements, offering flexible layouts and customisation options,” she explained.
A notable example is the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Innovation Center of renewable and circular solutions provider Neste, located at Singapore Science Park 2. The adaptable and spacious environment has enabled Neste to accommodate a wide range of laboratory equipment, crucial for advancing its analytical and raw material research capabilities, said Ms Leena Matilainen, the centre’s head.
Flexibility is also a key advantage for Avaya. “The offices are spacious, with excellent meeting rooms and ample space to support future expansion; we find it to be good value for money too,” said Mr Sirohi.
More than just a collection of workspaces, Singapore Science Park’s lively community of science, technology and business leaders creates an environment rich with opportunities for collaborative growth. Ms Teo added that Geneo, the newest S$1.4 billion life sciences and innovation cluster of five Grade A buildings at the park, will further strengthen community connections, providing spaces for networking, socialising and unwinding.
Geneo enhances work-live-play offerings with business-friendly amenities like co-working labs and the park’s first lodging facility, Citadines Science Park Singapore. It also includes a fitness corner, end-of-trip facilities and a weather-proof, naturally ventilated event plaza with three levels of dining, retail and entertainment options, directly connected to Kent Ridge MRT station.
Further driving the biotech ecosystem forward, NSG BioLabs is joining forces with CapitaLand to launch a new biotech co-working hub at Geneo. Designed to ignite greater collaboration among life science and deep tech companies, the facility offers flexible workspaces, shared wet labs as well as a fully equipped meeting and conference venue. This expansion will increase NSG BioLabs’ footprint to over 70,000 sq ft, solidifying its position as the region’s largest co-working biotech laboratory.
A STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED ECOSYSTEM
“Singapore serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia and is highly accessible to the wider Asia-Pacific region,” observed Mr Keng Hock Chua, managing director of Merck Singapore and vice president of Process Solutions (Asia Pacific), Life Science Business at Merck. He noted Singapore’s evolution into a flourishing biomedical sciences hub, recognised for its strong research and development capabilities and pool of skilled talent.
“Singapore Science Park hosts numerous leading research institutions, pharmaceutical and biotech companies,” said Mr Chua. “This proximity facilitates closer collaboration with our life science customers and contributes to an innovation-driven ecosystem.”
These factors were pivotal in Merck’s decision to establish its regional headquarters, life science lab facilities and the first Good Manufacturing Practices BioReliance biosafety testing lab outside the United States and United Kingdom at The Ascent, Singapore Science Park.
The Ascent also houses Merck’s M Lab Collaboration Centre, where customers can engage with Merck’s scientists and engineers to explore ideas and address critical process development and production challenges. Additionally, The Ascent is home to Merck’s Digital Hub, focused on accelerating innovation in the healthcare and semiconductor industries.
Complementing this progressive environment, household appliance manufacturer Dyson established its Singapore Technology Centre at The Ascent, serving as a hub for digital, engineering and global cybersecurity advancements. Dyson also set up the Cyber Fusion Centre within the space to conduct research in areas like operational technologies and the Internet of Things.
Singapore Science Park’s close access to a wealth of talent and potential partners, including key research institutions like A*STAR and local tertiary educational institutions, was a significant factor in Neste’s decision to base its APAC Innovation Center there, shared Ms Matilainen.
Similarly, Mr Sirohi underscored the advantage of being near the National University of Singapore (NUS), which simplifies interviewing prospective job candidates. “It’s also advantageous for employees once they’ve joined us,” he added. “Being close to the university means their commutes and schedules remain largely unchanged.”
A HOTBED OF INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS
According to Mr Sam Appalasami, head of functional products and Novel IDEAS Center at Musim Mas, the company has tapped into the talent pool from nearby research facilities and universities while also benefitting from the availability of advanced equipment in these institutions’ research and development labs. This access has enabled Musim Mas to effectively explore new functional blends and specialty fats projects, expanding its portfolio.
“Being in Singapore Science Park not only connects entrepreneurs and businesses with experts in their fields, but also opens doors to mentorships and growth opportunities,” said Ms Teo. For instance, NUS Enterprise @ Singapore Science Park, the nation’s first deep tech hub, supports local tech start-ups and innovators by facilitating partnerships and knowledge exchanges with the park’s business community.
At Singapore Science Park, curated tenant engagement workshops and activities – such as the innovation-centred conference Innovation Made Real – keep the ecosystem dynamic and foster new connections.
Said Ms Teo: “At these events, tenants meet kindred spirits, sparking ideas and conversations about shared interests. By providing an environment that inspires, we facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas, leading to potentially fruitful partnerships at Singapore Science Park.”
Similar ecosystems that promote creativity and collaboration can also be found at CapitaLand’s Changi Business Park, which brings tenants close to partners at Changi Airport, Changi Aviation Park, the Singapore University of Technology and Design and Singapore EXPO, as well as at International Business Park, located next to the emerging commercial hub of Jurong Lake District.
Learn more about Singapore Science Park and download the Geneo brochure. Explore CapitaLand's business parks as well as its industrial and logistics workspaces.
