Book traces Singapore's research
Co-editors (from left) Mr Thampuran, Prof Hang and Prof Low with The Singapore 2 Story
A book which chronicles the course of Singapore’s research from its independence in 1965 was launched on 15 April. Titled The Singapore Research Story, it is co-edited and co-authored by Professor Hang Chang Chieh, Executive Director of NUS Institute for Engineering Leadership and Head of NUS Engineering and Tech Management; Professor Low Teck Seng, CEO of National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore; and Mr Raj Thampuran, Managing Director of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
Guest-of-Honour Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also Chairman of NRF, said at the launch, “The recollections in this book provide an opportunity to reflect on our development in science and technology, and to spur us on as we write the next chapter of the Singapore Research Story.”
The book, with a foreword by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, features contributions from seven other co-authors who are current or former leaders in the Singapore Economic Development Board, A*STAR, NRF, SPRING Singapore, NUS and Nanyang Technological University. It marks the latest publication in a series produced by World Scientific Publishing to commemorate Singapore’s 50 years of nation-building.
Mr Teo launching the book
The Singapore Research Story conducted extensive record research and interviews with significant players, the challenging journey of developing a knowledge-based economy and the roles played by the government, universities, research institutes and researchers. The impact of the concerted efforts to build up a credible and world-class research capability in Singapore over the last 25 years is also explored.
Prof Hang revealed that the publication took one-and-a-half years to put together, drawing on the valuable input and analysis of co-authors with in-depth domain knowledge. It traces the different stages of the evolution of the country’s R&D landscapes, examining the underlying how and why. He expressed hope that the next generation of policy makers and practitioners in Singapore will continue the journey towards building the nation as the innovation hub in Asia.
Making reference to NUS’ role in the R&D journey, Prof Hang noted that the University community rose up to the challenge to help the country build the research infrastructure in the early days. “Moving forward, it should continue, especially in innovation and entrepreneurship,” he pointed out, as these will translate the knowledge created by research.
