MORE than 1,000 highly skilled jobs will open up when the six biologics plants being implemented are fully operational here, said Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

These jobs will appeal to both fresh graduates and mid-career professionals from related sectors such as the chemicals, electronics and processing sectors.

'Singaporeans will have the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth sector, at the frontiers of science and technology, manufacturing cutting-edge and globally trusted medicines for patients around the world,' said Mr Tharman at the opening of Roche Singapore manufacturing plant at Tuas Medical Park on Tuesday morning, its first biologics facility in Asia.

Mr Tharman said the increased efficacy of biologics-based treatments will result in a surge in demand for manufacturing capacity in the coming years, and Singapore has built up the key capabilities and resources needed to meet the needs of companies in the industry.

In the last four years, leading companies have invested about US$2 billion to set up six commercial-scale manufacturing plants here.

'This is a strong endorsement of the foundation we have laid for cutting-edge biomedical manufacturing, leveraging on the availability of skilled manpower, bioprocessing capabilities and strong base of engineering services companies,' added the minister.