Singapore and the European Union : R&D cooperation for the future.
Date: 2008-01-08
Institutions: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Subjects: EU programme, European Union, Singapore, innovation, international cooperation, research and development, scientific research, technological change

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The  European  Union’s  Seventh  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and  Technological  Development,  FP7,  is 
Europe’s principal instrument for funding scientific excellence. The funding appropriated for FP7 is channelled to 
a number of dedicated initiatives designed and developed to contribute to the European Research Area (ERA), the 
EU’s  single  market  for  research  and  innovation.  European  decision-makers  have  realised  early,  however,  that  for 
the  ERA  to  be  most  effective,  its  scope  must  not  be  limited  to  Europe’s  physical  or  political  frontiers.  Singapore 
has  made  impressive  strides  in  becoming  an  international  hub  for  research;  and  this  coupled  with  its  location  in 
the heart of the ASEAN region with a huge growth potential make it an ideal partner for Europe in its drive towards 
research  excellence.  This  brochure  will  serve  as  a  way  to  highlight  those  areas  where  Europe’s  and  Singapore’s 
respective  R&D  strategies  are  complementary,  as  well  as  a  guide  to  finding  practical  information  on  cooperation 
opportunities.

http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp7
http://ec.europa.eu/research/enquiries

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EUR 22980

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Singapore_03.indd   1

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Interested in European research? 
Research*eu is our monthly magazine keeping you in touch with main developments (results, programmes, events, etc.).
It is available in English, French, German and Spanish. A free sample copy or free subscription can be obtained from:

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

European Commission
Directorate-General for Research
Communication Unit
B-1049 Brussels
Fax (32-2) 29-58220
E-mail: research-eu@ec.europa.eu
Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/research/research-eu

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Directorate-General for Research 
Directorate D - International Cooperation

Unit D1 - International dimension of the Framework Programme

Contact: Pierrick Fillon-Ashida

European Commission 
Office SDME 01/80 
B-1049 Brussels

http://ec.europa.eu/research/enquiries

E-mail: Pierrick.Fillon@ec.europa.eu

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2007

Directorate-General for Research 

International Scientific Cooperation Policy

EUR 22980

Interested in European research? 

Research*eu is our monthly magazine keeping you in touch with main developments (results, programmes, events, etc.).

It is available in English, French, German and Spanish. A free sample copy or free subscription can be obtained from:

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

European Commission

Directorate-General for Research

Communication Unit

B-1049 Brussels

Fax (32-2) 29-58220

E-mail: research-eu@ec.europa.eu

Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/research/research-eu

Singapore and the European Union:
R&D cooperation for the future

Unit D1 - International dimension of the Framework Programme

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Directorate-General for Research 

Directorate D - International Cooperation

Contact: Pierrick Fillon-Ashida

European Commission 

Office SDME 01/80 

B-1049 Brussels

http://ec.europa.eu/research/enquiries

E-mail: Pierrick.Fillon@ec.europa.eu

2007

Directorate-General for Research 
International Scientific Cooperation Policy

EUR 22980

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Foreword 

The  European  Union’s  Seventh  Framework  Programme 
for Research and Technological Development, FP7, is Eu-
rope’s  principal  instrument  for  funding  scientific  excel-
lence. The funding appropriated for FP7 is channelled to a 
number of dedicated initiatives designed and developed to 
create the European Research Area (ERA), the EU’s single 
market for research and innovation.

European decision-makers have realised early, however, 
that for the ERA to be most effective, its scope must not 
be limited to Europe’s physical or political frontiers. The 
EU  must  seek  strategic  cooperation  with  like-minded 
partners to fully reach its goal of becoming home to the 
largest  knowledge-based  economy  in  the  world.  In  this 
respect, Singapore quickly emerges as a natural ally. 

Not  only  has  Singapore  been  an  important  trading  part-
ner  and  investment  location  for  Europe  for  many  years, 
but  it  too  has  identified  R&D  as  being  at  the  crux  of  its 
long-term  economic  competitiveness.  Singapore  has  set 
for  itself  similar  objectives  and  adopted  comparable  ap-
proaches  to  research  that  make  it  a  natural  partner  for 
cooperation under FP7. Singapore has been active in pre-
vious  Framework  Programmes,  particularly  in  the  area 
of  information  technologies,  and  Europe  would  like  to 
encourage  across-the-board  participation  in  the  current 
Framework Programme. Singapore has made impressive 
strides in becoming an international hub for research; and 
this,  coupled  with  its  location  in  the  heart  of  the  ASEAN 
region with a huge growth potential make it an ideal part-
ner  for  Europe  in  its  drive  towards  research  excellence. 
This brochure will serve as a way to highlight those areas 
where  Europe‘s  and  Singapore’s  respective  R&D  strate-
gies  are  complementary,  as  well  as  a  guide  to  finding 
practical information on cooperation opportunities. 

Singapore and the EU enjoy close ties at many levels and 
across all sectors, including political, economics, educa-
tional and cultural sectors.  These ties have grown from 
strength to strength over the years.  

In the areas of R&D, Singapore’s involvement in projects 
organized  by  the  European  Commission  started  more 
than  10  years  ago  in  199  with  the  th  Framework  Pro-
gramme.  Since then, we have seen significant increases 
in the number of proposals involving Singapore-based or-
ganizations.  The Framework Programme remains an ex-
cellent platform for Singapore to cooperate with the EU in 
Science and Technology — valuable lessons on best prac-
tices in R&D project management were shared and learnt 
through interactions between our research organizations.  
Under the 6th Framework Programme (FP6), several suc-
cessful  projects  were  undertaken  by  European  partners 
and Singapore, and we are looking forward an enhanced 
dialogue in FP7.

In  recent  years,  Singapore  has  placed  greater  emphasis 
on R&D.  We are now into our fourth five-year S&T Plan, 
with  R&D  funds  directed  at  areas  with  potential  for  sci-
entific  breakthroughs  and  economic  impact  for  Singa-
pore.    New  areas  identified  include  Environmental  and 
Water Technologies, the Interactive and Digital Media, and 
Life Sciences.  Since the start of the National Science & 
Technology Plan, Singapore’s Gross Expenditure on R&D 
(GERD) as a percentage of GDP has increased from 0.8% 
in  1990  to  2.39%  in  2006.    Going  forward,  the  Singapore 
government will continue to make significant investments 
in R&D with the aim of achieving 3% GERD by 2010. 

To  sustain  R&D  growth,  Singapore  realizes  the  critical 
value of collaborating with our EU partners and seeks to 
promote  active  exchanges  between  our  research  estab-
lishments and universities.  This is done through a strate-
gic top-down comprehensive approach as well as through 
bottom-up institution-to-institution linkages.  I hope that 
research institutes, businesses and researchers within the 
EU will find the information in this brochure useful.  I look 
forward  to  stronger  links  with  our  EU  partners  through 
the educational, industrial and scientific communities to 
foster  world-class  scientific  research  and  develop  top-
notch scientific talent. 

José Manuel
Silva Rodríguez
Director General
for Research
European Commission

Lim Chuan Poh
Chairman 
A*StAR

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The European Union
and Singapore:
TOWARDS A
KNOWLEDGE-BASED FUTURE

Singapore: a haven of knowledge

If  Singapore’s  R&D  strategy  could  be  represented  by  a 
single geographic location, it would be found one degree 
north of the equator. Located there, composed of a ram-
bling network of state-of-the-art research institutes with 
clusters  of  educational  facilities,  private  sector  offices, 
government outposts and trendy cafés seamlessly inter-
woven  throughout,  is  the  ‘one-north’  community.  One-
north’s  design  and  philosophy  embody  where  Singapore 
is, as well as where the city-state is heading in the world 
of pre-eminent research destinations. 

Singapore has plunged itself headlong into a drive towards 
a knowledge-based economy, and has equipped itself ac-
cordingly, to meet its goal of becoming a top-tier hub of 
international  research  and  technological  development, 
not only regionally but globally. Singapore has built up an 
impressive  infrastructure  of  cutting-edge  laboratories, 
with  one-north  serving  as  the  epicentre,  and  populated 
them with some of today’s best and brightest scientists.

However, as predominant as one-north is in Singapore’s 
research-driven economic ecosystem, it is just one part of 
the island country’s dedicated approach to cultivating an 
atmosphere of market-driven research, and opportunities 
abound for anyone who wants to take part. Being a city-
state has inherent advantages and limitations, and Singa-
pore  has  responded  with  an  R&D  strategy  that  is  decid-
edly international in scope. Europe is well placed to take 
advantage of all that is on offer in terms of international 
R&D cooperation. 

At  the  beginning  of  this  millennium,  when  government 
leaders  in  Singapore  were  interested  in  learning  how 
best to structure their future economy, it was Europe they 
turned to for guidance. They felt that Europe could offer 
lessons on how to leverage home-grown expertise whilst 
fostering international exchange so as to create sustain-
able  advanced  economies  for  many  years  to  come.  They 
visited Europe’s most technologically advanced industries 
to learn how to focus on those sectors where they could 
excel  in  the  global  market,  while  shoring  up  traditional 
sectors to ensure they remain viable in the face of raising 
competition. As a result, Singapore is fast becoming a key 
partner for Europe as they have each tied future economic 

success to the ability to create stimulating environments 
that  cultivate  new  ideas,  attract  the  brightest  minds, 
house world-class institutions, produce blue-chip innova-
tors and translate them all into economic prosperity.      

Building  upon  a  history  of  research 
excellence

Singapore-based researchers and research centres have 
figured  prominently  in  previous  EU  Framework  Pro-
grammes, and Europe is counting on this strategic part-
nership  to  continue  a  tradition  of  scientific  excellence. 
Singaporean  participants  have  recorded  impressive  suc-
cess rates when applying for membership in Framework 
Programme  research  consortia.  For  example,  under  the 
EU’s  previous  R&D  funding  scheme,  FP6,  nearly  90%  of 
applications for funding in the critical Information Society 
Technology theme were accepted. This exceptional figure 
reflects both Singapore’s emergence as a leader in IST re-
search and Europe’s desire to increase cooperation with 
Singapore  in  this  enabling  field.  Europe’s  top  R&D  deci-
sion-makers are dedicated to ensuring that such fruitful 
cooperation continues in FP7.

Recognition  of  Singapore  as  a  world 
leader in research

Singapore  has  emerged  as  a  world-class  research  per-
former  in  its  own  right.  Successes  in  economic  growth 
and  performance  at  home  have  slightly  changed  Singa-
pore’s  status  as  a  third  country  partner  under  FP7,  and 
as a consequence, its research institutes are now ineligi-
ble for direct funding. This does not mean that Singapore 
cannot participate, however; there are still countless op-
portunities  for  Singaporean  institutions,  and  Europe  will 
continue  to  encourage  Singapore’s  participation  as  an 
invaluable  member  of  research  consortia.  Singaporean 
partners can participate as full members of a project con-
sortium, and they will continue to be important partners 
in FP7 research, even though their financial support will 
come from one of the numerous sources at home. Individ-
ual researchers are still eligible for direct funding under 
the current Framework Programme, and are encouraged 
to  visit  the  CORDIS  website  enumerating  open  calls,  to 
find those most appropriate for them.

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Research, Innovation 

& Enterprise Council (RIEC)

Cabinet

National Research 

Foundation (NRF)

(S$5bil)

New initiatives and

programmes to develop

new growth areas and new 

capabilities

MOE*

MTI**(S$7.5bil)

Academic Research

Fund (AcRF) (S$1.05bil)

A*STAR

(S$5.4bil)

EDB

(S$2.1bil)

Singapore’s Key Actors
in Research
S&t Plan 2010: Leveraging Expertise, 
Cultivating Excellence

These are:

• Biomedical Sciences
• Environmental and Water Technologies
• Interactive Digital Media. 

http://www.nrf.gov.sg/

Similar to the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme, Sin-
gapore has mapped out its R&D objectives via the Stra-
tegic Direction for S&T Policy (2006-2010), or S&T Plan 
2010. S&T Plan 2010 defines specific targets and details 
a dedicated strategy designed to secure Singapore’s po-
sition as a pre-eminent R&D hub.

In 200, Singapore formed the Ministerial Committee on 
Research and Development (MCRD) chaired by the prime 
minister. The MCRD drafted a bold vision for Singapore’s 
economic  future,  starting  with  the  implementation  of  a 
National R&D Framework.
http://app.mti.gov.sg/

Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council (RIEC):
a policy leader
The RIEC is chaired by the Prime Minister and leads the 
national drive to promote research, innovation and enter-
prise by encouraging new initiatives for knowledge crea-
tion  in  science  and  technology.  Members  of  the  council 
include  cabinet  ministers,  prominent  industry  leaders 
and  internationally  respected  scientists  and  educators, 
and  will  help  pave  the  way  towards  a  knowledge-based 
economy. 

National Research Foundation (NRF): long-term thinking
It is the NRF’s role to implement national research, inno-
vation and enterprise strategies set by the Research Inno-
vation and Enterprise Council (RIEC) chaired by the Prime 
Minister,  and  allocate  the  requisite  funding.  NRF  works 
with different government agencies to develop plans and 
policies to bring the five strategic thrusts of the national 
R&D agenda to fruition. The five strategies are to:

• provide more resources for R&D and continued high 

-level attention on R&D; 

• focus on selected areas of economic importance;
•  balance  investigator-led  and  mission-oriented  re-

search;

• encourage more private sector R&D;
• strengthen linkages between R&D and business.
The NRF has also identified several strategic R&D areas 
for which it feels Singapore has some competitive advan-
tage over the long term, on a global scale.

‘R&D has to be elevated to a national priority.’

Dr Francis Yeoh,
Chief Operating Officer National Research

Economic Development Board (EDB)
The  EDB’s  mission  is  to  create  sustainable  economic 
growth  and  business  opportunities  in  Singapore  by  at-
tracting multinationals to open R&D centres there.

Agency for Science technology and Research (A*StAR):
public leader for international cooperation
A*STAR’s  mission  is  to  foster  world-class  scientific  re-
search  and  nurture  world-class  scientific  talent  to  ad-
vance Singapore’s economic goals. It plays a central role 
in setting the thematic priorities for public research. The 
close integration of A*STAR’s R&D with economic develop-
ment objectives is meant to strengthen Singapore’s ability 
to attract research-intensive manufacturing projects from 
multinational  companies,  deepen  capabilities  in  existing 
industry clusters, and upgrade local enterprise.

‘Singapore, the sixth most water stressed country in the 
world, has a very difficult job to do to provide high quality 
water at a very affordable price, so for that job they have 
teamed up with Delft Hydraulics and NUS. The accelerating 
factor in the government’s decision is that water is one of 
those areas where they can succeed long term.’

Dr Vladan Babovic,
Professor, National University Singapore
Director of Singapore Delft Water Alliance  

International R&D Collaboration
Research  collaborations  are  undertaken  through  Singa-
pore’s research institutions and their individual research-
ers and research groups. A*STAR encourages its research 
institutes (RIs) to collaborate with other research institu-
tions whenever possible. Opportunities abound; it is only 
a  matter  of  researchers  identifying  the  research  institu-
tion of their corresponding interest and contacting them 
directly. Most institutions accept applications year-round. 
For a comprehensive overview of A*STAR and its research 
programmes, please visit: www.a-star.edu.sg

A*StAR comprises four organisational units:
• Biomedical Research Council (BMRC)
• Science & Engineering Research Council (SERC)
• A*STAR Graduate Academy (A*GA)
• Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd.

‘Our philosophy is to encourage companies to cooperate 
with our research institutes, taking advantage of what we 
have to offer. What can Singapore offer? We invest in our 
people, we invest in infrastructure, we make the environment 
Mr Aylwin Tan,
as competitive as possible.’  
Economic Development Board of Singapore  

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Universities/Polytechnics: essential actors
Within  universities,  focus  will  be  given  to  faculty-led  re-
search. Singapore has made every effort to make the cul-
ture of research as fluid as possible. This research can be 
carried  out  independently  or  in  collaboration  with  other 
public and private sector institutions.
Polytechnics will focus on research which is more devel-
opmental  in  nature,  with  greater  focus  on  strengthen-
ing  the  nexus  between  R&D  and  business  through  joint 
projects with industry and local enterprises.

Research, Innovation 
& Enterprise Council (RIEC)

Cabinet

National Research 
Foundation (NRF)
(S$5bil)

New initiatives and
programmes to develop
new growth areas and new 
capabilities

MOE*

MTI**(S$7.5bil)

Academic Research
Fund (AcRF) (S$1.05bil)

A*STAR
(S$5.4bil)

EDB
(S$2.1bil)

Singapore’s National R&D Framework: *MOE - Ministry of 
Education; **MTI - Ministry of Trade and Industry

The  European  Union’s  Seventh 
Framework Programme – FP7

Knowledge lies at the heart of the European Union’s Lis-
bon Strategy to become the ‘most dynamic competitive 
knowledge-based  economy  in  the  world’.  The  ‘knowl-
edge  triangle’  —  research,  education  and  innovation 
— is a core factor in European efforts to meet the am-
bitious Lisbon goals. Numerous programmes, initiatives 
and support measures are carried out at EU level in sup-
port of knowledge. 

The  Seventh  Framework  Programme  (FP7)  bundles  all 
research-related  EU  initiatives  together  under  a  com-
mon  roof,  effectively  playing  a  crucial  role  in  reaching 
the  goals  of  growth,  competitiveness  and  employment. 
It is accompanied by a new Competitiveness and Innova-
tion  Framework  Programme  (CIP),  Education  and  Train-
ing programmes, and Structural and Cohesion Funds for 
regional convergence and competitiveness. It is also a key 
pillar for the European Research Area (ERA). 

The broad objectives of FP7 have been grouped into four 
specific programmes: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Ca-
pacities. For each type of objective, there is a specific pro-
gramme corresponding to the main areas of EU research 
policy. All specific programmes work together to promote 
and encourage the creation of European poles of (scien-
tific)  excellence.  For  further  information  on  FP7,  please 
visit: www.cordis.europa.eu/fp7

FP7: A New Approach to International 
S&t Cooperation

Due  to  the  nature  of  a  globalised  economy,  market-rel-
evant R&D is no longer a solitary endeavour. Increasingly, 
individual researchers and research institutions are pool-
ing  their  unique  strengths  and  complementary  skills  to 
reach  common  solutions.  Cross-border  and  interdisci-
plinary  approaches  to  mutual  challenges  will  power  the 
next generation of discovery, pushing the envelope of both 
frontier  research,  as  well  as  dedicated  product  develop-
ment. With this in mind, European policymakers have de-
veloped a new approach to international R&D. Compared 
with  its  predecessor,  FP7’s  international  perspective  is 
significantly different. This outlook has been factored into 
every aspect of the current Framework Programme. FP7 
has adopted three basic principles regarding international 
cooperation. 

It  has  programmed  specific  priorities  for  third  countries 
and regions, targeted specific actions for third countries, 
and made way for the establishment of a partnership and 
dialogue  for  third  countries  and  regions.  As  a  general 
principle,  FP7  is  open  to  participation  from  any  country 
in  the  world.  The  procedures  for  participation  and  fund-
ing possibilities vary for different groups of countries. To 
download a copy of the EU’s New Approach to Internation-
al S&T Cooperation, please visit:
www.ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/pdf/newapproach_en.pdf

The  four  specific  programmes 
of FP7

FP7 is principally divided into four pillars, with interna-
tional cooperation activities available in each. The inter-
national dimension is no longer confined to a specific sci-
entific and technological (S&T) cooperation programme, 
but is now inherent in all European Community research 
activities.

Cooperation 
By far the most prominent part of FP7, the ‘Cooperation’ 
programme  funds  transnational  research  collaboration 
in  individual  themes,  including  several  that  mirror  Sin-
gapore’s long-term R&D strategy, such as Information & 
Communication  Technologies  (ICT),  Health,  Environment 
and  Climate  Change,  and  Nanosciences,  Nanotechnolo-
gies,  Materials  &  New  Production  Technologies  (NMP). 
Singaporean  researchers  are  sure  to  find  calls  here  for 
proposals that coincide with their research interests. Fur-
thermore, they are encouraged to participate as members 

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of research consortia in all themes.
www.cordis.europa.eu/fp7/cooperation/

opportunities open to them.
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/people/home_en.html

Ideas
The ‘Ideas’ programme funds investigator-driven frontier 
research to ensure that Europe becomes the touchstone of 
tomorrow’s R&D. Singaporean researchers are eligible to 
submit projects for funding, provided that their research is 
carried out in an EU Member State or Associated Country 
to FP7.
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ideas/home_en.html

People
Great research is driven by great minds, and the ‘People’ 
pillar  is  designed  to  attract  the  brightest  minds  from 
across  the  globe.  The  ‘People’  programme  is  centred 
around  the  highly  successful  Marie  Curie  actions,  which 
help researchers fulfil their research aspirations abroad. 
A renewed emphasis is being placed on the international 
dimension  of  the  Marie  Curie  actions,  and  Singaporean 
researchers  are  encouraged  to  take  advantage  of  the 

Capacities 
The ‘Capacities’ pillar aims to establish Europe as a global 
leader in R&D through strategic partnerships and through 
the  promotion  of  global  synergies.  The  ‘Capacities’ 
programme  will  coordinate  EU  research  programmes 
with those of other countries by bringing together policy 
makers, the scientific community, civil society and private 
sector  stakeholders  from  the  EU  and  third  countries  to 
identify priorities and define policy orientations. Singapore 
will obviously have a role to play in this strategy.
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/capacities/home_en.html

For  further  information  on  participating  in  FP7  and  how 
to submit a proposal if you are based outside of the EU, 
please visit:
www.cordis.europa.eu/fp7/public_en.html 
http://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
A*StAR’s twin clusters for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Research

The world-renowned life sciences researcher was asked 
why he chose Singapore as his base after studying in 
western universities.
‘The infrastructure in Singapore and the encouragement 
and support one gets here from the higher echelons of 
the government, all the way down, is phenomenal. The 
environment is very conducive for someone to shine.’

Dr Ariff Bongso, 
the first ever to derive embryonic stem cells from blastocysts.

BMRC
Driving excellence in biomedical 
research

The  Biomedical  Sciences  Initiative  in  Singapore  aims  to 
develop Singapore into the Biopolis of Asia — an interna-
tional biomedical sciences hub advancing human health-
care, through the pursuit of excellence in research & de-
velopment, manufacturing, and healthcare delivery.

BMRC  spearheads  the  Biomedical  Sciences  initiative  in 
close  partnership  with  the  Singapore  Economic  Devel-
opment  Board’s  (EDB)  Biomedical  Sciences  Group  and 
Bio*One  Capital  as  well  as  the  Ministry  of  Health’s  Na-
tional Medical Research Council.

During the first phase of development (2000-200), BMRC 
focused on establishing a firm foundation of basic biomed-
ical research in Singapore. In the second phase, from 2006 

to 2010, of its Biomedical Sciences Initiative, the focus is on 
deepening our basic research capabilities and strengthen-
ing translational and clinical research (TCR), to help realise 
the full potential of our investments in the BMS initiative 
with the translation of laboratory discoveries to clinically 
useful and commercially viable applications.

Role of the Biomedical Research Council (BMRC)
Established  in  2000,  the  Biomedical  Research  Coun-
cil  (BMRC)  stimulates  and  supports  the  creation  of  new 
knowledge  and  technologies  to  advance  healthcare  and 
improve the quality of life in Singapore and Asia. There are 
seven research institutes (RIs) under BMRC:

•  Bioinformatics Institute (BII)
•  Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI)
•  Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS)
•  Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN)
•  Institute for Medical Biology (IMB)
•  Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)
•  Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS).
BMRC  has  established  the  following  research  units  to 
focus on developing capabilities in translational research:

• Singapore Cancer Syndicate (SCS)
• Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC)
• Singapore Stem Cell Consortium (SSCC)
• Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)
• Singapore Consortium for Cohort Studies (SCCS)
• Experimental Therapeutics Centre (ETC).

Singapore_03.indd   8

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CLINICAL RESEARCH

Pharmaceuticals

Medical

Technology

Industry
Sectors

Healthcare
Services &
Delivery

Industry
Sectors

Biotechnology

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

CLINICAL RESEARCH

MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

Pharmaceuticals

Medical
Technology

Electronics

Infocomm

Industry
Sectors

Healthcare
Services &
Delivery

Industry
Sectors

Industry
Clusters

Industry
Clusters

Biotechnology

Chemicals

Engineering

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

BMRC - Biomedical cluster 

SERC - Science & Engineering cluster

MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

BMRC oversees the development of core biomedical 
research capabilities to support Singapore’s key 
biomedical industry clusters: pharmaceuticals, biologics 
and biotechnology, medical technology and healthcare 
services and delivery. BMRC has established research units 
Infocomm
specialising in bioprocessing, chemical synthesis, genomics 
and proteomics, molecular and cell biology, bioengineering 
and nanotechnology and computational biology.  BMRC 
also supports biomedical research in the wider extramural 
community including the local universities, hospitals and 
disease centres through its extramural grants.

Electronics

Industry
Clusters

Industry
Clusters

In order to take discoveries at the ‘bench’ to clinical 
applications at the ‘bedside’, BMRC has established various 
consortia to coordinate and drive translational research at 
the national level in strategic thematic areas such as cancer, 
bioimaging, stem cells, immunology and cohort studies.

Chemicals

Engineering

MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
In  addition  to  establishing  research  networks  and  part-
nerships in Singapore, BMRC also nurtures collaborations 
with RIs and universities in Europe, including UK, France, 
Sweden, Germany and Hungary, as well as with the USA, 
Australia and Japan, creating opportunities for scientifi c 
exchange, joint discovery and manpower training.

In order to develop the human capital necessary to support 
the biomedical R&D in Singapore, BMRC has successfully 
attracted  international  scientifi c  talent  to  contribute  to 
our BMS Initiative. BMRC has recruited numerous world-
renowned scientifi c luminaries to Singapore to provide re-
search leadership in its RIs, such as Professor Sir David 
Lane,  codiscoverer  of  the  p3  tumour  suppressor  gene, 
and Professor Judith Swain, prominent clinician-scientist. 
These eminent scientists attract other scientists, gradu-
ate students and postdocs, as well as important research 
partnerships  and  grants.  BMRC  RIs  provide  a  training 
ground for local PhD students and research technicians, 
who are necessary to support and sustain the R&D activity 
as well as the growth of Singapore’s BMS industry sector.

SERC supports Singapore’s four key manufacturing industry 
sectors in Electronics, Infocomm & Media, Chemicals, and 
Engineering. SERC RIs develop relevant technologies and 
capabilities to meet the needs of manufacturing industries. 
SERC also actively helps local enterprises improve their 
global competitiveness through the GET-Up Scheme. Here, 
SERC RIs play a pivotal role in providing technical assistance 
and manpower transfer to Singapore local companies. SERC 
will continue to invest in technological developments that 
will help anchor companies in Singapore and help local 
enterprises compete effectively in the global markets. Only 
with knowledge arising from deep engagement in R&D, will 
SERC understand the technological trends needed to renew 
capabilities so as to help local companies take advantage of 
new market opportunities and growth industries.

SERC
Multidisciplinary engineering 
R&D leader

In  addition  to  branching  out  into  new  strategic  areas  of 
R&D, Singapore is also renewing its investment in tradi-
tional  areas  of  expertise  at  home.  Through  the  Science 
and Engineering Research Council institutes, Singapore’s 
four  key  manufacturing  industry  sectors  (electronics, 
infocomm  and  media,  chemicals  and  engineering)  will 
benefi t  from  dedicated  initiatives  to  help  local  enter-
prise maintain a world-renowned reputation. Singapore 
has long been home to a highly educated, highly trained 
workforce, and the SERC will help ensure R&D initiatives 
aid local businesses in harnessing this potential.

Electronics
SERC remains committed to developing new capabilities 
to  meet  the  future  needs  of  industry  both  at  home  and 
abroad, to ensure that Singapore maintains its position as 
data storage capital of the world. Through its nanotech-
nology initiative, SERC will provide industry with the tools 
needed  to  address  technical  barriers  as  technology  ap-
proaches atomic levels.

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Singapore_03.indd   9

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Infocomm & Media (ICM)
SERC has set its sights on increased productivity in com-
munications, information science and media technologies 
—  the  principle  enablers  of  ICM,  according  to  SERC.  As 
ICM  increasingly  becomes  a  part  of  everyday  life,  SERC 

‘Eighty percent of high-performance disk drives for 
business applications is manufactured in Singapore. The 
content of the disk drive industry in Singapore has changed 
significantly over the years. Although Singapore’s global 
market share for total disk drive production has dropped, 
the storage industry has also shifted focus to network 
storage and enterprise drives manufacturing as well as key 
component production and R&D, which are knowledge-
intensive and innovation-driven.’

Prof. Chong Tow Chong,
Executive Director,
Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC)

will make sure that Singapore is prepared to capitalise on 
new opportunities in digital entertainment, digital health-
care and digital home/work environments.

Chemicals
Singapore’s  chemicals  industry  has  diversified  in  recent 
years  to  prepare  for  upcoming  challenges  in  the  global 
market.  Chemicals  R&D  will  further  ensure  that  Singa-
pore is well-placed to contribute to the global market, as 
well as to provide industry with the requisite expertise and 
technology needed to remain competitive long term.

Engineering
SERC  will  leverage  from  a  pool  of  talent  in  Singapore’s 
universities  and  polytechnics  to  support  the  engineering 
cluster  across  multiple  disciplines,  including  transport, 
logistics and environmental engineering. These SERC Re-
search Institutes include:

• Data Storage Institute (DSI)
• Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R)
• Institute of Chemical & Engineering Sciences (ICES) 
• Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) 
• Institute  of  Materials  Research  and  Engineering 

(IMRE).

• The Institute of Microelectronics (IME)
• Singapore  Institute  of  Manufacturing  Technology 

(SIMTech) 

• The  A*STAR  Computational  Resource  Centre 

(A*CRC) 

• The Chemical Synthesis Laboratory @ Biopolis
• The  SERC  Nanofabrication  and  Characterisation 

(SNFC).

Biopolis and Fusionopolis
Science parks of tomorrow

An integral part of Singapore’s R&D strategy is the ‘one-
north’  community.  At  one-north,  Singapore  has  literally 
blurred  the  lines  between  research  and  enterprise,  be-
tween the national and global scales, and between work 
and  creativity.  It  has  been  designed  as  an  environment 
where research, innovation, inspiration and business acu-
men  are  meant  to  meld  into  a  singular  ethos.  The  phi-
losophy behind one-north aptly conveys Singapore’s belief 
that R&D can transform the economic future of a country. 
Here, researchers, students, industry representatives and 
policymakers alike are given the opportunity to come to-
gether and engage in an informal exchange of ideas in a 
place that pulls together practically every member of the 
value chain. Singapore’s policymakers have taken an ac-
tive  role  in  building  up  an  infrastructure  that  allows  the 
knowledge-based  economy  to  take  root.  One-north  is 
touted  as  Singapore’s  ‘icon  of  the  knowledge  economy’ 
and as the place ‘where ideas grow’.    

One-north is anchored physically and conceptually around 
Biopolis and Fusionopolis, two world-class research parks 
with some of the brightest minds in science from around 
the  globe  leading  the  research  institutes  there.  Top-tier 
scientists  have  been  hand-picked  to  come  to  Singapore 
and  spearhead  efforts  to  turn  knowledge  into  the  coun-
try’s single largest natural resource. Singapore has taken 

Research stakeholders at Biopolis:
Genome
- Genome Institute of Singa-
pore (GIS) 
- Swiss House Singapore 

- EDB Biomedical Sciences 
Group (BMSG) 
- Bio*One Capital Singapore 

Matrix
- BioInformatics Institute (BII) 
- Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd 
(ETPL) 
- Science and Engineering 
Research Council 

Nanos
- Institute of Bioengineering 
and Nanotechnology (IBN) 
- Experimental Therapeutics 
Centre (ETC)
- Singapore Institute for Clini-
cal Sciences (SICS)

Centros
- Agency for Science, Technol-
ogy and Research (A*STAR) 
- Biomedical Research Coun-
cil (BMRC) 
- Bioprocessing Technology 
Institute (BTI) 

Helios
- Bioethics Advisory Commit-
tee (BAC) 
- Singapore Bioimaging 
Consortium (SBIC) 
- Chemical Synthesis Labora-
tory 
- British High Commission 
S&T Office
- RIKEN Office

Proteos
- Institute of Molecular and 
Cell Biology (IMCB)  

Neuros
- Singapore Immunology 
Network (SIgN)  
- Institute of Medical Biology 
(IMB) 

Singapore_03.indd   10

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- 11 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to  heart  the  theory  that  where  there  is  an  abundance  of 
knowledge  and  a  highly  skilled  workforce,  industry  will 
soon follow, and their strategy seems to be paying off. In 
200,  European  foreign  direct  investment  in  Singapore 
topped 1.1 billion SGD. If current trends continue, Singa-
pore’s venture into a market-driven knowledge economy 
has a very bright future indeed.

Biopolis

The  official  opening  of  the  Biopolis  on  29  October  2003 
was  a  major  milestone  for  Singapore  and  its  research 
community. Biopolis Phase 1, which offers a built-up area 
of 18,000m², consists of 7 buildings linked by skybridges; 
of  these,    buildings  house  BMRC’s  research  institutes, 
while  the  remaining  buildings  are  occupied  by  private 
sector R&D laboratories. This co-habitation has fostered 
closer  collaboration  and  intellectual  exchange  between 
public  research  institutions  and  industry.  Biopolis  offers 
purpose-built  state-of  the-art  facilities  and  a  plug-and-
play environment. The Biopolis Shared Facilities and the 
Biological Resource Centre offer scientific facilities, serv-
ices and other research resources, such as DNA sequenc-
ing  and  media  preparation.  Biopolis  Phase  2  opened  in 

‘If you want to do research, this is a great environment; 
even better than the US, I would say.’
Prof. Jackie Yi-Ru Ying, Executive Director, Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnol-
ogy, and former MIT Professor on Singapore’s commitment to R&D. 

‘The Biopolis is not a university campus, but it’s not an 
industrial park either; it is somewhere inbetween, and it is 
an arrangement  that works very well. There are biotech 
and pharamceutical companies here together with the 
government-funded biomedical research institutes. It’s a very 
nice, self-contained environment with shared resources. The 
smaller companies don’t have to reinvest in infrastructure— 
they can use what’s here.  But most importantly, the campus 
brings  together people with a wonderful mix of ideas and 
expertise.  Soon the Fusionopolis will open right next door, 
which will add high tech to the mix.’

Dr Lawrence W. Stanton, Deputy Director and Senior Group Leader, Genome Institute 
of Singapore, commenting on the ‘one-north’ concept.

October 2006 and added another 37 000m². The two new 
buildings,  Neuros  and  Immunos,  will  house  public  re-
search units as well as corporate R&D laboratories. 

Fusionopolis

Fusionopolis will be the epicentre of the physical science 
and  engineering  clusters,  bringing  together  talents, 
expertise, organisations for innovation and breakthrough. 

Fusionopolis will provide the infrastructure underpinning 
integration of capabilities of the SERC RIs and private R&D 
companies.  This  will  allow  companies  to  tap  into  cross-
disciplinary  expertise  and  sophisticated  shared  facilities 
to  develop  next  generation  products  and  processes. 

SERC and its Research 
Institutes at Fusionopolis 

Science and Engineering 
Research Council (SERC) 
Promotes public sector 
research and development in 
science and engineering with 
a focus on fields essential to 
Singapore’s manufacturing 
industry. 

Institute for Infocomm 
Research (I2R) 
Develops holistic solutions 
across the Information and 
Communications Technology 
(ICT) value chain. 
Expertise includes: 
mobile and wireless comms, 
networking, media, IT, 
optical comms, fibre sensors, 
security, decision systems and 
applications. 

Institute of High Per-
formance Computing 
(IHPC) 
Develops and promotes the 
application of high perform-
ance computing technologies, 

and undertakes upstream 
and use-inspired research. 
Expertise includes: computa-
tional science for modelling, 
simulation and visualisation. 

Data Storage Institute 
(DSI)
Develops innovative tech-
nologies and solutions in data 
storage technologies. 
Expertise includes: magnetic 
head materials and design, 
microsystems and nanosys-
tems for data storage, signal 
processing for data storage 
and communications, tribol-
ogy and tribochemistry, laser 
nanoprocessing and network 
storage.  

Institute of Materials 
Research and Engineer-
ing (IMRE) 
Undertakes research in 
selected fields of materials 
science and engineering 
such as optoelectronics, 
nanomaterials, chemicals and 
polymers. 

p

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Singapore_03.indd   11

10/25/07   4:45:15 PM

 
 
 
 
p Expertise includes: 

polymer science and chem-
istry, advanced materials 
characterisation, performance 
materials, nanoparticles, 
macromolecular chemistry 
and surface science.

Institute of Microelec-
tronics (IME) 
Helps to drive the continued 
growth of Singapore’s elec-
tronics industries through high 
calibre research and develop-
ment in semiconductor-based 
technology and solutions. 
Expertise includes: integrated 
circuits & systems, semicon-
ductor process technologies, 
microsystems, modules & com-
ponents and bio-electronics. 

Singapore Institute of 
Manufacturing Technol-
ogy (SIMTech) 
SIMTech is committed to 

enhancing the competitive-
ness of Singapore’s industries 
through the generation and 
application of advanced 
manufacturing technology. 
Expertise includes: advanced 
forming and joining technol-
ogy, machining technology, 
mechatronics, precision meas-
urement, advanced automa-
tion and product design and 
development.

Institute of Chemical & 
Engineering Sciences 
(ICES) 
ICES spearheads R&D in 
Singapore’s fast expanding 
chemical industry. 
Expertise includes: applied 
catalysis, particle and inter-
face science and technology, 
new synthesis techniques and 
applications, and process 
technology (control & charac-
terisation).

Corporate  R&D  labs,  such  as  Vestas  Technology,  will 
be  colocated  at  Fusionopolis  to  leverage  on  research 
capabilities and common infrastructure. 

Fusionopolis Phase 1 will be the icon for the Infocomms 
and  Media  (ICM)  cluster,  and  comprises  a  two-tower 
complex  integrated  with  work-live  service  apartments, 
amenity  clubhouse,  technology  showcase,  media  studio 
and  retail  outlets.  It  is  slated  for  completion  by  early 
2008.  Phase  2A  will  bring  together  the  complementary 
capabilities in materials and devices, nanoscale technology 
and  manufacturing  technology,  to  establish  integrated 
capabilities in the physical sciences and engineering, and 
is expected to reach completion by 2009.

Facilities available at Fusionopolis: 

Fusionopolis Phase 1

• Business and research space
• Platform for test-bedding new technologies
• Direct satellite access (uplink and downlink for me-

dia companies)

• Seamless broadband connectivity
• A*STAR facilities (A*STAR Compute Resource Cen-
tre, Anechoic chamber, Advanced Visualisation Cen-
tre, Network Storage Lab).

Fusionopolis Phase 2A Features

• R&D foundry
•  Centralised  multi-disciplinary  clean  rooms  (CMOS, 

Spintronics, Polymer, III-VI, Ceramics)

• SERC Nanofabrication and Characterisation (SNFC) 

facility

• Alternative energy testbed.

European Strategy Forum on Research 
Infrastructures

In order to promote the development of key research fa-
cilities of European interest, the Council of the European 
Union welcomes the development of a strategic roadmap 
for Europe in the field of research infrastructures, and the 
role of the European Strategy Forum for Research Infra-
structures (ESFRI).

This roadmap describes the scientific needs for research 
infrastructures  for  the  next  10  to  20  years,  on  the  basis 
of a methodology recognised by all stakeholders. It takes 
into  account  input  from  relevant  intergovernmental  re-
search organisations as well as the industrial community. 
According to the Council mandate, this roadmap identifies 
vital  new  European  research  infrastructures  of  different 
size  and  scope,  including  medium-sized  infrastructures 
and those in the fields of humanities and bio-informatics, 
such as electronic archiving systems for scientific publi-
cations and databases.

‘We emphasise human capital. 
We invest a lot in our students and 
their education at top universities 
in Europe. The mobility of our 
researchers and collaborative 
research in Europe is also very 
important to us.’

Prof. Kin Mun Lye, Deputy Executive Director for 
Industry, Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R)

Singapore_03.indd   12

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- 12 -

- 13 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
‘TEIN2 opens up the region to Europe for collaboration 
with direct high speed links. Pre-TEIN2, to communicate with 
Europe we had to go through the US, incurring high network 
delay.’

Dr Francis Bu-Sung Lee, 
SingAREN/TEIN2 
Coordinator & Associate Chair (Research), NTU

Singapore’s Previous 
Successes in the Framework
Programmes
A history of cooperation, 
a future of discovery

tEIN2 - linking Singapore and the EU  
One  of  the  enormous  advantages  of  today’s  information 
age  is  the  ability  to  engage  in  meaningful  exchange  and 
cooperation  with  colleagues  thousands  of  kilometres 
away.  Making  the  most  of  modern  communication  tools, 
such  as  video-conferencing  and  visual  communication, 
however, depends on secure, reliable fibre optic comput-
ing networks. The TEIN2 project provides the critical link 
between European and Asian grids, making research col-
laboration as easy as turning on a computer. For more in-
formation, log onto: www.tein2.net

GAPFILL - Asia’s stepping stone to FP6
GAPFILL  was  an  IST-focused  project  aimed  at  getting 
more  Asian  partners  involved  in  EU-funded  projects. 
GAPFILL was a shining success, raising awareness of the 
Framework  Programmes  focusing  on  four  Asian  coun-
tries,  with  Singapore  at  the  top  of  the  list.  GAPFILL  has 
resulted in durable strategic partnerships between the EU 
and the region.

PASARELAS - a stakeholder dialogue
Singapore’s newly created National Research Foundation 
has made environmental technologies a cornerstone of its 
long-term R&D strategy. Singapore participated in the FP6 
PASARELAS project, which aimed at maximising research 
impact through the development of stakeholder dialogue 
‘interfaces’ between science and society in coastal zones. 
PASARELAS  is  designed  to  run  in  parallel  with  several 
different  EU-funded  international  cooperation  projects, 
making the scientific research projects all the more rel-
evant to the local communities affected.  

CRESCENDO - world-class life science research
Life  sciences  will  also  dominate  Singapore’s  research 
landscape for years to come, as exemplified by the CRE-
SCENDO  project.  CRESCENDO  is  a  large-scale  project 
seeking to turn our understanding of the human genome 
into  innovative  therapies.  Specifically,  it  is  investigating 
the role of nuclear receptors in ageing and development. 
Singapore is represented in the project by the world-class 
Genome Institute of Singapore.
http://www.crescendoip.org/

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Singapore_03.indd   13

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EU Member States and
FP7-Associated Countries
A sample of Bilateral Cooperation
initiatives

similar  collaboration  across  all  sectors.  The  European 
Commission has a role to play by providing up-to-date in-
formation on international collaboration possibilities and 
informing actors on planned activities here in Singapore.’ 
Ms Annoek van den Wijngaart
Science and Technology Adviser
www.twanetwerk.nl

In  addition  to  European-level  efforts  to  spur  S&T  co-
operation  with  Singapore,  headed  by  the  EC’s  Delega-
tion  there  (www.delsgp.cec.eu.int),  individual  Member 
States  and  FP7-associated  states,  such  as  Switzerland 
and  Norway,  have  taken  note  of  Singapore’s  strategic 
position  and  have  forged  close  ties  with  its  research 
community.  Several  embassies  and  government  repre-
sentations  have  permanent  science  and  technology  of-
fi cers charged with maintaining a bilateral dialogue with 
the  island  city-state.  A  brief  overview  follows,  of  some 
of the R&D initiatives that countries have under way in 
Singapore.

80

70

60

50

Netherlands
‘The  Netherlands  has  a  well-established  relationship 
here in terms of R&D. The Delft-Singapore Water Alliance 
is  a  perfect  example.  Water  issues  obviously  pose  many 
challenges  for  both  the  Netherlands  and  Singapore,  so 
it makes sense to work together on a common problem. 
Our offi ce here supports such initiatives and encourages 

40

30

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

France
France’s  Science  and  Technology  offi cer  ensures  that 
both sides remain aware of the latest R&D developments 
in  each  individual  country,  as  well  as  oversees  research 
exchange  programmes.  The  embassy’s  most  recent  de-
velopment  was  the  Merlion  Research  scholarships  pro-
gramme, named after Singapore’s mythical mascot. The 
Merlion  scholarships  fund  travel  costs  for  researchers 
travelling  between  France  and  Singapore.  The  Merlion 
PhD  Programme  funds  six  PhD  students  who  split  their 
lab time between France and Singapore.
www.ambafrance-sg.org/

United Kingdom
The Science & Innovation section of the British High Com-
mission,  based  at  Singapore’s  life  sciences  campus,  Bi-
opolis, is part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce’s 
global Science & Innovation Network.  Their aim is to foster 
scientifi c collaboration between the UK and Singapore.

Percentage of GDP (%)
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0

Percentage of GDP (%)
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0

20

10
Singapore’s R&D strategy by the numbers
0

10

Private Sector Expanditure on R&D

Public Expanditure on R&D

Private Sector Expanditure on R&D

Public Expanditure on R&D

Singapore in the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6)

0

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Proposals

Funded Projects

Private & Public Sector Expenditure on R&D
Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (2005)

(%)

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Proposals

Funded Projects

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

(%)

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1990  1992  1994  1996 1998  2000  2002  2004

1.0

0.5

GERD

0

BERD/GERD

Percentage of GDP (%)
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0

(%)

Target

(2005)

70

68

66

64

62

60

58

56

54

52

50

Private Sector Expanditure on R&D

Public Expanditure on R&D

- 1 -

- 1 -

(%)

Target

(2005)

70

68

66

64

62

60

58

56

54

52

50

1990  1992  1994  1996 1998  2000  2002  2004

GERD

BERD/GERD

Proposals

Singapore_03.indd   14

Funded Projects

(%)

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

10/25/07   4:45:20 PM

(%)

Target

(2005)

70

68

66

64

62

60

58

56

54

52

50

1990  1992  1994  1996 1998  2000  2002  2004

GERD

BERD/GERD

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

The  UK-Singapore  science  relationship  is  set  out  in  an 
agreement signed by the Prime Ministers of both countries 
in 200, in which they agreed to encourage scientifi c col-
laborations and networks and help build scientifi c capac-
ity with South East Asian Partners. Scientifi c workshops 
have been held in many fi elds including neuroscience, mi-
croelectronics, chemistry, aerospace engineering and im-
munology. Each workshop has been followed by the award 
of  travel  grants  (Collaboration  Development  Awards)  to 
enable researchers from the region to visit the UK to de-
velop collaborations. Around 100 awards have so far been 
made, leading to numerous collaborations. 
www.britain.org.sg

Switzerland
The  Swiss  House  Singapore  is  a  platform  of  the  Swiss 
Embassy,  fostering  partnerships  between  Switzerland, 
Singapore  and  South-East  Asia  in  the  fi eld  of  education, 
research and innovation. It operates in synergy with aca-
demic,  governmental  and  economic  networks,  and  pro-
vides  partnering  opportunities  by  organizing  innovative 
events and sharing its knowledge network with its stake-
holders.

‘Ours  is  a  novel  initiative;  we  go  beyond  the  science 
counsellor’s  responsibilities.  We  are  actively  providing  a 
platform  supporting  institutions,  students,  professors, 

Percentage of GDP (%)
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0

researchers  and  entrepreneurs  in  their  partnering  ac-
tivities. We cover education, research and innovation in a 
single initiative. Being here at Biopolis allows us to reach 
out  to  local  partners  as  well  as  to  help  Swiss  visitors  in 
liaising,  for  example,  with  Singapore’s  Economic  Devel-
opment Board or A*STAR located here. And that’s exactly 
what Singapore, via Biopolis and Fusionopolis, is trying to 
nurture.’
Dr Suzanne Hraba-Renevey
Executive Director
www.swisshouse.org.sg/

Norway
Norway,  a  long-time  leader  in  maritime  technology,  has 
encouraged  R&D  cooperation  in  this  renowned  shipping 
port.  The  Norwegian  embassy  in  Singapore  has  a  coun-
sellor for science and technology to support R&D co-op-
eration  and  to  support  the  established  memorandum  of 
understanding  on  maritime  research  and  development, 
education and training.
http://www.norway.org.sg/

Germany
Germany’s  R&D  activities  in  Singapore  have  increased 
signifi cantly  in  the  last  few  years.  Close  ties  have  been 
established on various levels, including two joint projects 
on  an  institutional  basis,  the  GIST  (German  Institute  of 

Proposals

Funded Projects

Private Sector Expanditure on R&D

Public Expanditure on R&D

GERD/GDP growth and Private sector share of GERD
Source: National Survey of R&D in Singapore (2004)

Breakdown of S&T 2010 Budget
(Total: SGD 13.55 million) 

GDP: Gross Domestic Product
GERD: Gross Expenditure on Research & Development
BERD: Business Expenditure on Research & Development 

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

(%)

(%)

Target
(2005)
(2005)

1990  1992  1994  1996 1998  2000  2002  2004

GERD

BERD/GERD
BERD/GERD

70

68

66

64

62

60

58

56

54

52

50

Infrastructure
3%

Talent Development
6%

Private Sector
R&D
28%

Intramural and
Extramural Research
63%

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Private Sector Expanditure on R&D

Public Expanditure on R&D

Proposals

Funded Projects

Singapore_03.indd   15

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- 1 -

- 1 -

Percentage of GDP (%)

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

(%)

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

(%)

Target

(2005)

70

68

66

64

62

60

58

56

54

52

50

1990  1992  1994  1996 1998  2000  2002  2004

GERD

BERD/GERD

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Science  and  Technology),  an  initiative  of  the  Technical 
University  of  Munich  (TMU)  with  the  National  University 
of  Singapore  (NUS)  and  Nanyang  Technological  Univer-
sity (NTU), and the CamTech (Center for Advanced Media 
Technology), a joint R&D centre between the Fraunhofer 
Institute  for  Computer  Graphics  (IGD)  of  Darmstadt  and 
the  NTU.  Additionally,  there  are  more  than  20  ongoing 
scientifi c  partnerships  between  research  institutes,  uni-
versities and institutions of higher education in the fi elds 
of optical technologies, ICT and advanced media technolo-
gies.  Shared  academic  programmes  range  from  natural 
and  medical  sciences  to  humanities,  in  addition  to  au-
tomotive  engineering.  German  companies  in  Singapore 
have  also  signifi cantly  expanded  their  R&D  capacities  in 
recent years.

Singapore’s partners in FP6 research consortia

Number of partners
80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

20

18

16

Singapore_03.indd   16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Proposals

Funded Projects

- 16 -

Percentage of GDP (%)
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0

Private Sector Expanditure on R&D

Public Expanditure on R&D

10/25/07   4:45:24 PM

(%)

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

(%)

Target

(2005)

70

68

66

64

62

60

58

56

54

52

50

1990  1992  1994  1996 1998  2000  2002  2004

GERD

BERD/GERD

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