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SINGAPORE – A total of $ 2.2 billion will be channeled into training future researchers and scientists over the next five years under Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan.
The plan outlines the country’s research and development strategy from 2021 to 2025.
The allocation for the training of scientists and researchers represents approximately one-tenth of the EIR2025 funding pie and represents an increase of some $ 300 million over the EIR2020.
Increased funding in the area underscores Singapore’s efforts to remain competitive and drive innovation in the wake of Covid-19.
The money will go to fund about 4,700 graduate scholarships, a 10 percent increase over RIE2020, as well as 1,000 new internships and jobs.
These include more than 800 research assistant and research fellowship positions at Singapore’s universities and research institutes, 175 apprenticeships at AI Singapore, and 30 internships at local deep technology and software development startups under the program. Summation by SGInnovate.
In a virtual press conference on Friday (December 11), Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said that technology and innovation have created tremendous opportunities for companies that can master them, but exposed those that cannot keep up with a sharper competition and rupture.
“Compared to multinationals, many local companies are in the early stages of their innovation journey,” said Heng, who is also president of the National Research Foundation (NRF).
“They have less experience working with the research community and are less able to translate research innovations into new products, services and solutions for the market.”
A common challenge among companies, he added, has been identifying new technologies relevant to their industries and the right people to apply these technologies.
To this end, a new innovation and business scholarship program will be launched within the framework of RIE2025 to grow the pool of talents with skills in technology commercialization.
The program will provide mentors and on-the-job training through linkages with public and private sector platforms, including private sector corporate labs, incubators and accelerators.
Government venture firm and deep technology developer SGInnovate, which has launched its own program to train talents in robotic engineering roles, is among 11 partners who have joined the program so far.
Communications and Information Minister S. Iswaran, who was also at the press conference, said talent development is crucial for Singapore to build a strong base of scientists and engineers who “push the boundaries of technology” and help the country to succeed as a trusted company. digital innovation hub.
“(Scientists and engineers) also need to be supplemented by product managers and strategists who can translate research findings into useful products and services, and bring these ideas to market quickly,” he added.
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