Global Automotive Leader Looks to Singular ID for State-of-the-Art Brand Protection; Sanden International Signs Agreement to Manufacture Secure Brand Protection Systems From Advance Nanotech Portfolio Company

Business Wire, Nov 1, 2005

SINGAPORE -- Singular ID Pte. Ltd., an Advance Nanotech portfolio company, announced today that Sanden International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (SIS) has signed an agreement to integrate Singular ID's brand protection system into some of the automotive parts it manufactures. Sanden International will begin manufacturing parts with the integrated Singular ID systems beginning in the second quarter of 2006.

"The automotive industry is facing increasingly difficult challenges in managing brand protection. Counterfeiting is on the rise in this industry and there are few solutions that provide adequate protection against brand theft. RFID technology can tighten the supply chain and provide a hurdle to counterfeiters, but it remains fairly expensive and has issues with operating in metallic environments. Other marking technologies such as shot-peening and laser etching can generate two-dimensional barcodes, but these are relatively easy to reproduce," said Dr. Adrian Burden, Chief Executive Officer of Singular ID. "Sanden International's substantial investment in the Singular ID technology validates our corporate strategy and underscores the effectiveness of our devices in preventing fraud and counterfeiting."

Singular ID's integrated brand protection system prevents counterfeiting and product diversion. The Singular system comprises tags containing micro- and nanometer sized magnetic components, each with a unique magnetic signature. These tags are authenticated using proprietary scanners that link a tagged object to a remote and secure database.

Magnus Gittins, Chief Executive Officer of Advance Nanotech, Inc, a key investor in Singular ID, adds, "Singular ID has made significant progress in all areas of their business. This contract validates our strategy and demonstrates how a nimble, highly focused company such as Singular ID can effectively bring its ideas to market."

Singular ID is one of more than 20 companies that Advance Nanotech is currently funding in the electronics, biopharma, and materials industries. Advance Nanotech provides services ranging from funding, to human capital and research equipment essential to ensuring that the most promising companies can accelerate the path to rapid commercialization. In this way, investor exposure to any particular technology is mitigated with Advance Nanotech retaining the option to increase investment in those technologies that successfully mature.

About Singular ID Pte. Ltd.

(Website: www.singular-id.com; E-mail: info@singular-id.com)

Head-quartered in Singapore, Singular ID is a nanotechnology spin-off company that was founded to commercialise magnetic tagging technology. With a mission to safeguard customers' interests by providing integrated tagging solutions that protect people, brands, corporate images and market share, Singular ID aims to be the leading solution provider for tracing and authenticating items of value. To achieve this, Singular ID works closely with its clients to tailor its technology to meet specific customer requirements. This may involve undertaking pilot projects where beneficial. For companies who wish to understand more about nanotechnology and the applicability of different brand protection technologies, Singular ID also offers a consultancy service to evaluate the options and create a roadmap for their implementation. Singular ID has licensed core technology from the Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore.

About Sanden International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

(Website: www.sanden.com.sg)

Sanden International (Singapore) Pte Ltd (SIS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanden Corporation, Japan. The company started as a Regional Marketing Office in 1974 before becoming an independent subsidiary in 1977. SIS has since grown into a multi-faceted manufacturing, engineering, marketing and distribution organization, exporting to more than 30 countries, with annual sales of about S$230 million. The Singapore operation has become one of the four strategic pillars along-side Japan, America and Europe in the corporation.

About Advance Nanotech, Inc.

(Website: www.advancenanotech.com)

Advance Nanotech Inc. is dedicated to ensuring nanotechnology discoveries reach maximum market potential through successful commercialization. Advance is the trusted guide to commercial success for nanotech entrepreneurs spanning the globe, partnering with leading universities to provide scientists and researchers with mission critical infrastructure support to transform their discoveries to marketable solutions. The organization provides a range of services and support including financing, leadership assets and counsel on intellectual property, licensing and regulatory issues. With a portfolio of 20 companies developing technologies which offer potentially breakthrough nanotechnology discoveries in the electronics, biopharma and materials sectors, Advance's goal is to transform the potential for nanotechnology discoveries into innovative products that further evolve existing industries and enable new markets.