Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A-STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), previously known as the National Science and Technology Board until January 2002, is Singapore’s driver of scientific research. A statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MT board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), A*STAR aims to advance the economy and improve lives by growing the knowledge-intensive biomedical, research, scientific and engineering fields.1 Among the entities under the A*STAR umbrella are scientific institutes, an extensive scholarship programme and commercialisation bodies.2 The origins of A*STAR can be traced to the Science Council of Singapore, which was officially established on 30 October 1967 to develop the nation’s scientific and technological capabilities.3 The initial role of the council was predominantly advisory; its work included creating reports and recommendations related to research and development (R&D) for the then Ministry of Science and Technology.4 From the late 1960s, the council explored the creation of an R&D agency, and its functions included reviewing proposals of research projects submitted by academic staff in tertiary institutions,5 and handling research schemes introduced by the ministry to encourage research by scientists, technologists and researchers in tertiary institutions.6 Following the dissolution of the Ministry of Science and Technology in 1981, the Science Council was brought under MTI’s purview.7 In the 1980s, its role focused on creating awareness for the adoption of science and technology in Singapore,8 establishing links with the international science and technology community and agencies, as well as organising seminars and conferences.9 The council later also took over the administration of the Research and Development Assistance Scheme10 and that of Science Park at Kent Ridge.11 The council’s shift from an advisory role to having a more direct hand in steering Singapore’s R&D industry aligned with the country’s increased emphasis in the 1980s on high-tech R&D, with the manufacturing and services sectors driving the economy.12 As Singapore moved towards industry-driven R&D, the Science Council evolved accordingly.13 ...view more