Overview

Singapore the preferred Asian country for MNC headquarters, given geographical location and supporting business infrastructure

Ranked second in the Ease of Doing Business Report 2020 by the World Bank, Singapore hosts the largest number of headquarters in the Asian region. The country is home to about 46% of regional headquarters in Asia, in addition to hosting the regional headquarters of 59% of global technology MNCs. The country has over 37,000 international companies, including 7,000 MNCs, with their regional headquarters in the country.

Around 64% of the Singapore economy’s value added comes from foreign enterprises, which employ 32% of the country’s workforce but account for only 19% of the total number of enterprises in the country.

Singapore is a regional hub for the finance and logistics industry, which supports enterprises at various stages of the supply chain. Singapore topped the World Bank’s Aggregated Logistics Performance Index 2018 and houses the regional headquarters of 20 of the top 25 global third-party logistics (3PLs) companies.

In addition, Singapore is a popular research and development (R&D) hub in the region, ranked 8th in the Global Innovation Index 2021 and second in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2021 rankings, surpassing the US. Singapore has been building its R&D capabilities since 1991 via its National Technology Plan, and currently generates SGD 0.28 million in value addition for every SGD 1 million (i.e. 28%) value added in the manufacturing industry as a spill-over effect.

As the region’s largest recipient of FDIs in the ASEAN region, Singapore received FDIs worth USD 91 billion in 2020. The top three recipient industries were finance, wholesale & retail trade, and manufacturing, and the top four sources were China, the US, Japan and the UK.

Singapore’s infrastructure and skilled talent attractive to foreign companies

Singapore was ranked as the number-one city in KPMG’s global ranking of leading technology innovation hubs outside of Silicon Valley/San Francisco for 2021, based on the following factors:

• Urban locale that attracts young professionals: Singapore is ranked as the top smart city in the world, poised to attract young professionals. It is also ranked as one of the top cities in Asia, with the highest quality of living in the region.
• Steady pipeline of skilled talent: The National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU) are among the top 50 business schools worldwide, listed in the ‘Top 100 Global MBA’ 2018 ranking by the Financial Times. Singapore’s graduate output for 2019 stood at over 19,000, in addition to over 23,000 polytechnic graduates.
• History of successful startup exits: Singapore’s startup ecosystem has over 36,000 startups, in addition to having the presence of 80 of the world’s top 100 technology companies.
• Established base of tech parks or accelerators: Singapore has six industrial parks and a Science and Technology Park (STP) that provide business ecosystems and incentives for companies.
• Favorable regulatory environment: Singapore’s online business registration is rated among the fastest in the world, and provides a single window for business registration.
• Supporting ecosystem of banks and law firms: Singapore’s free market economy and encouraging government policies to promote open investments have created a financial hub for international banks. This allows foreign companies to open and manage forign currency bank accounts easily.
• Access to finance: Singapore expects the number of high net worth individuals in the country to increase by 30% (a net worth of more than SGD 40 million) from 2019 to 2024.
• Mentoring and access to innovation network: Singapore has over 100 incubators and accelerators that support the country’s startup ecosystem.

Tax incentives and lax regulations further attract MNCs to locate headquarters in Singapore

Singapore does not have capital gains tax and the average corporate tax rate is 17%. Its personal and corporate income system follows progressive taxing where the tax rates start from 0% and are capped at 22%, designed to support startups and increase business activities.

Singapore’s Global Trader Programme (GTP) offers a concessionary tax rate for 3 years, followed by an extension for 5 years for high-growth medium-sized international trading companies that register Singapore as their regional headquarters (RHQ). The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) Pooling System allows the pooling of foreign income receipts for resident taxpayers, allowing greater flexibility and a reduced tax burden for foreign remittances.

Singapore offers an incentive tax rate of between 0% and 10% for companies qualifying under the International Headquarters (IHQ) category. Companies under the RHQ category will receive an incentive tax rate of 15% for upto 5 years. RHQs that register their international intellectual property (IP) holding location in Singapore are allowed to claim a writing-down allowance (WDA) for the acquisition cost of the IP. Companies registered in Singapore can also repatriate their dividends directly to their holding companies abroad, free of tax.

Regional networks and agreements promote trade and investment

Singapore has around 100 double taxation avoidance agreements and more than 25 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), with 27 economies facilitating international trade. In 2022, Singapore launched the Southeast Asia Manufacturing Alliance, supporting global manufacturers investing in Singapore and its network of other parks in the region. Investors benefit from the complementary advantages of multiple locations, expanded supply chains and helping the manufacturing footprint in the region.

Key Trends

MNCs stick to growth plans despite lower investor confidence

FDI flows to Singapore declined by 21% YoY in 2020, due to pandemic-induced movement restrictions, supply chain disruptions and declines in corporate earnings. Singapore’s business confidence index recovered in 4Q 2020 to 32 points, the first time since the pandemic, from -3 in 3Q 2020, after being hit severely in 1Q 2020, recording -12 points. More recently, the index declined by 4 points to 16 in 3Q 2021 from 20 points in 2Q 2021, owing to the economic uncertainty in relation to successive waves of Covid-19.

According to the Economic Development Board, MNCs have been hiring more employees to support growth plans, in addition to having received SGD 14.3 billion in fixed-asset investments by 1H 2020, which was around 95% of the investments received in 2019. The headquarters & professional expense category accounted for 30% (SGD 70 million) of the total business expenditure among companies in 3Q 2021.

Investment in R&D by foreign companies has increased by 3% per annum during the period from 2002 to 2018, with an average of SGD 13 million in business expenditure on R&D per year, almost twice the spending of local companies in Singapore. The number of foreign companies carrying out R&D activities in Singapore was 315 in 2018.

Singapore is investing heavily in the development of its capabilities for Industry 4.0.

Singapore has launched the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Plan (RIE2025), committing 1% of Singapore's GDP (around SGD 25 billion) over 2021-2025 for research, innovation and talent development. This includes a SGD 7 billion investment to strengthen core capabilities of universities and research institutes in the country, SGD 5 billion to develop entrepreneurial talent and innovation platforms, and a SGD 2 billion investment to enhance postgraduate programmes.

Singapore has also announced 6G, with millimeter wave (mmWave), as one of its key research focus areas, while 5G networks are still under deployment in many countries. The country is collaborating with the University of Oulu from Finland on a 6G research initiative backed by the Finnish Government and industry partners.

Singapore’s business ecosystem, nurturing R&D capabilities, has attracted MNCs to invest in innovation hubs in the country. For instance, Dell Technologies has launched a Global Innovation Hub (GIH) in Singapore with an investment commitment of around SGD 66 million over three years from 2019, having invested SGD 30 million already.

Key statistics

• Singapore received more than double the FDIs of any other Asian nation from the US, which totaled USD 288 billion in 2019, mainly directed towards non-bank holding companies, manufacturing, finance and insurance.
• The corporate sector’s asset base was recorded at SGD 9 trillion in 2019, of which SGD 4 trillion represented equity.
• The finance & insurance industry had the largest asset base of the corporate sector with SGD 7 trillion, representing 70%, followed by wholesale & retail representing 9%.
• Singapore hosts around 30 foreign full-service licensees and 90 wholesale banks as of 2021.
• The average time to set up a business in Singapore is 1.5 days, which is 17 times faster than the regional average.
• The time to register a company in Singapore is 15 minutes, which is the quickest in Southeast Asia.
• The combined value of Singapore’s total M&A activity for 2021 was USD 98 million, up 98% from 2020.
• Singapore has 15 bilateral and 15 regional FTAs currently in force.

Top Singapore MNC Sector

FMC AGRO SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

FMC Agro Singapore,which was incorporated in 2017, is Asia-Pacific’s regional headquarters of the US-based FMC Corporation. FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company, which is focused on providing new and sustainable crop technologies and solutions. These technologies and solutions -such as biologicals, digital and precision agriculture, and crop nutrition - help growers to produce food, feed, fibre and fuel, which gradually helps the agriculture sector’s growth worldwide. FMC Agro Singapore manufactures pesticides and agro-chemical products including disinfectants, herbicides and insecticides. FMC Corporation has taken home many awards, which includes IHS Markit Crop Science Forum and Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award for FMC Corporation’s regulatory director, Maria de Lourdes Setten Fustaino.

LASALLE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ASIA PTE LTD

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE: JLL) is a real estate company. Its subsidiary, LaSalle Investment Management, was formed following an international real estate industry merger in 1999 between Jones Lang Wooton & Sons - JLW and LaSalle Partners.LaSalle Investment Management Asia is the first Asia-Pacific office that was established amongst other Asia-Pacific offices from 2000-2006. LaSalle Investment Management provides investment strategies and opportunities for asset allocations suitable for each client. Its Singapore office provides fund management and investment management services. LaSalle Investment Management Asia was honored at the Asset Management Awards under theBest Asia Pacific- focused Real Estate Fund category in 2018. It was also featured in The Business Times for many notable achievements.

DOW CHEMICAL PACIFIC (SINGAPORE) PRIVATE LIMITED

Dow Chemical Pacific (Singapore), which was incorporated in 1992, is a branch of the US-based Dow Chemical Company. Dow Chemical Company adopts science methodologies to protect the climate by using renewable energy sources and low-emission production processes. It also produces products that leave a low carbon footprint to create sustainable solutions. These solutions solve material science challenges that hinder company growth and sustainability. The company also provides new product technology, business models, value chain partnerships, and waste management infrastructure to extend the lifespan, and to use safer materials and resources. Dow Chemical Pacific (Singapore) manufactures and markets chemicals and chemical products, and distributes industrial chemicals, plastics and other products as well. It has received many accolades including being honoured with two awards at the 2021 Ringier Technology Innovation Awards in the Plastics Raw Materials & Additives category. Dow Chemical Pacific (Singapore) has also been certified by Great Place to Work® based on how well its employees are treated.

NVIDIA SINGAPORE PTE LTD

NVIDIA Singapore, incorporated in 2000, is a branch of the American global technology company which is known for graphics computing technologies. NVIDIA Singapore is a wholesaler of electronic components, and a marketer of graphics processors, and media and communication devices, such as gaming and entertainment products, laptops and workstations, GPUs, embedded systems, gaming and entertainment software, applications and tools, and many more. It also offers a variety of solutions, including AI and Data Science solutions, data centres and cloud computing, design and visualisation, edge computing and high-performance computing solutions and self-driving vehicle software solutions. NVIDIA’s platform offers a range of services including the NVIDIA Foundation, the NVIDIA Partnering Network and many more. NVIDIA Singapore has been featured on Channel News Asia, Asian Scientist Magazine and The Edge Singapore.

MICRON SEMICONDUCTOR ASIA OPERATIONS PTE. LTD.

Micron Technology Inc is a USA-based company that delivers memory and storage solutions which transform the way people use information. Micron Semiconductor Asia Operations inSingapore is a strategically located branch that serves as Micron’s global base. Micron established its Center of Excellence for NAND in Singapore in 2016, and its presence in Singapore is one of Micron’s largest manufacturing units. Micron Semiconductor Asia Operations operates three fabrication facilities, a test and assembly facility, as well as a technology centre which is in charge of Micron’s new inventions. It operates a shared service centre which provides central support and coordinates with Micron Singapore’s sales and marketing office to market Micron memory products locally. It also offers a range of technological solutions including 5G, Industrial IoT, Automotive, and Mobile solutions. Micron Semiconductor Asia Operations recently celebrated 50 years of Singapore’s Semiconductor Industry’s achievements. It was also ranked 9th on the 2019 Singapore Best Workplaces list.

KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES SINGAPORE (SALES) PTE. LTD.

Keysight Technologies is a USA-based company which is known for providing solutions and trusted insights in manufacturing, electronic design, test, and optimization. Keysight Technologies Singapore was established in 1970, and it is in charge of manufacturing and repairing engineering and scientific instruments and provides research and experimental development of electronics as well. It offers a wide range of services which include Keysight Care and Access services, network/security services, financial services, education services, and consultation services. It also delivers a range of products from oscilloscopes and analyzers, generators and wireless devices, to various types of meters and modular instruments. Keysight Technologies has many partnerships with well known companies, including Samsung Electronics, BLUETEST AB and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

NUFARM SERVICES (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.

Nufarm is a global crop protection company which is known for developing and manufacturing crop protection solutions that help farmers to fight disease, weeds and pests. Nufarm Services Singapore was established from 1991-1992 and it is a wholesaler, supplier and marketer of agricultural and horticultural products and fertilisers.

ASM FRONT-END MANUFACTURING SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

ASM Front-End Manufacturing Singapore, which was established in 2004, is a subsidiary of a company based in the Netherlands. ASM is known for providing technologies utilised in wafer processing by semiconductor manufacturers. ASM Front-End Manufacturing Singapore has become a global hub for financial services, Information and Communications Technology ​and sales. It is known for manufacturing and repairing semiconductor foundry equipment, and it also designs, produces and markets semiconductor equipment. ASM’s Singapore operations, besides its manufacturing facilities, also includes, Supply Chain Management, worldwide IT, and Global People.

MULTI-FINELINE ELECTRONIX SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

MFLEX is a USA-based company which is a global flexible printed circuit board manufacturer, assembler and supplier. MFLEX delivers complete and flexible printed circuit solutions suitable for applications that use flexible printed circuits that enable technology to achieve a specific size, shape, weight or functionality of electronic devices. Multi-Fineline Electronix Singapore is a branch of MFLEX USA and was incorporated in 2007. It is the logistics, procurement and general office for its Flexible Printed Circuit Board manufacturing andassembling business, while also being in charge of the sales, technical service and support operations. MFLEX’s Flexible Printed Circuit Board Assembly services provide one-stop solutions for customers’ FPC fabrication and assembly needs. Following its acquisition by Suzhou Dongshan Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd - DSBJ, MFLEX has expanded its global network

SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES SINGAPORE PTE LTD

Semiconductor Components Industries Singapore,was incorporated in 1999. It belongs to USA-based Onsemi - formerly known as On Semiconductor - a supplier of high-performance silicon solutions for energy-efficient electronics. Semiconductor Components Industries Singapore offers facilities for sales, marketing and distribution services by providing global applications support from Onsemi’s technical information centres and solution engineering centres, allowing these applications to be readily available to other regions. Onsemi’s Singapore operations also provides domestic design services, and owns and leases research and development facilities across Singapore. It also offers distribution services with the Singapore Global Distribution Center (GDC) which serves as a local hub, and is designed to increase storage and improve productivity. Moreover, it provides shipping services of finished goods to its worldwide customer base. Onsemi’s Singapore operations have steered the company towards its position as a leading logistics hub throughout Asia.

ADM ASIA-PACIFIC TRADING PTE. LTD.

ADM is a global human and animal nutrition leader, and agricultural origination and processing company. It partners with growers to use their natural resources along with its own expertise in breadth, depth, insights, logistics and facilities to produce suitable foods, beverages and supplements for consumers worldwide. It also provides many services and solutions for livestock, aquaculture and pets. ADM Asia-Pacific Trading is one of ADM’s Asia-Pacific regional offices which was incorporated in Singapore in 1976. It offers services such as farmer services, transportation and logistics services, and investor services. Its nutritional food and beverage supplements for humans range from flavours, food bases and marinades, to beans, pulses, seeds, nuts, and juice and fruit blends, while its animal supplements include feed additives and ingredients, complete feeds, and premixes and services. ADM has been featured in Fortune Magazine and Forbes Magazine.

DSM SINGAPORE INDUSTRIAL PTE. LTD.

DSM, originally a coal mining company established by the Dutch Government, has evolved over the years to become a leading science-based company which specializes in nutrition, health and bioscience. Its different businesses cater to animal nutrition and health; human nutrition, care and health; food and beverage; and materials sectors. DSM Singapore Industrial is a branch in the Asia-Pacific region which was incorporated in 1991. It is a distributor and wholesaler of chemicals and chemical products, carotenoids and other fine chemicals, UHMW, Polyethylene materials, MFY-food products NEC, wholesale vitamins, and savoury ingredients. It also manufactures non-dairy creamers. DSM Singapore Industrial was conferred the Sustainable Business Award in 2018, and was honoured at the 2020 Asian Export Awards in the Animal Care category as well.

SMITH & NEPHEW PTE. LIMITED

Smith+Nephew is a UK-based global medical technology company which designs and manufactures the necessary technology needed by healthcare professionals to treat patients. Smith & Nephew Singapore is the Asia-Pacific region’s commercial organisation and headquarters which was incorporated in 2019. Smith+Nephew has three franchises - Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT, and Advanced Wound Management - for which it sets global product strategies. Smith & Nephew Singapore is a wholesaler of medical, professional, scientific and precision equipment for all three franchises for the Asia-Pacific region. Smith+Nephew launched its very first Medical Education Centre in Singapore in 2021 for customers across the Asia-Pacific region. It is operated by healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, utilizing Smith+Nephew products. It is also dedicated to providing digital and robotic surgery, using Smith+Nephew Real Intelligence products.

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC PTE. LTD.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a leading company which is focused on the field of science and delivers innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place to live in. Thermo Fisher Scientific has four divisions - Life Sciences Solutions, Analytical Instruments, Specialty Diagnostics, and Laboratory Products and Biopharma Services. Thermo Fisher Scientific in Singapore has manufacturing facilities, and is responsible for the wholesale and marketing of scientific products to other distributors in the Asia-Pacific region.

TETRA PAK SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE LTD

AB Tetra Pak is a Swedish food processing and packaging solutions company and a subsidiary of Åkerlund & Rausing. Tetra Pak's Singapore operations began in 1958 and are conducted at different facilities. The Tetra Pak Jurong facility is one of Tetra Pak’s largest packaging materials factories globally.Tetra Pak Southeast Asia was incorporated in 1992 and is responsible for the wholesale and marketing of packaging materials, and industrial, construction and related equipment. It also provides marketing, leasing and other services for filling/distribution machines and processing equipment. Its Global Information Management Center provides the company’s global IT infrastructure support and supports the South-East Asian region’s HR teams, while the Singapore Customer Innovation Center is the second most visited CIC globally. It addresses the necessary customer needs, challenges and opportunities, and provides a range of Tetra Pak products and services. Tetra Pak Singapore has recognisable customers such as F&N Foods Singapore, Fonterra, Woodlands Sunny Foods Pte. Ltd., Friesland Campina, Nestle, and POKKA Singapore, among others.

MODEC OFFSHORE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.

MODEC is a Japan-based provider of floating production solutions to the Oil and Gas sector. Some of these solutions include FPSOs and TLPs which can handle oil and gas production in harsh environments and in ultra deep waters. MODEC’s Singapore operations began in 1998, and MODEC Offshore Production System Singapore was incorporated in 2003. It is responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of the floating productions, and storage and offloading units (FPSOs) and floating storage and offloading units (FSOs). MODEC Management Services Singapore is in charge of managing and operating the FPSOs and FSOs. MODEC Offshore Production System Singapore’s notable clients include Equinor Brasil Energia, Keppel Shipyard, and Samsung Heavy Industries, among others.

TATA INTERNATIONAL SINGAPORE PTE. LIMITED

Tata International is an Indian trading and distribution company with a network of subsidiaries and offices in 27 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia. Tata Singapore’s representative office was set up in 2001. Tata International Singapore was incorporated in 2011 and is known for providing wholesale trading services for Tata International goods. Tata International has its main focus in the distribution and trade of metals, minerals, agricultural commodities, and leather and leather products. It is also a leading fuel trader which is known for its joint-venture with Vissai Cement Group, while also being recognised for its contract with EVN, Vietnam’s state-owned electricity monopoly, to supply thermal coal. Tata International’s services have been certified by ISO.

NORTONLIFELOCK SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

NortonLifeLock Singapore, which was incorporated in 2003, is a branch of the US-based NortonLifeLock Inc or Norton, formerly known as Symantec. It is a global cybersecurity company and a leader in consumer cyber safety. It provides various products and services belonging to its brands - Norton, LifeLock by Norton, and Avira, among others. NortonLifeLock Singapore provides LifeLock cybersecurity services against online threats. Some of these threats include phishing, online tracking, and hacking. Norton Labs Research is a part of NortonLifeLock, and is responsible for researching how cyber safety influences future technology and the impact it has on the cybersecurity industry. NortonLifeLock was recognised and listed in Forbes Magazine, 3BL Media’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens, FastCompanies’ Most Innovative Companies and many more.

BRENNTAG PTE. LTD.

Brenntag is a German marketing company for the distribution of chemicals and ingredients across the globe. It manages the supply chains of chemical manufacturers to enable consumers to easily access products and services. Brenntag Singapore Pte. Ltd. was established in 2008 as the company’s regional headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region. Its aim was to increase its consumer base within the South-East Asian region while Brenntag Pte. Ltd. was established in 2010 and provides wholesale services for chemicals and chemical products and also manufactures refined petroleum products. Brenntag’s Singapore office as a whole, provides a range of services and products through its two global divisions - Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties - such as industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients, customized applications, and marketing and supply chain solutions. It also provides technical and formulation support, comprehensive regulatory expertise, and digital solutions for many different industries. Today, Brenntag’s Singapore office has established its presence in 15 countries.

HAIER SINGAPORE INVESTMENT HOLDING PTE. LTD.

Haier Group in China is a global provider of solutions for a better lifestyle. It owns three listed companies and has seven global premium brands: Haier, Leader, Casarte, AQUA, Fisher & Paykel, GE Appliances, and Candy, as well as the world's first scenario brand THREE WINGED BIRD. Haier Singapore Investment Holding was incorporated in 2011. The company offers wholesale trade services and provides investment services for other holding companies.

THE CHEMOURS COMPANY SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

The Chemours Company is a US-based global provider of performance chemicals - industrial and specialty chemical products which are necessary materials in producing end-products and processes for many industries.

Chemours manages and operates its services through three segments: Fluoroproducts, Chemical Solutions and Titanium Technologies. The Chemours Company Singapore is a subsidiary of Chemours and was incorporated in 2014. It is a manufacturer of basic chemicals, and it markets both chemical and petrochemical products. Chemours is recognised for some of its well-known brands which include Teflon, Freon, Nafion, Option, and Krytox.

MEDTRONIC SINGAPORE OPERATIONS PTE. LTD.

Medtronic is known for providing groundbreaking medical technology, services and solutions worldwide. Medtronic Singapore Operations is the Asia-Pacific region’s headquarters and distribution hub that was incorporated in 2008; it is a manufacturer and distributor of medical devices and supplies. In 2011, Medtronic Singapore’s new healthcare facility became the distribution hub for countries in the APAC region. Its sole focus is to provide the necessary treatment for patients with cardiac rhythm disorders. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the APAC region, it launched the Medtronic Open Innovation Platform, which enables startups and business organizations to offer innovative ideas that Medtronic Singapore identifies and invests in, providing the best suitable medical technological innovations. Medtronic Singapore also initiated providing more healthcare to Asia by using the power of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and data, through strategic partnerships with well-known healthcare providers such as Stasis Health and Farrer Park Hospital. Medtronic Singapore was listed on Great Place to Work’s Singapore Best Workplaces in 2020.

INEOS SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

INEOS is a global chemical company with a network across 29 countries, which is known for providing products suitable for all walks of life, and also encompasses consumer brands and sports interests.INEOS Singapore is the Asian region’s headquarters for INEOS’ business - INEOS Styrolution - a global styrenics supplier, which focuses on styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS Standard, and styrenic specialties.

INEOS Singapore is also the sales facility for one of INEOS’ chemical businesses - INEOS Oligomers - which operates six manufacturing sites that produce low viscosity polyalphaolefins, linear alpha olefins, polybutene, iso olefins, iso paraffins and other specialty products. In recognition of its quality, support and on-time delivery services as a supplier, INEOS Styrolution was conferred two Global Strategic Supplier 2020 awards by Haier - a manufacturer of household appliances.

HUNTSMAN (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

Huntsman is a global chemicals company that uses science and ingenuity to create innovative consumer and industrial products. Huntsman Singapore manages the operations of Huntsman’s Polyurethanes, Advanced Materials, Performance Products and Textile Effects divisions. It is in charge of the production services of its Performance Products division. It is also known for manufacturing all kinds of dyes and textile chemical products. In 2014, Huntsman Textile Effects was the overall winner of ICIS Innovation Awards for its AVITERA® SE dye product.

SOUTH32 MARKETING PTE. LTD.

South32 is a global company, known for developing natural resources, which operates in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. South32 Marketing, which was incorporated in Singapore in 2014, is the marketing arm of South32. South32 Marketing is responsible for all operations and services including sales and pricing; purchasing strategic raw materials; marketing strategies; working closely with regions to select the prime ‘resource-to-market’ locations; providing logistic services to supply chains; interpreting South32’s view of the commodity markets; and trading services for third party materials. South32 Marketing has offices located in London to support customers across Europe, the Middle East and the Atlantic regions. It has also set up offices in South Africa and Australia to serve domestic customers.

VALE BASE METALS ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.

Vale is a global mining company and the world’s largest producer of iron ore, pellets and nickel. Headquartered in Brazil, it has a global network that spans 30 countries. Apart from its mining business, Vale works in the logistics, energy and steel making sectors.Vale Base Metals Asia-Pacific is responsible for the wholesale and marketing of metals and metal ores including iron ore, pellets and nickel. It also provides technical support and customer services. Vale’s Singapore operations include Vale Shipping Holding Pte. Ltd. which is responsible for chartering and operating vessels to provide shipping services for the transportation of Vale’s products.

GLENCORE SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

Glencore is a global natural resources company which produces and markets more than 90 commodities. Glencore Singapore was incorporated in 1981. While it used to contain a coal marketing division, it is currently known as a supplier and marketer of crude oil and oil products. It has expanded its operations to include storage assets in Singapore. It is also a supplier of marine fuels, through its acquisition of Chemoil Energy Ltd. This has increased the growth of Singapore’s marine fuel market.

AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SINGAPORE (SALES) PTE. LTD.

Agilent Technologies is a leading company in the life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets. It provides laboratory instruments, services, consumables, applications and expertise which customers require. Agilent Technologies Singapore (Sales) is a division of Agilent, and was incorporated in 1999. It focuses on life sciences and chemical analysis. Agilent Singapore launched a Global Solution Development Center, to deliver the fully tested solutions that are in demand, to change the methods in which the laboratory workflow solutions are being developed and tested. The facility is designed to accommodate multiple inventions and to create a suitable space for Agilent’s research and development expertise to be utilised. As of 2022, Agilent Technologies Singapore (Sales) will manage the sales, services, and support needs for Genomics and Cell Analysis solutions. Agilent was listed on Great Place to Work®’s Top 10 Best Workplaces in 2019.

HELM ASIA PTE. LTD.

HELM Asia is a subsidiary of Germany’s HELM AG, which is a global marketing enterprise for chemicals. HELM AG focuses on two businesses - chemicals and fertilizer. In 2015, it established HELM Asia as the regional headquarters for HELM AG’s 11 offices within the Asian region. HELM Asia Singapore provides wholesale and marketing services for chemicals and chemical products. Its Singapore base and Bangkok office take full responsibility for the organisational structure of HELM in India, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and the ASEAN region, with the aid of innovative and effective solutions.

ROQUETTE SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

Roquette is a global company that is centred around plant-based ingredients and plant proteins, and provides pharmaceutical excipients as well. It utilises natural resources for the food, nutrition and health markets, facilitating a healthy lifestyle and aiding in the development of lifesaving medicines.

Roquette Singapore was launched in 2017, and it is the regional headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region. Its facilities include an innovation centre and a research laboratory, and it offers technical services to customers. Roquette Singapore’s operations as a pharmaceutical and food company aim to help the local community in addressing health and dietary problems such as obesity and diabetes.

MITSUI PHENOLS SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

Mitsui Chemicals is a Japanese company, which develops chemical products and materials to improve the quality of automobiles, electronics, medical and healthcare equipment, food items, general commodities, housing, energy and countless other products. Mitsui Singapore’s operations are carried out at six facilities. Mitsui Phenols Singapore is the Asia-Pacific regional headquarters of Mitsui Chemicals. It manufactures and markets phenol, acetone and bisphenol A. Mitsui Chemicals Asia-Pacific markets polymeric materials, functional chemicals, films and polyethylene products, while its Prime Evolue Singapore office manufactures and markets polyethylene and other chemical products. SDC Technologies Asia Pacific manufactures, markets and develops coatings, intermediates and related products, and it also contains an R & D centre for research and development related services. Mitsui Elastomers Singapore manufactures and markets elastomers.

CELANESE PTE LTD

Celanese manufactures, develops, produces and operates essential products needed for day-to-day life. It has several business segments including Engineered Materials. Celanese’s Acetate chain division comprises intermediate chemistry, emulsion polymers, EVA polymers and redispersible powders businesses. Celanese Singapore established its offices in 2000, and its Chemistry business produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, acetic anhydride, acetate esters and VAM, while its Emulsion Polymers business produces vinyl acetate-based emulsions. It also develops products and creates application technologies that are beneficial in creating paints and coatings, textiles and paper, adhesives, glass fibre, and construction. Through its partnership with Linde Gas Singapore, Celanese Singapore supplies carbon monoxide to its acetile chemistry facility on Jurong Island.

HUAWEI INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD.

China’s Huawei is a global company that provides Information and Communication Technology to telecommunication operators, enterprises, organizations, governments, institutions, and public utilities. It caters to consumers with Huawei products and devices, and also serves industries such as finance, energy, transportation and manufacturing.incorporated in Singapore in 2007,Huawei International is the regional headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region which is known for distributing telecommunication products. It strategically launched its cloud business - Huawei Cloud - in 2019, which established AI capabilities in order to implement its technical solutions and innovations for startups and industries locally and across the Asia Pacific. Contributing to Singapore’s digital growth, Huawei International has also worked closely with local telecom operators to assist in the development of first-class network infrastructure. Huawei International was awarded Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) certification.

ARLANXEO SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

ARLANXEO is a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, based in the Netherlands, and it is one of the largest producers and marketers of synthetic rubber. It has two brands run by LANXESS, a rubber and chemical partnership company formed between ARLANXEO and medical health entity Bayer. Its two brands include - Tire & Specialty Rubbers: X_Butyl® known for butyl rubber products, while Buna® is recognised for modern butadiene rubber products. ARLANXEO’S Tire & Specialty Rubbers: X_Butyl® business offers necessary solutions to consumers and producers, and manufactures eco-friendly and sustainable rubber tyres. ARLANXEO Singapore’s operations began when LANXESS opened Singapore’s first butyl rubber plant in 2013 and can capacitate 100,000 metric tons of halobutyl rubber and butyl rubber which it produces. ARLANXEO Singapore provides Human Resources services as well.

PHILIPS ELECTRONICS SINGAPORE PTE LTD

Royal Philips is a health technology company in the Netherlands, which serves consumers and patients of the healthcare sector through its technological inventions. Philips Electronics Singapore’s operations began in 1951, and with the launch of its Philips ASEAN Pacific Center in 2016, Singapore became the regional headquarters serving the ASEAN region. It comprises four buildings, recognised for its trademark facilities and innovations. It is operated by Philips professionals whose expertise along with Philips technologies follow the Workplace Innovation (WPI) method - a new method that encourages collaboration targeting the healthcare needs of the ASEAN region. Due to the rise of chronic non-communicable diseases in the Asian region, Philips Singapore addressed these challenges with three initiatives: necessary changes to the healthcare systems, strategic partnerships with NGOs and governments, and taking full advantage of digital technologies to strengthen primary care. As of today, Philips Singapore employs 500 professionals at its Singapore operations.

LUBRIZOL SOUTHEAST ASIA (PTE.) LTD

The Lubrizol Corporation is a Berkshire Hathaway company, which provides unlimited science-related possibilities on a molecular level. It has many facilities, and sales and technical offices. It has two business divisions: Lubrizol Additives, which is a global supplier of chemical additive technologies, including transportation-related fluids, engine oils, industrial lubricants, and gasoline and diesel fuel; Lubrizol Advanced Materials is a producer of advanced specialty polymers, polymer-based additives and chemical additives used in everyday consumer essentials. Amongst the Lubrizol Additives business product line markets, Lubrizol South-East Asia was incorporated in Singapore 1982, and it manufactures and markets Lubricant Fuel Additives. Lubrizol Fuel Additives, partners with oil marketers and OEMs to deliver lubrication solutions used in transportation vehicles. It also uses Lubrizol technologies to create industrial applications for several sectors.

PERKINELMER SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

In order to help scientists, researchers and clinicians to diagnose diseases, keep track of the safety and quality of food, and to discover and develop personalized drugs while adhering to environmental excellence, PerkinElmer is the global provider of end-to-end solutions. PerkinElmer Singapore established its presence in 1997, and it operates two facilities. In 2019, it launched its second facility: JTC MedTech Hub is a manufacturing facility for medical technology manufacturers and service providers from the MedTech Park. It comprises two demonstration laboratories where employees offer a variety of services including manufacturing, sales, financial customer care, IT, logistics, compliance, and order management services, while customers can access PerkinElmer’s technologies. The JTC MedTech Hub has contributed to the growth of research professionals and laboratories in the environmental, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, petrochemical, life sciences and clinical diagnostics markets within South-East Asia.

By Gerald Bong

Published on 07 August 2023