Research Institutes in Singapore

Naturally, as a highly developed nation, Singapore possesses many research institutes – with the most prominent examples being owned or funded by the government. These institutes study and research a wide range of subjects from business and science to political, cultural, and social trends. Without a doubt science and technology research is greatly emphasised in the country since it links closely with economic development. A number of initiatives show Singapore’s intention to be the leading science and technology research centre in the world. The government has made its mission to spend at least 3% of GDP on science and technology research annually. Singapore has opened up its research institutes to foreigners; a significant number of leading research institutes are run by respected foreign scientists. A national research coordinating arm in the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Research Foundation, was established in 2006 to provide a coherent strategic overview of research activities in the country. The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the most prominent public body carrying out and supporting science and technology research in the country and a good contact point to find out more about research in the country. Research institutes in other fields include the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Institute of Technical Education, and the Asia Research Institute, which concentrates on the cultural and socio-economic trends occurring throughout Asia.