The Agency for Science, Technology and Research of Singapore (A*STAR) and the Mexican National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), signed today a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote and develop scientific and technological cooperation programmes between both institutions. This agreement marks a milestone in the bilateral relation of Mexico and Singapore and is a first step in an ever deeper and meaningful academic and scientific research exchange between both countries.

 

Headed by CONACYT, a Mexican Delegation formed by several important Higher Education Institutions is visiting Singapore from July 1st to 4th.  As a result of this MOU, the head of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), the institution which coordinates scientific research in Mexico, together with high level representatives of Mexican Higher Education Institutions and research centres, will explore, with the support of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further possibilities of cooperation with key stakeholders in Education and Scientific Research in Singapore, including the exchange of researchers at the pre- and postgraduate levels.

 

This visit is a follow up to that paid by Chairman A*STAR, Mr Lim Chuan Poh and Provost NUS and President NTU, Prof. Bertil Andersson to Mexico last September. On that occasion, the Singaporean delegation visited UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico), IPN, ANUIES (National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions), CONACYT, the National Institute of Genomic Medicine and other key Mexican institutions. 

 

Today, the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) and A*STAR also signed a Letter of Intent along the same lines and spirit. Previously, in October of 2010, UNAM and A*STAR had signed a Letter of Intent. All these agreements are a clear manifestation of the interest of Mexican institutions to foster collaboration with its Singaporean counterparts.

  

For media queries, please contact:
Vivian Heng
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
DID: (65) 68266441
Email: vivian_heng@a-star.edu.sg

 

Dr. Luis Mier y Terán

National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT)

DID: (52)55 5322 8121

Email: lmieryteran@conacyt.mx  

 

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research institutes, and six consortia & centres, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis as well as their immediate vicinity. 

A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research in the universities, hospitals, research centres, and with other local and international partners.

For more information about A*STAR, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg.

About the National Council of Science and Technology Mexico 

The National Council of Science and Technology (abbreviated CONACYT in Spanish) is Mexico's entity in charge of the promotion of scientific and technological activities, setting government policies for these matters, and granting scholarships for postgraduate studies.

 

CONACYT’s mission is to foster the scientific and technologic development of the country, supporting high quality research; stimulate the links between productive processes and academia; promote technological innovation in enterprises; and support human resources training at the highest level.

 

CONACYT grants scholarships for graduate studies (masters and doctoral) in Mexico for programs that have been recognized by CONACYT in the Registry of Quality Graduate Programs, and grants scholarships for Mexican nationals to pursue graduate studies in foreign countries.

 

CONACYT manages programs to encourage industry and private sector involvement in science and technology R&D, manages 27 public research centers, and administers the National System of Researchers.  

The National Polytechnic Institute (abbreviated IPN in Spanish)is one of the largest public universities in Mexico. Based primarily in Mexico City and its suburbs, it is dedicated to research and education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. IPN offers 65 technical careers, 78 different undergraduate and 128 postgraduate programs (leading to 26 postgraduate diplomas, 70 masters degrees and 32 doctorate degrees) to more than 160,000 students. The Institute is organized around 81 academic units, including 16 vocational high schools, 26 university colleges, 20 scientific and technical research centres, 12 continuing education centres, 2 support units for educational innovation, 2 development support units and business development and 3 Learning Support Units, located primarily in Mexico City although several extension and research facilities are distributed over 17 different states.

 

(From L to R) Dr Jose Enrique Villa Rivera, Director General, National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) and Prof Low Teck Seng, Managing Director, A*STAR

 

(From L to R) Dr Yoloxochitl Bustamante Diez, Director General, National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) and Prof Low Teck Seng, Managing Director, A*STAR