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Honouring the country’s top scientific minds and their contributions to both Singapore and the world, Singapore’s President’s Science and Technology Awards (PSTA) have been held annually since 2009. The awards recognise not only individual and team achievements but also serve as an inspiration for the next generation of scientists and innovators.
At the heart of the awards is a focus on addressing global challenges – whether environmental, demographic, or economic – through the transformative power of science and technology. With advancements in fields like artificial intelligence (AI) leading the charge, Singapore continues to push the boundaries of scientific research.
AI, in particular, has been instrumental in automating complex research processes, speeding up discovery, and opening new frontiers in fields such as healthcare, sustainability, and financial technologies.
A key theme that emerged at this year’s awards was the role of AI in accelerating research. Across the globe, and in Singapore, AI is being increasingly used to automate labour-intensive tasks in research labs, optimise processes, and generate insights that would have otherwise taken years to uncover.
The rise of “AI for Science” is transforming industries and has become a focal point for institutions working at the intersection of technology and research. Singapore’s researchers are playing a critical role in this evolution, leveraging AI to find solutions to the country’s – and the world’s – most pressing challenges.
Singapore’s focus on innovation is part of its long-term strategy for science and technology investment. Since launching its first National Technology Plan in 1991, the country has built a strong R&D ecosystem. This effort has evolved into the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) plans, with SG$28 billion allocated for RIE2025 (2021-2025) to sustain its position as a global leader in research and innovation.
Singapore’s RIE strategy includes a mid-term review and plans for RIE2030, ensuring the nation stays agile in the face of rapid technological change. This long-term investment has led to international recognition for Singapore’s research institutes, universities, and hospitals, known for their excellence and global partnerships.
One of the key platforms driving international collaboration is the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), established in 2007 by the National Research Foundation (NRF).
CREATE partners Singaporean universities with global institutions to drive research in sustainability, decarbonisation, and health tech. A new decarbonisation programme launched this year is attracting international collaborators to advance the global green transition.
Collaboration with the private sector is another cornerstone of Singapore’s innovation strategy. More than 20 corporate laboratories have been established, enabling industry leaders to partner with universities and research institutes to translate scientific discoveries into real-world applications. These partnerships are critical for ensuring that Singapore’s R&D capabilities contribute directly to its economy and society.
In 2024, Singapore’s ranking as the world’s fourth most innovative economy in the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Global Innovation Index further validated the success of its innovation-driven approach. Singapore also ranked first in Asia, underscoring its leadership in the region.
However, Singapore’s continued success depends on cultivating talent. Schemes like the A*STAR Scholarships and Industrial Postgraduate Programme are essential for deepening the local talent pool, while international partnerships help to attract top global talent. These efforts ensure that Singapore not only maintains its position as a global technology hub but also develops the next generation of leaders in science and innovation.
As Singapore prepares for the future, it remains committed to fostering innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, and building strong global partnerships. Through sustained investment and a focus on talent, Singapore continues to position itself as a global leader in science and technology, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
