Press release
Corporate Press
April 17, 2018

Evonik expands global R&D by opening a pioneering Asia research hub in Singapore

Singapore. Germany-based specialty chemicals company Evonik today opened its first research hub for resource efficiency topics in Singapore, internationalizing its research into the areas of functional surfaces and additive manufacturing. Furthermore the new R&D hub will be the home for Evonik’s project house tissue engineering, which is under the leadership of Creavis, the strategic innovation unit of Evonik. Overall the new hub in Singapore showcases Evonik’s strategic decision to expand the internationalization of its research and development activities.

“Innovation is an integral part of our growth strategy,” said Harald Schwager, Deputy Chairman of the Board for Evonik Industries during the opening ceremony. “We are actively pursuing new opportunities to boost our international R&D activities and the opening of this research hub is a significant contribution to these efforts. By focusing on promising research areas for the future this hub will strengthen our position as a global leader in specialty chemicals.”

For Evonik, Singapore combines the best of two worlds: highly qualified researchers from leading science faculties and quick reaction times of local administration. “This research hub is ideally located to drive innovation for our Resource Efficiency segment by developing forward-looking solutions and technologies for our clients in all global markets”, added Claus Rettig, Chairman of the Board of Management, Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH. He said: “With this new hub, we are taking advantage of a new approach to research: Enabling a creative environment for innovations and encouraging agile, flexible working.”

Located in Biopolis, the home for international and groundbreaking research in Singapore, the hub offers national and international professionals and graduates – spanning from engineers to scientists – a creative environment for innovative ideas in a highly interactive workplace. Talent from all over the world will be brought together to carry out pioneering R&D by integrating scientific and technological capabilities in a collaborative lab concept.

With the research hub, Evonik is expanding its collaboration with public and private research institutions and organizations. Evonik has formed a partnership with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore to develop novel technologies in additive manufacturing for industrial application.

“Evonik has been present in Singapore for more than 20 years and our strong regional footprint has positioned us as a market leader in the speciality chemical industry, particularly in Asia,” said Peter Meinshausen, President of Evonik Asia Pacific South. “The research hub will not only reinforce our competitive position, but will also play a critical role in pioneering impactful innovations to address industry needs and challenges in and beyond this region in the years ahead.”

Group photo as positioned: 

Front (from left to right)
• Dr. Beh Swan Gin, Chairman of the Economic Development Board of Singapore
• Dr. Harald Schwager, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, Evonik Industries AG 

Middle (from left to right)
• Dr. Claus Rettig, Chairman of the Board of Management, Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH
• Dr. Ulrich Sante, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Singapore 

Back (from left to right)
• Dr. Gerd Loehden, Senior Vice President of Innovation Management, Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH 
• Mr. Peter Meinshausen, Regional President of Evonik Asia Pacific South
• Dr. Ulrich Kuesthardt, Chief Innovation Officer, Evonik Industries AG 


Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, customer-orientated innovative prowess and a trustful and performance-oriented corporate culture form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world with more than 36,000 employees. In fiscal 2017, the enterprise generated sales of €14.4 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.36 billion.

Evonik Asia Pacific South
Headquartered in Singapore, Evonik is present in the Asia Pacific South region with production sites, sales offices, innovation and technical service centers located in Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. With more than 1,600 employees in the region, the company steadily grows its footprint in Asia Pacific South by expanding its regional operations in response to the growing demand. Evonik Industries has been establishing customer relationships and importing a broad range of products in the Asia Pacific South region since the 1920’s.

Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.