Japan's Asahi Glass Co opens innovation centre in Singapore

JAPANESE glass manufacturer Asahi Glass Co on Thursday opened an innovation centre in Singapore to develop new solutions for the region.

The Application Development Centre, its first in South-east Asia and South Asia, will provide technical support for the use of fluorochemical products. Used in a diverse range of sectors such as automotive, electronics, building and agricultural greenhouses, fluorochemicals have excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance and weather resistance properties and are seeing increased demand, said the firm.

The new centre will not only allow the firm to deliver better service to its Asia-Pacific customers, but will also expand its capabilities to transfer advanced technologies, engage local stakeholders and develop new products that meet the region's demand and requirements, said chemicals company president Masao Nemoto.

Singapore's Economic Development Board executive director Goh Chee Kiong said that the new innovation hub will further strengthen Singapore's position as a leader in smart cities, infrastructure and green buildings for the tropical region.