Speech by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Health at the inauguration of the Centre of Innovation for Complementary Health Products at Temasek Polytechnic, 16 June 2016

Mr Boo Kheng Hua, Principal and CEO, Temasek Polytechnic,

Dr Lee Chee Wee, Director, School of Applied Science,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning,

1.     I am delighted to be here today at the launch of Temasek Polytechnic’s Centre of Innovation (COI) for Complementary Health Products. This first of such a centre in Singapore.

Growth of Complementary Health Products Industry

2.     The Complementary Health Product industry (CHP) has been growing rapidly in many regions around the world, including North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. The CHP sector, which includes mainly traditional medicines and health supplements, is particularly dynamic in the Asia-Pacific region, which is at the forefront of the global CHP landscape.

3.    According to an industry landscape study commissioned by SPRING Singapore for the period 2013 to 2018, the CHP industry is forecasted to grow strongly in the Asia Pacific region. In Singapore, the sector’s Compounded Annual Growth Rate between 2008 and 2011 was 7.3%, indicating a steady and strong growth.

Ageing Population

4.     Two significant factors likely contributed to the growth of the CHP industry both globally and in Singapore: Firstly, an ageing population coupled with an increase in chronic diseases; and the growing awareness of the importance of preventive health and well-being.

5.     In Singapore, by 2030, about one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above compared to just one in eight today. But we are also living longer and healthier. To maintain good health and to reduce the progression of chronic diseases, MOH and HPB have been introducing initiatives through the years to empower Singaporeans to be responsible for their health. This includes promoting healthy lifestyle, eating healthily and going for early health screening. Of course, that also includes our latest declaration on the War on Diabetes.

Growing Demand for CHP

6.     With a better educated and more discerning public, as well as increase in health consciousness, many are using CHP for health maintenance and disease prevention. In recent years, there has also been growing popularity in the use of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) as a form of complementary medicine, alongside modern medicine.  

Challenges Faced by Local SMEs

7.     In Singapore, approximately 95% of CHP-related enterprises are SMEs. A survey conducted by Temasek Polytechnic and SPRING Singapore identified various challenges faced by our local CHP industry players such as the navigation of foreign regulatory processes. The survey also identified the need for a dedicated one-stop resource centre to support the continued growth and innovation of the industry.

8.     As with any medical product or treatment, there can be risks with CHP. It is therefore critical that the use of CHP be supported by scientific research or evidence, particularly from the perspectives of safety and effectiveness.

Role of COI

9.     The establishment of the Centre of Innovation (COI) is indeed timely, as it has a crucial role in facilitating evidence-based CHP. By addressing the needs of local enterprises in ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of CHP, the COI will make it easier for SMEs to innovate and give them a competitive edge. Since 2010, Temasek Polytechnic has assisted 50 CHP enterprises in areas such as R&D, product testing and validation, and shared resources. There will also be opportunities for hands-on student training through the COI, which would help prepare them for the industry.

10.   Temasek Polytechnic has also reached out to partners to collaborate on research and testing for safety and efficacy of these complementary health products.

11.   This includes entering into a Memoranda of Understanding with partners like Changi General Hospital,  to support  evidence-based product health claims and quality certification, and the Singapore Chinese Physicians Association, to study the efficacy of TCM products in the prevention of diabetes in high-risk subjects. To extend its services out of Singapore, Temasek Polytechnic is also collaborating with Singapore companies IM Holding/Techkon to establish TCM extraction and testing facilities in China.

Conclusion

12.   I congratulate Temasek Polytechnic on the establishment of the Centre of Innovation for Complementary Health Products, and wish you continued success in your journey.