S'pore's open trade system, trusted regulatory framework a draw for chemicals sector: Tan See Leng

Straits Times

09-07-2025

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Minister-in-charge of Energy, Science and Technology Tan See Leng also said Singapore has 28 free trade agreements that give it access to markets representing over 85 per cent of global GDP.
SINGAPORE - Singapore's open trade architecture is one draw for speciality chemical firms looking for a springboard into Asia, said Minister-in-charge of Energy, Science and Technology Tan See Leng on July 9.
The Republic has 28 free trade agreements that give it access to markets representing over 85 per cent of global GDP, he said.
World-class infrastructure, a pro-business environment and trusted regulatory framework are also its advantages.
'A pro-business and trusted regulatory framework makes it easy (for firms) to navigate, operate, to adapt, and of course, to scale,' said Dr Tan said at an event on Jurong Island marking a production milestone by French chemicals company Arkema.
Singapore's commitment to tackling climate change is also attractive to firms who are serious about reducing their emissions, experts say.
On July 9, French chemicals company Arkema announced that its facility on Jurong Island has since 2024 been able to ramp up global production of its 'green plastic' by 50 per cent s ince it opened in 2022.
The €400 million (S$600 million) plant, which produces plastics made from castor oil , is the world's largest factory to produce bio-based, or plant-based plastics.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Singapore to hire more than 1,000 new educators annually in the next few years, up from 700
Singapore COE prices rise for all categories
Singapore Tough questions lie ahead as Singapore accelerates push for driverless vehicles
Singapore Man who killed cats by throwing them off HDB blocks has jail term doubled to 27 months
Singapore $43k fine for undischarged bankrupt doctor who failed to disclose assets worth over $4m
Singapore Female primary school teacher charged over alleged sex acts with underage male student
Singapore Goodbye fraudsters? Dating app Coffee Meets Bagel rolls out identity verification
Asia Malaysia confirms existence of document central to ex-PM Najib's house arrest bid, say reports
It is also one of the largest of Arkema's 157 factories worldwide.
Arkema's castor bean plastic is called Rilsan PA-11, and it has been used in electric vehicles, medical devices and sports shoes. The company declined to reveal how much green plastic it can produce in a year, citing commercial sensitivities.
Arkema's 12ha plant on Jurong Island is the world's largest for producing bio-based, or plant-based plastics.
PHOTO: ARKEMA
In 2026, the plant will also start a new US$20 million unit to produce a different type of bio-plastic made from Rilsan PA-11, ultimately tripling its global production of the material. This other material, called Rilsan Clear, is used in electronics and spectacle frames.
Dr Tan added that Arkema's decision to anchor its PA-11 production facility in Singapore is a boost for the nation's broader ambition for a 'Sustainable Jurong Island'.
The carbon footprint of Arkema's green plastic is over 80 per cent lower than fossil-based options, noted Dr Tan.
Jurong Island is the country's petrochemical hub, responsible for a major portion of Singapore's carbon emissions. By 2030, the island is aiming to produce 1½ times more sustainable products, like Arkema's plastic, compared with 2019.
Guests looking at the items made with using Rilsan PA-11 on showcase at Arkema's Singapore plant.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
As Jurong Island marks its 25th anniversary in 2025, Dr Tan said: 'We are focused on shaping its next phase – one where it remains globally competitive, but also low-carbon and future-ready'.
Other chemicals companies have also set up large factories in Singapore over the past few years.
Neste's Tuas South refinery is the world's largest facility to produce sustainable jet fuel made from used cooking oil and animal fats.
In late 2024, a Saudi Arabian petrochemicals giant opened a new $220 million resin manufacturing facility in Pioneer, its second plant in Singapore.
While Singapore has stricter environmental regulations compared with the rest of the region, this has not stopped large factories from setting up base here.
Mr Kenny Gan, Arkema's regional vice president for South-east Asia, Australia and New Zealand, said Singapore's connectivity, political reliability and availability of talent convinced him to decide on Singapore. He had previously considered Thailand, India or Malaysia.
'Jurong Island has a very smart set-up that helps us to distribute, ship the material and to serve our customers in the region much more efficiently and effectively,' he said.
Experts say that with many other countries wavering on their climate goals, Singapore's consistent approach to tackling climate change would be attractive to firms who are serious about reducing their emissions.
Such companies would want to remain credible to their customers who demand sustainably produced goods, they added.
'Singapore's higher carbon price and stricter environmental regulations can actually be a feature, not a bug, for leading global firms that are serious about sustainability,' said Singapore Management University associate professor of finance Liang Hao.
'In an era of greenwashing concerns, setting up base in Singapore enhances trust with investors and customers, even if it comes with higher upfront costs,' he added.
Ms Marissa Lee, associate director at strategic advisory firm Global Counsel, said that economic pressure is preventing policymakers elsewhere from confronting the climate crisis.
'But Singapore has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the green transition through various policies and initiatives, and this gives companies the confidence to invest here for the long term,' she added.
Dr David Broadstock, energy transition research lead at the NUS Sustainable and Green Finance Institute, said: 'A clean and sustainable net-zero future economy would not be one where no manufacturing occurs. We will still create and consume items, albeit with an increasing commitment to resource and waste circularity.
'It is therefore important to provide conditions where sustainable manufacturing is welcome, and sustainable investments nurtured.'