Reckitt, a global leader in consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition, has announced the launch of its new Research and Development (R&D) Centre in Singapore. The event was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a panel discussion. The R&D Centre will serve markets worldwide with a key focus on the ASEAN region, spearheading advancements in health and hygiene innovation on a regional and global scale.

Vijayanand Sinha, President of ASEAN, Japan and Korea at Reckitt; Laura Clark, Vice President of R&D at Reckitt, Alex Bamford, Chargé D’Affaires, British High Commission, and Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President, Accounts, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) graced the opening ceromony. A live demonstration of Reckitt's products was presented during the inauguration, as part of an exclusive tour of the lab.

“The opening of this new R&D Centre in Singapore is an exciting milestone for Reckitt as we push the boundaries of innovation to provide consumers with effective self-care products to promote their health and hygiene, thus supporting the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals for health and wellness,” expressed Vijayanand Sinha. “We are happy to be able to leverage Singapore's community of experts and its thriving innovation ecosystem to accelerate our efforts to develop groundbreaking solutions that protect and enhance the well-being of people worldwide.”

Focusing on innovative and sustainable product formulation, testing, and packaging starting with Dettol, the R&D Centre in Singapore which spans an area of approximately 5,000 square feet, builds upon Reckitt’s network of regional hubs across the United States, United Kingdom, India, and China. One of the innovations to arise from this centre is the use of compaction technology to minimise water consumption during product preparation, particularly for the instant powder to liquid hand wash. This allows for reduced packaging and water usage while maintaining consumers’ personal hygiene.

Supported by EDB, Reckitt has made strategic investments in the development of this R&D Centre to bolster their commitment to innovation and to advance health and hygiene standards through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships. It opens up job opportunities for both local and regional talent including in areas of research, product development, consumer science and quality.

“Reckitt’s decision to set-up its R&D Lab for Personal Care in Singapore is a testament to our strong position as an innovation hub for businesses. Reckitt will be able to tap on the established network of scientific institutions and research talent base in Singapore, to drive advancements in its Personal Care portfolio. The new lab will help Reckitt be closer to the growing consumer market in Southeast Asia and enable the company to create new products for the region,” said Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President, Accounts, EDB. 

Kapim Bagga, R&D Director, Dettol Personal Care & SPOC ASEAN Health & Hygiene said, “With the launch of this state-of-the-art facility, we are committed to pioneering sustainable and innovative solutions in ever-changing landscape.”

Moderated by Dr. Pauline Erica Tay, Director at National Health Innovation Centre (NHIC), the panel discussion, “Driving Innovation to Build a Cleaner and Healthier World”, included speakers  Chris Humphrey, Executive Director, EU-ASEAN Business Council, Professor Tan Sze Wee, Assistant Chief Executive (Innovation & Enterprise), A*STAR Agency for Science, Technology and Research; and Laura Clark, Vice President R&D, Reckitt. Together, panellists discussed the critical role of innovation in strategy, research, and development to create scientifically backed, regulation-compliant, and environmentally safe solutions. Recognising the role innovation plays in strengthening the well-being of people and the environment, the discussion underscored Singapore's position as a hub in strengthening the health and hygiene ecosystems in the region, and globally.