Frequently Asked Questions
The SGLN Biopharma Leaders Programme is a national initiative created by SGLN, supported by EDB, and developed with BMAC. It brings together senior and emerging biopharma leaders to strengthen Singapore’s talent, leadership, and global competitiveness. Singapore’s biopharma industry is world-class in infrastructure — this programme focuses on building the leadership and ecosystem foresight needed to secure its global edge for the future.
This is an exclusive opportunity — only 30 participants will be chosen for the 2026 cohort. 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: 1 day 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 2026 cohort will travel to Basel/Zurich, Switzerland — home to one of the world’s most advanced biopharma and life sciences ecosystems. Participants will experience first-hand how precision, reliability, and sustainability define Switzerland’s leadership in pharmaceutical innovation and scale-up. Through exclusive site visits, leadership dialogues, and exchanges with both global leaders and Singaporeans working abroad, participants gain unique insights into how excellence is built and sustained — and what Singapore can learn to remain at the forefront of global biopharma manufacturing.
The programme runs from November 2025 to November 2026, 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.
Applications open on 3rd November 2025 and close on 12th December 2025. 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 17th December 2025. The programme begins after Chinese New Year 2026.
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.