MINDEF AND A*STAR SIGN RESEARCH PACT

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) inked an agreement for further cooperation in research and development on 23 Mar.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Chief Defence Scientist Quek Tong Boon and A*STAR Managing Director Professor Low Teck Seng at Fusionopolis.

Said Mr Quek at the signing: "We see A*STAR as an important partner; we are very excited to be able to renew this relationship and look forward to more opportunities to work together." His statement was met by Professor Low's affirmation and call to "grow the collaboration further".

The agreement formalised the strategic partnership between MINDEF and A*STAR in the research and development of relevant technologies and collaborations with research institutes in Singapore and around the world. The MOU took effect on 23 Mar and will span the next decade.

Collaborations between MINDEF and A*STAR date back many years. For example, they established a joint fund for research in biomedical science in 2009.

MINDEF invests steadily in building science and technology capabilities in Singapore to meet the needs of the Singapore Armed Forces, and the MOU is part of its overall effort to tap talented researchers in areas relevant to defence.