Evonik Industries : sets up its first Asia research hub in Singapore

• Evonik's Asia platform for groundbreaking R&D to operate by 2018

• Research hub to offer around 50 jobs on-site in its first development stage and attract global pool of talents

Germany-based specialty chemicals company Evonik is set to build its first research hub in Singapore and is expected to start operations in 2018. Acting as the Asian platform for high impact R&D with a special focus on Functional Surfaces and Additive Manufacturing, the research hub will also serve as a leading hotspot for top local and international talents to develop a strong R&D ecosystem in the region. In its first development stage, the new complex will offer around 50 jobs at the location.

'The research hub in Singapore not only demonstrates our ongoing commitment to expand our R&D footprint in Asia but also reflects the growing significance of Asia in the global innovation landscape,' said Dr. Claus Rettig, Chairman of the Board of Management, Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH.

As part of its development blueprint for R&D excellence, the research hub will constitute an agile team of scientists and researchers from domain specialties working in an environment that promotes creativity and collaboration while generating sustainable business growth. 'We are also implementing a workplace strategy during the setup of the research hub to drive a dynamic and proactive workplace culture,' added Peter Meinshausen, Regional President of Evonik Asia Pacific South. 'This enables us to build Evonik's global talent capital and attract top talents.'

The development of the research hub is also supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), which has been the company's strategic partner in facilitating and growing its presence in Singapore over the past years. 'Evonik's choice of Singapore as the location for this research hub is a statement of confidence in our research capability and availability of skilled talent,' said Dr. Beh Swan Gin, Chairman of EDB. 'We look forward to partnering Evonik in this initiative, where one of the topics will be additive manufacturing, that will support Singapore's efforts in advanced manufacturing as well as further strengthen Singapore's position in R&D and technologies in Asia and globally.'

The research hub will be situated in Biopolis, the centre for entrepreneurial and groundbreaking R&D activities in Singapore. Alongside with other public and private research institutions and organizations, Evonik will be able to leverage on the existing R&D value chain to make the research hub a fertile ground for synergies within and across the scientific research community moving forward.