Collaboration can bring about solutions that cannot be produced in-house alone. The real challenge often lies in finding the right partner with the right competencies. Mase International Marketing Services, a leading distributor of cosmetics and toiletries in Asia, had previously found a partner via IPI’s network to develop a novel dye ingredient for a new range of hair dye products that limits hair damage and retains colour for a longer period. This time, Mase was looking for a partner that could help improve the stability of its hair lightening product and prevent quality degradation during transportation and storage.
Through TechInnovation 2014, Mase was introduced to the Consumer Care Technology Programme team from the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE). IMRE’s Consumer Care Technology Programme aims to provide solutions for the consumer care industry, especially in the areas related to sustainable and green materials; as well as materials with high efficacy and intelligent encapsulation for active ingredients. Both parties entered into a research collaboration on 26 February 2016 with the project expected to complete in September. IPI also facilitated Mase with their application for the Capability Development Grant (CDG) in the area of Technology Innovation from SPRING Singapore.
"IPI is the perfect platform for SMEs to find relevant partners for R&D collaboration. Their team is knowledgeable and helped us to bridge the gap between innovation and business. I am also grateful to IPI for their assistance in connecting us with SPRING Singapore and helping with the grant proposal preparation," said Ng Ling Ching, Director of Mase.
“This project demonstrates the value that IPI can bring to local SMEs in connecting them to technology providers like IMRE for product innovation. We will continue to focus on industry needs and enable enterprises in their innovation and technology adoption journey for business growth,” said Dr Sze Tiam Lin, Director, IPI.
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Sub Title
Mase International Marketing Services partnered with IMRE through IPI Singapore to enhance the stability and quality of its hair lightening product, leveraging expert R&D collaboration and grant facilitation for impactful product innovation.
Impact Title
Driving Product Innovation and Quality Enhancement
Sub Title
Driving Product Innovation and Quality Enhancement
Sub Heading
IPI connects Mase to R&D partners for product innovation and quality improvement.
At a glance
Mase International Marketing Services
Client
Health & Personal Care
Industry
TechInnovation, Innovation Marketplace
IPI Service
Materials Science, Encapsulation Technology
Key Technology
Add Impact
The collaboration enabled Mase to address the challenge of product degradation during transportation and storage. By leveraging IMRE’s expertise in materials science and encapsulation technologies, Mase improved the stability and efficacy of its hair lightening product, ensuring consistent quality for consumers.
Product Quality Enhancement
With IPI’s facilitation, Mase was able to quickly identify and engage with a suitable R&D partner, significantly reducing the time required to develop and implement product improvements. The partnership also provided access to funding support, further accelerating the innovation process.
Accelerated Innovation Cycle
Sub Title
IPI Singapore enabled Mase International Marketing Services to collaborate with IMRE, resulting in enhanced product stability and quality for its hair lightening product through targeted R&D and grant facilitation.
How it happened
Following their participation in TechInnovation 2014, Mase was introduced to IMRE’s Consumer Care Technology Programme team by IPI Singapore. The two organizations formalized their research collaboration on 26 February 2016, with the project scheduled for completion in September of the same year. Throughout the process, IPI provided ongoing support, including guidance on grant application and facilitating connections with SPRING Singapore to secure funding for the initiative.
The challenge
Mase’s hair lightening product was prone to quality degradation during transportation and storage, threatening customer satisfaction and brand integrity. The technical complexities of stabilizing the formulation required specialized expertise beyond the company’s in-house capabilities.
Product Stability Risks
Finding a partner with the right competencies in materials science and consumer care technology was a significant challenge. Mase needed a collaborator who could provide innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of the personal care industry.
Partner Identification
The challenges title
The Challenge
The challenges description
Mase International Marketing Services had previously achieved success by collaborating with partners to develop new ingredients for hair dye products. However, the company faced a new challenge: improving the stability of its hair lightening product. During transportation and storage, the product was susceptible to quality degradation, which could impact customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
The company recognized that in-house capabilities alone were insufficient to address the technical complexities involved in stabilizing the formulation. Mase needed access to advanced materials expertise and innovative encapsulation technologies to prevent degradation and ensure consistent product efficacy. Finding a partner with the right competencies and experience in consumer care materials was critical to overcoming this hurdle and maintaining the company’s competitive edge in the market.
The Solution Title
The Solution
The Solution Description
IPI Singapore introduced Mase International Marketing Services to the Consumer Care Technology Programme team from the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) through TechInnovation 2014. By leveraging its extensive innovation network, IPI facilitated a strategic research collaboration between Mase and IMRE, enabling both parties to combine their expertise for product improvement.
IPI also supported Mase in applying for the Capability Development Grant (CDG) in Technology Innovation from SPRING Singapore, assisting with the grant proposal preparation and connecting the company to relevant funding opportunities. This comprehensive facilitation by IPI ensured that Mase had access to both the technical expertise and financial resources required to address its product stability challenge, paving the way for innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the consumer care industry.
Testimonial Section
Testimonial title
Client Perspective
Testimonial description
"IPI is the perfect platform for SMEs to find relevant partners for R&D collaboration. Their team is knowledgeable and helped us to bridge the gap between innovation and business. I am also grateful to IPI for their assistance in connecting us with SPRING Singapore and helping with the grant proposal preparation."
Testimonial Name
Ng Ling Ching
Testimonial Designation
Director, Mase
Testimonial title
IPI Perspective
Testimonial description
"This project demonstrates the value that IPI can bring to local SMEs in connecting them to technology providers like IMRE for product innovation. We will continue to focus on industry needs and enable enterprises in their innovation and technology adoption journey for business growth."
Testimonial Name
Dr Sze Tiam Lin
Testimonial Designation
Director, IPI
Business impact Heading
Business Impact
Business impact title
Accelerated product innovation and improved product stability through strategic R&D collaboration.
Impact scores
Counter Text
R&D Partners Engaged
Counter Text
Grant Facilitated
Overview
Mase International Marketing Services is a leading distributor of cosmetics and toiletries in Asia. The company is committed to delivering high-quality personal care products and has a track record of leveraging research collaborations to develop novel ingredients and enhance product performance.
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strategic-rd-collaboration-to-enable-product-improvements
