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New, innovation-based UK scholarships for S’poreans

LONDON — The Royal Commonwealth Society of Singapore is to be re-established and will introduce scholarships to the United Kingdom for Singaporeans, Queen Elizabeth II announced during a state banquet on Tuesday for President Tony Tan, who is on an official visit to the UK.

President of Singapore Tony Tan with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in London. Photo: AP

President of Singapore Tony Tan with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in London. Photo: AP

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LONDON — The Royal Commonwealth Society of Singapore is to be re-established and will introduce scholarships to the United Kingdom for Singaporeans, Queen Elizabeth II announced during a state banquet on Tuesday for President Tony Tan, who is on an official visit to the UK.

The scholarships will be innovation-focused to allow Singaporeans to develop partnerships in innovation with UK institutions and businesses. Singapore has several notable Commonwealth Scholars, including former Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi and former Attorney-General Walter Woon, who will head the society.

Dr Tan also invited the Queen or her representative to Singapore for the 50th anniversary of the Republic’s independence next year.

Singapore previously hosted the Queen on three occasions — in 1972, 1989 and 2006.

Yesterday, Dr Tan was conferred the prestigious King Charles II Medal by the Royal Society, the world’s oldest science society. The medal is awarded to foreign heads of state or government who have made contributions to furthering scientific research in their country.

There have been only four recipients so far, the most recent being then Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in 2011.

Dr Tan also announced that the UK-Singapore Partners in Science Agreement will be renewed on the sidelines of his state visit. The initiative was launched in 2004 and the agreement encouraged joint work on a wide range of scientific topics benefiting both countries.

The commitment is being expanded to include innovation and a wider research agenda. Implementation of the partnership will be coordinated by the National Research Foundation in Singapore and the UK government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in the UK.

Dr Tan also met British Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street — the official residence and office of the Prime Minister.

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