3 A*Star researchers lauded for contributions to local SMEs

SINGAPORE — More than 700 research scientists and engineers have been seconded to work on over 600 projects with local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) since the scheme was started in 2003, said Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) Mr S Iswaran.

His made these remarks yesterday at SME Day 2017, an event jointly organised by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) and Spring Singapore, to highlight initiatives and partnerships for SMEs.

Lauding the partnership between private and public enterprises, Mr Iswaran reiterated the Government’s commitment to helping SMEs overcome barriers to innovation, research and development, and technology adoption.

Awards were presented to three A*Star researchers who were seconded to local enterprises to provide research and development expertise to help companies enhance their business competitiveness.

An example was Dr Chang Chia-Pin, who was attached to Inex Innovations Exchange, a molecular diagnostic company, to enhance the company’s ovarian cancer diagnostic kit. Dr Chang developed a colourimeter that automatically translates the shade of blue in the test kit to a numerical value, making the results assessment objective.

Senior scientist Dr Sivanand Krishnan was also praised for his work with land surveyor S C Ang Consortium, to develop and bring to market Global Navigation Satellite System-based solutions for piling applications in the construction industry.

Research fellow Dr Pearline Teo was also presented an award for her role in helping biomedical company Ayoxxa expand the applications of its protein bio-chip diagnostic kits beyond blood to include new kits for eye fluids.