From 27 to 28 June 2018, organized by ASEAN-China Centre (ACC),the delegation of the study visit to Singapore by officials from ASEAN and China had meetings with National University of Singapore (NUS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and YCH Group of Singapore.
On 27 June, the delegation visited NUS. Ms. Adeline ANG, Associate Director of Office of the Vice-President (University & Global Relations) of NUS briefed on the history and development of the university She said NUS is dedicated to building itself into a leading global university centred in Asia and influencing the future Upholding the spirit of "Come from community and reward the community", the NUS bears the mission of changing people's way of thinking and behavior through education, research and services, and strives to nurture its students into future leaders. Its creative education model, multi-disciplined academic curriculum, experimental learning, entrepreneurship education and impactful research have been widely recognized by the society. At present, NUS is taking an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to research and strengthen its cooperation with government, enterprises and academic institutions. It has established Smart Research Cluster focusing on researches in such areas as computing, mathematics, chemistry and cyber security. NUS has also actively participated in global education cooperation network including ASEAN University Networks, made efforts to create internship opportunities for its students, supported the start-ups and cultivated entrepreneurial spirit of its students. Ms. Wu Ye-Her, Executive Director of Global Programmes Unit of School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE) of NUS briefed on the establishment of SCALE. She said based on solid research on Singapore society, enterprises and workforce, SCALE is dedicated to offering leading programmes for working adults to acquire new skills and knowledge to stay relevant and competitive in today's workforce. During the meeting, the delegation exchanged views with NUS officials on its policies to support student start-ups, online education and transformation of scientific and technological achievements.
During the delegation's visit of A*STAR on 27 June, Ms. Emily LIEW, Director of Planning & Policy Department, briefed on its relevant work and the Innovation Development Strategies of Singapore. She said Singapore takes science, technology and innovation as an important national development strategy, and makes great efforts to mobilize and integrate public and private sector resources and create a favourable ecosystem for research and innovation. Singapore has been enforcing its strategy of Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2020, which has increased investment in innovation and yielded fruitful results. As a leading national research institution in Singapore, the mission of A*STAR is to advance science and innovative technology to further economic growth and improve lives, and build Singapore into a global leader on science, technology and innovation. It focuses on frontier science and technology such as biological medicine and engineering science, actively carries out industrial scientific research projects, promotes the application of scientific research achievements, trains research talents, and supports the development of start-ups. It has made important contributions to the scientific and technological innovation of Singapore. The delegation also visited the Gallery of One-North Science and Business Park and interacted with A*STAR officials on the development planning of One-North, and the cooperation between government, private sectors and research institutions.
On 28 June, the delegation visited YCH Group. Mr. Glenn Neo, Head of Corporate Development & Innovation, Executive Chairman Office and Mr. Jeffrey Tan, Head of Strategic Business Development briefed on the innovation achievements of YCH Group in logistics industry. As an advocate of reform and innovation in logistics industry, and with a vision to build a modern urban logistics and supply chain city, YCH has more than 5,000 employees, and its network covers more than 100 cities in 16 countries in Southeast Asia, Greater China area and Australia. Taking science and innovation as an important pillar of its development, YCH has created Automated and Storage Retrieval System with advanced robotics, which greatly improves the efficiency of container handling and distribution of goods. YCH will continue to promote innovation on cargo sorting robotics, cold chain distribution, supply chain financing and big data. YCH is willing to strengthen cooperation with China and ASEAN countries to promote cargo logistics and level up connectivity in the region. The delegation had a field visit to YCH Plant of Automated and Storage Retrieval System and was impressed by the great impact of technological innovation on logistics industry.
During their stay in Singapore, the delegation also visited Marina Barrage and Art Science Museum. Members of the delegation commented that this study visit was rich in content and echoed the theme of ASEAN-China Year of Innovation. Through in-depth exchanges and field visits to relevant institutions in Singapore, they have gained a comprehensive understanding of Singapore's successful experience in promoting innovation and development. They thanked ACC for organizing the study visit and expressed their wish to continue to strengthen connection with ACC and jointly promote ASEAN-China innovation cooperation to make more achievements.