SPEECH BY MR TAN CHUAN-JIN, MINISTER FOR MANPOWER, AT THE 2014 A*STAR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY, 18 JULY 2014, 3 PM, AT

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1 SPEECH BY MR TAN CHUAN-JIN, MINISTER FOR MANPOWER, AT THE 2014 A*STAR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY, 18 JULY 2014, 3 PM, AT MATRIX AUDITORIUM, BIOPOLIS Your Excellencies, Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman, A*STAR, Scholars and parents, Ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. 1. My heartiest congratulations to all 127 recipients of this year s A*STAR scholarships. This award isn t just a recognition of your talent, interest and passion for science and research. It is a passport for you to blaze the trail and make a difference to Singaporeans, Singapore and the world at large. R&D a key priority for Singapore s strong economic growth 2. R&D is an important part of any knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, and we have done well for our people the economy is healthy, unemployment is low and exciting opportunities created for our people. 3. Innovation is a key factor for Singapore to remain globally competitive. Our continued growth and prosperity depends on our ability to create innovative and differentiated products and services that the world demands. Page 1 of 5

2 Singapore s investment in its people; creating opportunities for all in building an innovation economy 4. Our ability to develop these innovative products and services is fundamentally dependent on human talent. For a small country like Singapore, acquiring and nurturing human talent is a matter of survival. Without much of anything else, we rely on human ingenuity and effort to build our economy and society. We have continuously made major investments in research and education. A*STAR has been committed to doing this from the beginning, through its efforts in developing a vibrant and diverse research community in its research institutes. 5. A*STAR s talent strategy is core to the success of this effort. It seeks to build a strong, robust core of local scientists complemented by a diverse and international team, working together to conduct excellent science and innovation for Singapore s success. From 1997 to 2012, we have grown the pool of researchers in Singapore by sevenfold. Today, there are more than 39,000 researchers in our research institutes, universities, and laboratories in both the private and public sector. 6. The A*STAR scholarships are an important part of this talent strategy as we groom the next generation of scientists and researchers amongst our youth for careers in science. The scholarships allow them to pursue the best training and education available to meet the evolving opportunities and challenges of our time. 7. More than 1,300 A*STAR scholarships have been given out since 2001 to those, who, like you, have a passion for knowledge and innovation. Over 370 of these Page 2 of 5

3 scholars have since completed their PhDs and are now making a positive impact on the Singapore economy and society at large. A*STAR scholars making an impact 8. Let me share the stories of your peers who are distinguishing themselves in Singapore. i) Dr Damon Wong, 36, was awarded the A*STAR graduate scholarship to pursue a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at NTU in He is now leading various multi-disciplinary projects at the Institute for Infocomm Research. Applying his expertise in electrical and electronic engineering, Damon and his team have developed systems for early detection of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, which are leading causes of blindness. His work is especially important given the increasingly ageing populations across the world, not only in Singapore, but also in Asian and European countries. ii) Dr Yvonne Koh, 31, first took up an A*STAR scholarship in She now works at a local biomedical incubator, The Biofactory, as part of an attachment scheme that helps local enterprises leverage R&D. She was previously at A*STAR s Molecular Engineering Laboratory, and is working on the development of a kit that can detect a family of disorders caused by gene mutations, with symptoms ranging from Page 3 of 5

4 intellectual disability to issues with fertility. Early detection of these mutations can aid in early diagnosis and treatment of associated conditions such as autism. iii) Like Yvonne and Damon, Dr Donny Soh, 36, is contributing to the industry, albeit in a different way. Donny, who received a graduate scholarship in 2005 and worked in the Institute for Infocomm Research, has since started his own spin-off company 9 Degrees Freedom. His company uses a device with 3D motion sensors to collect data on a player s tennis stroke or golf swing. The real-time feedback is sent to a mobile device, enabling athletes and sports enthusiasts to monitor and enhance their sporting performance. He will be sharing more about his experience later, and I am sure his device is something which will find favour with tennis and golf enthusiasts! 9. Hearing these examples of how young scientists can improve the lives of others through their work in science and innovation should hopefully inspire you to follow in their footsteps Conclusion: Seize opportunities for a better future 10. The world today is full of opportunities as science and technology continue to evolve. I hope that you will be the ones evolving science and technology for all of us. Do not lose that sense of curiosity, wonder and appreciation of the world around you. These qualities have served many scientists who have come before you. I hope you will similarly find in yourself the passion and capabilities to Page 4 of 5

5 contribute to the betterment of society through scientific discoveries and technological innovations. 11. Once again, congratulations to all of you! Page 5 of 5