SINGAPORE — A new scheme to support the setting up of key laboratories by industries in local universities was launched by the National Research Foundation (NRF) yesterday.

Under the Corp Lab @ University scheme, researchers, faculties, as well as PhD and post-doctoral students will get to work alongside companies on programmes that have direct relevance to the industry. “Our researchers will direct their efforts towards meeting industry challenges, and be able to do more to translate research into value,” said an NRF statement.

The first laboratory established under the programme is a S$75-million facility set up by aerospace company Rolls-Royce and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which aims to kick-start 32 new projects over the next five years.

The laboratory will focus on three core research areas — electrical power and control systems, manufacturing and repair technologies, and computational engineering.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, Minister of State (Transport) Josephine Teo said the laboratory’s work will reap dividends not only for Rolls-Royce and NTU. “Singapore, too, will gain in terms of enhanced competitiveness in the aerospace and transport engineering sectors,” she added.

The laboratory will train up to 70 researchers and 165 graduate and undergraduate students — about half of whom are expected to be locals. “It has all the ingredients of becoming a crucible for new knowledge, and a cradle to nurture Singapore’s thought leadership and high-tech expertise,” said Mrs Teo. Channel NewsAsia