Cosmax Signs MOU with Singapore National University, Asia's No.1, to Strengthen Microbiome Research

Collaboration Aimed at Applying Research to Cosmetics Production Sites

ODM company Cosmax announced on the 14th that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National University of Singapore (NUS) in December last year.

NUS is Singapore's leading comprehensive university. It ranks 8th in the QS World University Rankings and 1st in Asia. The medical school collaborating with Cosmax through this agreement was established in 1905 as the foundation of NUS and boasts a history of over 100 years.

Photo of MOU at National University of Singapore. Provided by Cosmax.

Cosmax pursued this MOU in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and ICT and the White Bio Innovation Cluster in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province to strengthen research on the skin microbiome. Through this collaboration, Cosmax and NUS plan to develop cutting-edge technologies in the bio field and commercialize them.

Cosmax aims to advance the bio-emulsion (natural emulsification system) and skin anti-aging beneficial bacteria (EPI-7) developed through over 10 years of skin microbiome research. To this end, Cosmax will collaborate with Professor Matthew Chang of the NUS Medical School. They plan to conduct joint research covering the entire process from strain improvement to cell design and biosynthesis. The two institutions intend to cooperate not only in academic research but also to apply the results in cosmetic production sites.

They also plan to cooperate in nurturing future talent in the bio field by providing education to train experts specialized in the skin microbiome. A Cosmax official said, "Collaboration with NUS will be an important opportunity to establish a partnership with a world-class research institution to advance and specialize biological transformation research," adding, "Furthermore, through the trained experts, we will contribute to the development of innovative technologies for sustainable development."

Meanwhile, Cosmax has recently been expanding cooperation with prestigious domestic and international universities to develop innovative technologies in the skin microbiome field and the cosmetics industry. Last year alone, it signed joint research agreements with Seoul National University, Harvard University in the United States, Fudan University in China, and is promoting the creation of a global skin microbiome map.