FAQ

Companies are encouraged to nominate Singaporean Citizens or Permanent Residents with 10 or more years of experience, who are already trusted to deliver results and have the potential to take on regional or global leadership roles in the next 3–5 years. Nominations are reviewed to ensure a diverse and high-calibre cohort representing different companies, functions, and perspectives. Strong candidates are those who combine subject-matter depth with curiosity, influence, and a desire to lead beyond their organisation — individuals ready to shape not just their company’s future, but Singapore’s future too.

Participants embark on a transformational journey that builds clarity, confidence, and credibility as leaders of Singapore’s biopharma future. They will engage directly with senior industry leaders, learn from global best practices, and form powerful cross-company networks that last well beyond the programme year. More than a learning experience, it is a platform to grow visibility, voice, and influence within the ecosystem — enabling leaders to step up, be seen, and make a difference in shaping Singapore’s next chapter of biopharma leadership.

Most corporate programmes strengthen leaders within an organisation. The SGLN Biopharma Leaders Programme develops leaders who can lead across the ecosystem. Backed by EDB and co-created with BMAC, it connects leadership development to Singapore’s national strategy for talent competitiveness. This is an industry-owned, nationally supported initiative that builds cross-company collaboration, visibility, and shared foresight. It allows Singaporean leaders to benchmark against the world’s best, engage directly with peers and policymakers, and gain access to a senior network shaping the industry’s future.

A year-long journey featuring:

• Local Leadership Module: 2 days in Singapore
• Overseas Leadership Module (Global Expedition): 5-days overseas
• Communities of Practice (CoPs): cross-company projects solving real challenges
• Industry Networking and Learning Events: ongoing peer learning and thought leadership

Together, these experiences help participants translate learning into action, driving impact for both their organisations and the industry.

The 2027 cohort will travel to Shanghai, China, home to one of the world’s most rapidly advancing biopharma and life sciences ecosystems. Participants will experience first-hand how speed, scale, and regulatory experimentation define China’s leadership in biomanufacturing and innovation, exploring fast-cycle industrial parks, smart factories integrating robotics and digital systems, and emerging MedTech and Biomed clusters. Through exclusive site visits, leadership dialogues, and exchanges with both global leaders and Singaporeans working abroad, participants gain unique insights into how regulatory pilots and large-scale experimentation are accelerating innovation and production agility across the region, and what Singapore can learn to remain at the forefront of global biopharma manufacturing.

The programme runs from March 2027 to August 2027, with participants expected to commit approximately 2–3 days per month across different components. The local leadership module, overseas leadership module (Global Expedition), and Communities of Practice are compulsory. Other engagements such as the industry networking and learning events are strongly encouraged. Companies often find that the return on investment is immediate: participants bring back insights, global benchmarks, and ideas that benefit their teams and business strategies.

The fee is S$9,500 (before GST) for the full year. It covers all programme design, facilitation, local transport, and selected site activities. Airfare and accommodation for the overseas leadership module (Global Expedition) are borne by the participant’s company. This investment represents access to a year-long leadership journey, national ecosystem exposure, and an international learning experience that few programmes globally can match.

Applications open on 23rd July 2026 and close on 2nd October 2026. Companies can submit nominations via the official registration link or contact sgln.siig@hcli.org. Self-nominations are also welcome, though priority will be given to company-sponsored participants. Successful applicants will be notified by 30th October 2026. The programme begins after Chinese New Year 2027.

By participating, companies contribute to shaping a stronger, more connected leadership ecosystem for Singapore’s biopharma industry. They gain access to new insights, a network of peers across the ecosystem, and increased visibility in national talent development efforts supported by EDB and BMAC. Nominees return to their organisations with renewed perspective, confidence, and global networks — amplifying not just their own leadership, but their company’s reputation and readiness for the future.