The Singapore Research Story

Ever since Singapore became independent in 1965, its leaders have invested tremendous efforts and resources to develop its economy in order to create jobs for its people and to support national development. This book describes the challenging journey of Singapore in developing a knowledge-based economy driven by research and innovation and the roles played by research institutes, universities, research manpower and appropriate collaboration between research institutes and industry.

The book traces the foundations of Singapore's research story from the time of its independence in 1965 to the present day. Through interviews with the key players and research into the records, the establishment of the key institutes and the roles of a global cast of researchers, scientists and engineers in setting up the R&D infrastructure are outlined. The impact of the concerted efforts to build up a credible and world-class research capability in Singapore over the last 25 years is discussed, as are the tremendous challenges faced by the key players in the drive to develop a knowledge-based economy and the ultimate goal of an innovation-driven economy.

Contents:

• Foreword by PM Lee Hsien Loong

• Acknowledgements

• Cover Photo Credits

• About the Contributors

• Introduction

• Setting the Stage (Hang Chang Chieh and Yeoh Keat Chuan)

• Shifting Gear into Research (Hang Chang Chieh, Low Teck Seng and Yeoh Keat Chuan)

• The Multi-Agency Approach (Hang Chang Chieh, Low Teck Seng and Raj Thampuran)

• Research in Physical Sciences and Engineering (Hang Chang Chieh and Raj Thampuran)

• The Biomedical Sciences: Research for Better Health (Raj Thampuran and Kong Hwai Loong)

• Developing Research-Intensive Universities (Barry Halliwell and Bertil Andersson)

• Partnering Multinational Corporations in R&D (Low Teck Seng, Raj Thampuran and Yeoh Keat Chuan)

• Developing R&D in Local Enterprises (Hang Chang Chieh, Raj Thampuran and Png Cheong Boon)

• Towards Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Low Teck Seng, Raj Thampuran, Tan Kai Hoe and Philip Ong)

• Appendices:

  • Singapore's Science & Technology, R&D Timeline
  • Chairmen, Executive Directors and Directors
  • Honouring Scientific Talent
  • Oral History Interviews
  • Acronyms
  • Select Bibliography

• Index

Readership: Researchers, professionals, academics, and laymen interested in all aspects of research and development.