Pamela Phua has more than 20 years’ experience in Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) in the coatings industry. In her current role as Director of RD&I for AkzoNobel, she drives new technology development and product implementation across the South East, South Asia and Middle East regions.
Pamela was instrumental in setting up the global research and laboratory operations for AkzoNobel Decorative Paints (Global Exterior Wallpaint Expertise Group) in 2011. In her global capacity, Pamela implements the functional and production innovation strategy for Exterior Wallpaint. She spearheads the RD&I functional excellence, standards and capability, and the efficient delivery of processes as the approved Standards & Processes across the globe.
To achieve the goal of bringing product innovations to high-growth Asian markets with speed, Pamela centralized the RD&I organization and drove harmonization in product, raw materials and processes. Her efforts enabled AkzoNobel’s businesses to roll out new products and services across the region in a fast and coordinated manner, supported by an agile supply chain, efficient sourcing and robust quality control.
Some leading innovations launched by Pamela and her team included interior and exterior emulsion paints such as Dulux Weathershield Powerflexx, Dulux Pentalite, Dulux Wash & Wear / Easyclean, and Dulux Catylac / Inspire.
Her expertise and experience has been instrumental in the setting of industry standards in Singapore. Pamela is the Technical Chairperson for the Singapore Paint Industry Association and a committee member in the Chemical Standards Council of Singapore. She has helped to set up several Singapore Standards, including SS345, SS150, SS500 and SS494.
Pamela is an industry consultant to regulatory bodies such as Spring Singapore, Singapore Green Label, the Housing and Development Board, Singapore Green Building Council, National Environment Agency and the Singapore Institute of Architects. She is also an A*Star certified auditor for accredited testing laboratories in Singapore.