Prataman Star Award

Professor Miranda Yap
Executive Director, Bioprocessing Technology Institute
Executive Director, A*STAR Graduate Academy
Agency for Science, Technology and Research

“For her sustained, distinguished and strategic contributions to Singapore’s Biomedical Sciences landscape particularly in the areas of developing the biologics industry sector, building the research culture and nurturing young talent”

The winners of this year’s inaugural President’s Science and Technology Awards deserve to be applauded for their achievements and contributions to scientific research and development over the years. They are scientists who have displayed immense pride in their work and tireless dedication to their various fields of research such as biologics, eye diseases, and electrical and computer engineering, and made breakthrough discoveries that contributed much to our economy. These scientists have proven themselves to be fine examples and inspirations to their peers. I congratulate each of them for their successes.

Scientists in Singapore have, over the years, walked the path less trodden to develop science and technology R&D in Singapore. From our humble beginnings in the 1970s when R&D was limited to what the multi-national companies were doing as an extension of their successful manufacturing operations here in Singapore, we have become today a critical node in the global research landscape, attracting many industrial and scientific collaborators from around the world. Indeed, the superior quality of research being conducted in the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University and other public and private R&D institutes has broken new grounds, created new scientific knowledge and developed new growth industries for our economy. An example would be the biologics industry that was developed, to a large extent, through the efforts and commitment of Professor Miranda Yap – the winner of the inaugural President’s Science and Technology Medal.

As the forces of globalisation advance, Singapore’s ability to remain globally competitive will be critical. Building up our scientific talent pool is and will be our way forward. In R&D, it is people who will create knowledge and generate ideas to keep R&D at the cutting edge, and open up new growth areas. As we look forward to the future, we must continue to develop our scientific talent as well as attract other talent from around the world to anchor their research activities here. To do so, we will have to conscientiously create an environment that is open and supportive, and conducive for these knowledge-creators to develop themselves as well as make contributions to Singapore and the world.

I encourage all scientists in Singapore to persevere in their deep and long-term commitment to scientific research. Their labour and dedication have brought about tremendous benefits for both themselves and the nation. I trust that as they continue pursuing their passion, they will also ignite that same passion and inspire the next generation of scientists. Working together, I am confident that they will help create a brighter future for all of us.

S R NATHAN