A*STAR nurtures a pipeline of 1,000 scholars

240 A*STAR scholars and fellows are already deployed in various R&D sectors in Singapore.

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) announced at its 2010 A*STAR Scholarship Awards Ceremony that its 10-year scholarship drive has been successful in nurturing a pipeline of 1,000 scholars who will contribute to the Singapore R&D scene. This number includes the 136 scholars who received their scholarships and fellowships from Guest-of-Honour, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, at the ceremony on Tuesday.

Of the 1000 A*STAR scholars, 240 have already completed their PhD studies or fellowships. They are currently pursuing R&D careers in Singapore across various sectors, namely in A*STAR research institutes, universities, hospitals and industry. Multinational companies such as Abbott, Genentech, and Lilly, as well as local enterprises such as SPN International and Nanyang Optical, are among the growing pool of companies to tap the expertise of A*STAR scholars, as mentioned in an A*STAR announcement.

Said Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of A*STAR, “Even though these are early days yet for our returned scholars, many of them have distinguished themselves by having first author publications in prestigious journals or patents to their names. A number of them are already crossing over to industry. Over time, they will develop and grow with some of them becoming leaders in both public and private sector research and contribute to the vibrancy of Singapore’s R&D.”

Agreeing with Mr Lim, Prof Sir David Lane, A*STAR Chief Scientist, who has mentored nine scholars during their undergraduate and postgraduate studies and many others on their research attachments during his six-year stint here, said, “The A*STAR scholars whom I have had interactions with have displayed exceptional drive and eagerness to learn. With their calibre and the excellent opportunities available here, they are poised to make great contributions to science and to Singapore.”

Leaders from industry such as Pradip Mukerji, Center Director, Asia-Pacific R&D, Abbott, have similarly been impressed by A*STAR’s returned scholars. He said, “… Abbott is privileged to include among its many talented scientists Dr Low Yen Ling who earned her PhD under an A*STAR scholarship. The effort that A*STAR puts forth in attracting talented students to science-based careers provides companies such as Abbott with a pool of young scientific leaders, who can continue to fulfill Abbott's pursuit of providing innovative healthcare solutions for people in every stage of life."

A*STAR Undergraduate Scholarship
Seven young scientific talent were awarded the inaugural A*STAR Undergraduate Scholarship (AUS) at the ceremony today. The AUS, the eighth scholarship programme to be launched by A*STAR since 2001, will support young talent with a keen interest in research to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering at local universities. A*STAR offers a range of scholarship programmes to provide young talent with the opportunity to pursue a career in R&D at various stages of their education career, be it at undergraduate, postgraduate or postdoctoral level.

Sir Keith Peters, Chairman of the International Advisory Panel for A*STAR Graduate Academy, who noted that A*STAR’s scholarship programmes was an excellent way to attract and develop scientific talent, commented, “The scholarship schemes have been a resounding success and are a testimony to A*STAR’s far-sighted approach to talent. It is hard to envisage a more worthwhile investment in Singapore’s future in R&D.”

Agreeing, Mrs Lim Lai Cheng of Raffles Institution (JC) added, "The A*STAR scholarships signal to educators, students and parents the diverse and exciting opportunities in R&D. In the last ten years, they have played a pivotal role in stimulating young people to contribute as pioneers, thinkers and leaders in Science."