Singapore Polytechnic launches facility for students to develop personal care products

Singapore Polytechnic (SP) has launched a $1 million state-of-the-art facility for students in its perfumery and cosmetic science programme to formulate and develop personal care products such as fragrances and soaps.

The 575 sq m Perfumery and Cosmetic Science Centre includes equipment such as skin investigation systems as well as scent and sensory chambers. The centre is divided into three sections where students will be trained in research and design, formulation and development of a final marketable product.

At the centre's launch on Tuesday, SP's principal and chief executive, Mr Tan Choon Shian, said facility's purpose is to train students to meet the needs of the personal care industry, such as the growing demand for manpower.

Five out of the world's top 10 flavour and fragrance houses are based in Singapore. The industry is expected to grow significantly in Asia, by at least 40 per cent to reach US$16 billion (S$20 billion) by 2017, according to figures from the Singapore Economic Development Board.

SP is the only institution that offers the Diploma in Perfumery and Cosmetic Science programme, a three-year course which was launched in 2010. Each cohort has 40 students. The curriculum will be enhanced with an increased focus on applied learning this year.

The polytechnic also signed four Memorandums of Understanding with industry players Procter and Gamble, Lubrizol Southeast Asia, NUANCE-Watson and the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences on Tuesday. The collaborations involve various sponsorships, local and overseas internships and projects where SP students will develop real-life solution for clients.

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