Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have come together to commemorate the official opening of the Institute of Molecular Agrobiology (IMA) building. The establishment of the IMA is a milestone in Singapore’s progress towards a knowledge-based economy.

The life sciences sector is one of the most exciting and knowledge-intensive industries in the world today. It has tremendous growth potential and may be compared to the information technology industry in terms of impact on mankind and the global economy. With the mapping of the human genome and other forms of genetic research, whole new vistas have been opened up for the diagnosis and cure of human illnesses, improvements of crops and livestock, and other exciting possibilities like the synthesis of organs for transplant. Singapore cannot afford not to be involved in areas which are relevant to us and which offer tremendous scope for rapid growth and development.

Agricultural biotechnology is a major component of the life sciences. Although agriculture is a tiny part of our economy, Singapore can nevertheless play a significant value-adding role in the research and application of biotechnology to the large agricultural industry in Asia. Our experience in the cultivation of orchids, pet fish, poultry and even pigs has shown what can be achieved through systematic application of science and technology to agriculture. In recent years we have invested heavily to build up our capabilities in genetic research which can be usefully applied to tropical products and diseases.

Rapidly growing population and urbanisation in the region will increase pressure and demand on the agricultural sector to come up with better methods and solutions to agricultural problems. Singapore can complement the efforts of our neighbours in the application of cutting-edge research in agrobiology. Singapore is in a good position to tap into the abundant possibilities afforded by this high growth area. The scope for agricultural biotechnology products and improvements that result in both commercial and consumer benefits is virtually unlimited.

Singapore therefore aims to establish itself as a regional centre for the life sciences industry. Our strength lies in our advanced manufacturing and technical capabilities which enable us to play a useful role in manufacturing of high value-added products and provision of technology services.

Agencies such as the Economic Development Board, the National Science & Technology Board and the Primary Production Department have been establishing the soft and hard infrastructure required for the life sciences industry cluster. Rapid changes in technology within the life sciences area require new initiatives and infrastructure to support its development.

One example is in the area of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Technology has progressed to the point where there is a healthy pipeline of GMOs and GMO-derived products which have been, or are in the process of being, commercialised. To further exploit GMO-related products, a system needs to be put in place to oversee and advise on areas such as research, production, handling and testing of GMO-derived products. The Government has therefore decided to establish the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC), with Professor Lim Pin as Chairman and Dr Ngiam Tong Tau as Deputy Chairman. This multi-agency committee will be the national platform to oversee and advise on the research, production, field release and testing of genetically modified organisms. GMAC will establish Singapore’s biosafety standards according to international guidelines which will facilitate commercialisation of locally conducted research and help ensure public safety. The GMAC will be holding its first meeting in April.

Researchers and investors can leverage on the services of our tertiary institutions and national research institutes and centres which are an important part of Singapore’s technology infrastructure. These value-adding organisations provide a source of knowledge, capabilities and manpower skills. Our aim is to :

It is this last point that I would like to elaborate upon a little further. With increasing competition for the limited pool of research funds, it is inevitable that R&D efforts will have to be directed increasingly to areas which are most likely to yield commercial returns. At least a few commercial successes are necessary to ensure that existing funding sources will continue to be available and new funds attracted.

In recent years we have invested heavily to build up our technology infrastructure and capabilities to provide the basis for us to continue climbing the technology ladder. Increasingly our R&D resources should not only help us to attract technology-intensive investments but also yield direct results which can be successfully commercialised. Hence our emphasis on technopreneurship as a vital element for economic growth.

As compared to Taiwan, Korea and Israel, Singapore has been relatively late in terms of investing in R&D in a big way. This is partly because we have built up a thriving economy through our highly successful partnership with foreign MNC’s. We must continue to attract MNC’s to locate their knowledge-intensive activities here, such as management, product development and research, design, engineering and high-end manufacturing. At the same time we must develop our own technopreneurship capabilities.

I am therefore encouraged to see increasing evidence of commercialisation within our research establishments. The number of patents filed and awarded has been increasing. They have collaborated extensively with industrial partners and international research organisations. They have also spun-off a number of high-tech companies or joint ventures, which include 10 from the life sciences area. This is just the beginning.

Partnership with industry is an important factor to bring technologies to the market. A good example is the new research collaboration between IMA and Rhone Poulenc Agro on genetic engineering of disease resistance in rice. This relationship does not stop at research; it will continue into formation of a joint venture company to commercialise the intellectual property developed. IMA is presently discussing with various industry partners, both local and MNCs, to collaborate in the commercialisation of its animal vaccine and diagnostic kits, food fish, yeast fermentation and cotton biotechnology projects. Such commercialisation efforts are commendable.

With the current economic turmoil within the region, it is clear that Singapore’s progress and competitiveness will depend increasingly on developing knowledge-intensive businesses and innovations. The life sciences cluster, of which the agro-industry is an important component, will play a key role.

I am glad to see that IMA, though still a young research institute, is becoming a focal point for agricultural research. It has established a critical mass of expertise to attract high calibre researchers and foreign investments into our industry. Today’s opening of the IMA building is important not only for IMA itself. It also marks a significant step forward for Singapore’s development into a centre for excellence for life science activities.

I wish the Institute of Molecular Agrobiology, its staff, members and everyone associated with its work success in their endeavours.

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