A*STAR

A*STAR
Name	Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Formed	1991 (as National Science and Technology Board)
Jurisdiction	Government of Singapore
Headquarters	Fusionopolis, one-north, Singapore
Chief1 name	Lim Chuan Poh
Chief1 position	Chairman
Chief2 name	Frederick Chew
Chief2 position	Chief Executive Officer
Parent agency	Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore)

A*STAR. The Agency for Science, Technology and Research is a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) that drives mission-oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology. It plays a pivotal role in nurturing a vibrant research and development ecosystem, supporting the economic growth and technological competitiveness of Singapore. Its extensive network of research institutes and consortia collaborates closely with public sector entities, multinational corporations, and academia both locally and internationally.

History

The agency was established in 1991 as the National Science and Technology Board, a key initiative by the Government of Singapore to formalize and accelerate national scientific development. Its creation was part of a broader strategic vision to transition Singapore from an investment-driven economy to one fueled by innovation and knowledge. In 2002, it was reconstituted and renamed the Agency for Science, Technology and Research to reflect an expanded mandate encompassing broader research domains and deeper economic translation. Major milestones include the development of the Biopolis and Fusionopolis integrated research hubs within the one-north precinct, which were launched in 2003 and 2008 respectively to co-locate public research with industry partners.

Organisation and structure

The agency operates under the purview of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) and is governed by a board chaired by Lim Chuan Poh, with Frederick Chew serving as the Chief Executive Officer. Its research activities are primarily executed through two major councils: the Biomedical Research Council and the Science and Engineering Research Council. These councils oversee a diverse portfolio of research institutes, consortia, and corporate labs. Supporting units like Enterprise facilitate the commercialization of intellectual property and the creation of spin-off companies, while A*STAR Graduate Academy oversees scholarship programs and talent development in partnership with global universities.

Research areas and institutes

Core research is conducted across a wide spectrum of strategic domains including biomedical sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and sustainable urban solutions. Key institutes under the Biomedical Research Council include the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, and the Genome Institute of Singapore. The Science and Engineering Research Council oversees entities such as the Institute of High Performance Computing, the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, and the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology. These institutes often work in interdisciplinary consortia on national priorities like precision medicine, artificial intelligence, and food security.

Key achievements and impact

Notable scientific contributions include pioneering work in influenza research and SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as advancements in semiconductor packaging and additive manufacturing. The agency's research has led to the creation of numerous spin-off companies and the filing of thousands of patents, directly contributing to sectors like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and agri-tech. Its talent development programs, including the A*STAR International Fellowship, have nurtured a significant portion of Singapore's research scientist workforce, with many alumni assuming leadership roles in industry and academia.

Collaborations and partnerships

The agency maintains extensive strategic alliances with global pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Roche, as well as technology giants like Google and Intel. It is a key partner in major national initiatives like Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise plan. Internationally, it engages in joint research programs with institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Cambridge, and the Karolinska Institutet. These partnerships often materialize as joint laboratories, co-funded research projects, and international fellowship exchanges, strengthening Singapore's position in the global innovation landscape.

Leadership and governance

Strategic direction is set by a board comprising leaders from industry, academia, and the public sector, appointed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore). Past chairmen include notable figures such as Philip Yeo and Teo Ming Kian, who were instrumental in shaping the nation's early science and technology policies. The Chief Executive Officer, supported by deputy CEOs and council directors, is responsible for the operational execution of the research strategy and fostering a culture of scientific excellence and translational impact across the organization's institutes.

Category:Research organizations in Singapore Category:Government agencies of Singapore Category:Science and technology in Singapore