Current location site: Singapore

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 3 adults in Singapore suffer from hypertension. This global health concern poses severe risks such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, and an array of other health complications, underscoring the critical importance of ongoing innovation in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

Shimadzu stands out as a pioneering force, with its firm commitment to contributing to society through science and technology.

With a legacy spanning nearly 150 years, Shimadzu is utilising its extensive experience and technological expertise to make a meaningful impact on public health through innovation and collaboration. These advancements have continuously redefined laboratory practices, speeding up diagnoses, ensuring precision in clinical testing, and delivering enhanced patient outcomes.

In this Eyes on the Future article, we explore Shimadzu’s approach towards innovation and collaboration, and find out how its breakthrough technologies have enabled the quick and early detection of hypertension and propelled industries across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food, and more.

How Shimadzu’s Partnership with Changi General Hospital (CGH) Enabled the Early and Quick Detection of Hypertension

The increased demand for advanced healthcare solutions, fuelled by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging demographic, prompted Shimadzu to focus on the development of healthcare solutions.

Drawing on its expertise in analytical and measuring technology, as well as medical diagnostic imaging technology, Shimadzu strives to contribute to the improvement of human life and well-being.

Shimadzu’s partnership with healthcare providers such as Changi General Hospital (CGH) has enabled early detection of patients with primary aldosteronism – a lesser-known curable form of hypertension.

This breakthrough was done through the Shimadzu-CGH Clinomics Centre (SC3), Shimadzu’s strategic collaboration hub in partnership with Changi General Hospital. According to CGH's press release,

Harnessing the technology of liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and powered by artificial intelligence, new clinical tests which accurately measure for the hormones aldosterone and renin were launched in February 2023 to enhance patient outcomes locally and in the region".

Press Release by Changi General Hospital

Through these partnerships, Shimadzu’s UFMS™ technology, Analytical Intelligence™, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technologies have pushed the envelope in healthcare.

They address hypertension, and in Singapore, where 5% of hypertension patients have primary aldosteronism, SC³ reduces testing time from weeks to 3-5 days. Swift and accurate assessments enable tailored care for more patients. To date, CGH has conducted over 1,000 clinical tests in patients with hypertension.

Through this collaborative achievement with CGH, Shimadzu reaffirms its steadfast commitment to cultivating strategic partnerships that drive pioneering innovations. As a leader in both Analytical and Medical domains, Shimadzu is dedicated to fostering true synergy and leveraging the potential of AI to develop new and unique solutions for Advanced Healthcare – a vision that has consistently been a core focus for Shimadzu. With these relentless efforts, we want to impact people’s lives towards a healthier and more promising future.

Mr. Prem Anand, Managing Director of Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) and Corporate Officer of Shimadzu Corporation

With the now-expedited diagnostic process, more patients can receive swift and accurate assessments, allowing doctors to prescribe tailored and precise care, thus reducing patients’ risks.

Behind Shimadzu’s Game-Changing Innovations in Mass Spectrometry

Shimadzu's proprietary UFMS™ (Ultra-Fast Mass Spectrometry) Technology transforms mass spectrometry by seamlessly combining ultra-speed and ultra-sensitivity to elevate performance.

With UFMS™, mass spectrometry instruments are now capable of measuring a multitude of compounds without compromising sensitivity. In essence, UFMS™ helps scientists process samples faster and acquire robust results quickly to stay ahead of workflows.

This innovation has helped scientists and researchers boost lab productivity, meeting tight deadlines and high-capacity demands. It accelerates scientific research, propelling technological advances and expediting progress in medical diagnosis and treatments.

Its impact extends across diverse industries from biopharma to environmental studies and clinical research. With over 7,000 instruments in use across India, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Nepal, and more, UFMS™ plays a crucial role in shaping advancements throughout Asia.

UFMS Future Lab: A Collaboration Lab To Innovate For Impact

Building on its proprietary UFMS™ technology, the UFMS Future Lab was launched in Singapore in September 2023, with the aim of fostering closer collaboration with customers by offering support to them anytime and anywhere. Regardless of their geographic location, customers can receive prompt assistance to tackle analysis challenges and propel scientific advancements collaboratively.

At the UFMS Future Lab, Shimadzu firmly establishes itself through its innovative technologies to meet the need for speed in scientific analysis, while embodying the spirit of collaboration and sustainability to nurture a forward-minded approach.

It is also powered by the Living Laboratory, the first AI-assisted automation laboratory that integrates Shimadzu’s leading hardware and all-encompassing software to create a future-proof laboratory for Analytical Transformation (AX).

Moreover, the UFMS Future Lab employs Digital Twin technology to create immersive 3D environments, offering collaborators with an exclusive opportunity to discover UFMS™ technology’s potential. 

As a Total Solution Provider, it is in Shimadzu’s DNA to deliver the best value for our customers. The UFMSTM technology underscores this commitment by addressing the need for speed, redefining analytical performance with high quality analysis that can now be achieved 5x faster than ever before, even up to today. With the establishment of the UFMS Future Lab, we believe it will lay a strong foundation to further deepen collaboration with our customers, thereby fostering innovations that create a lasting impact.

Mr. Prem Anand, Managing Director of Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) and Corporate Officer of Shimadzu Corporation

Strategically Positioned in Singapore Science Park

Shimadzu's presence at Singapore Science Park, a thriving research and innovation hub, demonstrates its forward-thinking positioning. As part of CapitaLand's commitment to fostering innovation, Singapore Science Park strives to encourage and enable collaboration, such as Shimadzu, by providing a holistic workspace experience through their workspace solutions.

When asked about their decision to establish their UFMS Future Lab and SC3 at Singapore Science Park, the team at Shimadzu shared:

The Singapore Science Park provides a conducive environment that actively encourages collaboration and fosters potential partnerships with nearby institutions. Additionally, its convenient accessibility, diverse food options, and overall ease contribute to a pleasant and enjoyable experience for our collaborators at the UFMS Future Lab and SC3.

The Shimadzu Team

From Visionary Roots in Kyoto to A Global Innovation Hub

Establishing its Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore was part of Shimadzu’s strategic move to broaden the company’s geographical reach. The little red dot, a bustling global innovation hub renowned for its business-friendly environment and multicultural diversity, was the perfect headquarters location for Shimadzu.

Founded in Kyoto, Japan, in 1875, Shimadzu has grown from its humble origins to become a global innovation hub. Throughout its rich history, Shimadzu has demonstrated an enduring capacity to adeptly navigate the ever-evolving scientific landscape to meet today’s demands, a testament to its resilience and adaptability.

At the heart of Shimadzu's mission is a guiding philosophy encapsulated in the words, "Contributing to Society through Science and Technology”, where Shimadzu is committed to work with customers from around the world to solve societal challenges together. 

Making Waves Beyond Asia Pacific

Shimadzu's collaborative spirit extends far beyond Singapore Science Park's boundaries, encompassing the expansive Asia-Pacific region, from India to ASEAN countries and beyond.

From redefining laboratory practices with innovative technologies to fostering effective partnerships, Shimadzu stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, navigating the challenges of today and shaping the future of tomorrow. 

Looking for a space that caters to your R&D and operational needs? Check out Geneo, Singapore Science Park’s newest life sciences and innovation hub, and explore CapitaLand's diversified portfolio of properties here.