Such firms must, however, have sponsors with access to technical expertise who can advise investors on developments within the company, SGX said in a statement.

Singapore has pumped several billion dollars to promote its biotechnology sector, sending hundreds of young people to top universities abroad and recruiting big-name scientists from overseas to kickstart the industry.

Its biotech ambitions have, however, faced setbacks in the last two years with several of these scientists returning to their home countries. -- REUTERS