Tell us about your business
Biopharmax is a business focussed on strategy and commercialisation of ideas and assets linked to healthcare. This covers a wide breadth from AI related health technologies and wearables to therapeutics. A key part of our business is mentoring, and in the current environment we are also finding some of our Australian customers want help to keep their Singapore plans on track when there is less opportunity for senior staff to travel.
What’s your role all about?
My role is varied, depending on what projects we have underway. At present, I am working closely with the National Cancer Centre of Singapore on a range of innovations in cancer treatments. Additionally, the business has been active with small private sector organisations on novel anti-infective agents.
The Covid-19 virus has disrupted work patterns and processes so we are busy helping with rapid adaptation of business plans to reflect this new circumstance which is as important for businesses delivering healthcare solutions as it is for many other businesses.
What’s the hot topic in your sector right now?
Obviously Covid is the hot topic for everybody at present. It is interesting to hear everyone finally taking the same interest in topics like epidemiology that already interested me greatly.
One of the hot areas in health, beyond Covid, is in the use of AI and existing health data sets for better development of solutions and treatment of patients.
Why are you a member of AustCham in Singapore? What do you find best about the Chamber?
Austcham provides a broad and supportive network. It is a good place to meet a wide variety of individuals, and it provides a place to learn new ideas from members across sectors as well as within my sector.
Where are your go-to places in Singapore for great coffee?
I love my coffee so I try and have a few good options across the city. I recently discovered Grace Expresso – a small place on River Valley Rd., almost opposite Valley Point. In Tiong Bahru, Drips on Tiong Poh Rd is less well known than some others nearby but really a great option.
48 Hours in Singapore – What Are Your Must-Do Experiences?
So many good things and so little time…
- Sunset drinks from Aura Bar atop the National Gallery is a must do. The building itself is magnificent, and Violet Oon’s restaurant for dinner afterwards is a personal favourite.
- Cycling along the bike paths around the city is a fun way to explore the magnificent skyline. (and on to the East Coast if you are so inclined).
- Ambling down the blocks around Telok Ayer St and Amoy St – peaking into the temples and enjoying the street art, then scoot over to Ann Siang Hill and enjoy one of the rooftop bars along Club St for sunset.
- Lunch on local delights at a hawker centre – such as Tiong Bahru hawker or Maxwell Food Centre hawker.
- And hiking the Southern Ridges provides magnificent vistas of Sentosa, different Singapore views, and a great chance to enjoy the green and leafier side of the city.