experience A newsletter of the Singapore Cooperation Programme January - March 2012 ISSUE 42

AID IN ACTION HELPING THE DISPLACED AT THE TARO SUPPORT CENTRE IN MIYAKO CITY

IT’S A FACT! WHY FOREIGN RESEACHERS FLOCK TO SINGAPORE UNIVERSITIES

AERIAL ARTISTRY SINGAPORE TAKES FLIGHT WITH THE SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 2012

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Cover Jan-Mar 2012.indd 1 3/13/12 9:53 AM FOREWORD

he Experience Singapore team hopes that 2012 has gotten off to a fl ying start for all of you! We look forward to continuing to bring to you the QUOTES FROM Tmany and varied facets of Singapore. In this re- READERS’ LETTERS spect, we were heartened by the good feedback we re- ceived via emails and letters in response to our last “I attended one of your programmes issue, which featured Singapore’s maritime aspirations. in 2007 and to me, it was a wonderful experience. Since then I have This bumper issue of Experience Singapore brings you been keeping abreast of new the excitement of the recently-concluded Singapore Airshow developments in Singapore. 2012 as we take to the skies for breathtaking, and often I commend your efforts.” death-defying, aviation displays and stunts. We also bring Bolarinwa M.K you colourful highlights from Chingay 2012, an annual street Nigeria parade marking the end of the Chinese New Year period with newsletter. cultural performances from around the world. “I am very happyExperience to have Singapore received my first In Joining Hands, we feature the Taro Support Centre, copy of the the fi rst reconstruction project by the Singapore Red Cross It is really wonderful and very informative. to assist survivors of the March 2011 tsunami in Japan. And It reminds me of the kind people in your nice in Making Friends, hear from international researchers who country, the memories of staying there and being with my friends from the Civil Aviation have made Singapore their base to undertake research and Academy of Singapore. I really had a very development. Also, read in Refl ections about how partici- interesting time in your country and I learnt pants from the world over have benefi tted from a Singapore a lot of things.” Cooperation Programme seminar on government policies to Abdul Satar Azami promote small and medium enterprises. Afghanistan We hope you will enjoy reading this very colourful issue of “Excellent organisation, professional people, Experience Singapore. Do let us know what you think about beautiful country always on my mind when I receive my copy of it. As you know, the team is always looking at how we can Experience Singapore brings back a lot of memories of my visit. It to improve Experience Singapore and we especially value your Singapore — learning, making friends, good comments and suggestions towards this end. food, good people and beautiful landscapes. I am truly grateful for the experience. “ Sudesh Maniar Natasa Nikolic Bosnia and Herzegovina Director Public Aff airs Directorate Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Singapore KEEP IN TOUCH! Share with us your memories, photos and views of your experience in Singapore under the Singapore Cooperation Programme. Email us at [email protected]. Three entries stand a chance to win goodie bags withh souvenirs of Singapore Airshow 2012! Our congratulations to the three lucky writers whose letters are featured in this issue — you have each won an exclusive goodie bag with colourful publications Copyright © is held by the publishers. All rights reserved. on Singapore! Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in Singapore by Times Printers, Experience Singapore is a publication of the Public Aff airs and Technical Cooperation Directorates www.timesprinters.com. ISSN: 0219-2896 of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, Singapore. The Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) is administered by the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, Singapore, and is aimed at sharing Singapore’s Publishing Consultant developmental experience with other developing countries. MediaCorp Pte Ltd You can now follow us on Twitter! Follow @MFA sg Cover photo: Getty Images

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2-IFC Introductory Note.indd 2 3/13/12 9:53 AM SCENE SG

WAITING TO BLOOM SCOOT AIMS TO FLY HIGH Come June 2012, the scenic Marina Mediterranean-type plants; and the There will be a new way to fl y into Bay area is set to unveil its latest Cloud Forest which will mirror tropi- Singapore from mid-2012 — via Scoot, attraction: Gardens by the Bay. cal high elevation regions like those in a new budget carrier launched by The green lung is part of ongoing South America. There is also the Her- Singapore Airlines (SIA). Off ering eff orts to make Singapore a “city in the itage Gardens comprising the Indian airfares of up to 40 per cent lower garden” and comprises three water- Garden, the Chinese Garden, the Malay than full service-carriers, Scoot will fl y front gardens — Bay South, Bay East Garden and the Colonial Garden. on medium and long-haul routes, in- and Bay Central. These cover a total “We are a country of many cultures cluding to Australia and China. It has area of 101 hectares. and the gardens off er the perspec- chosen the Australian city of Sydney The Gardens’ many highlights tive from the viewpoint of plants,” said as its fi rst destination for daily service will include two conservatories — Dr Kiat W. Tan, CEO of Gardens by the when it begins operations in June. the Flower Dome which will feature Bay, on 12 Nov 2011. The budget airline, which is wholly- owned by SIA but will be managed in- dependently, aims to have 14 planes by 2016. Capitalised at S$280 million, Scoot aims to start making a profi t MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY after the fi rst two years. Singapore has been named as the Project, World Bank Group. She cited easiest place to do business for the the country’s consistent improvement sixth consecutive year by the Inter- in e-government services, setting national Finance Corporation and up one-stop shops for start-ups, and World Bank. The study called “Doing fast-tracking approvals for construc- Business 2012” measured the busi- tion and building permits. The annual ness regulatory environment in 183 survey encourages countries to move countries. “Singapore is an interesting towards more effi cient business regu- case because despite being ranked lation. It covers government initiatives No 1, it continues to improve, it con- in areas such as helping new businesses tinues to change,” said Ms Sylvia Solf, start up, providing credit information

lead author of the Doing Business and improving tax regulations. TPG Photo:

SINGAPORE BY NUMBERS TALKING POINT S$15 billion What the Economic Development “The Rebel will hover Board of Singapore (EDB) is like a helicopter, fl y projecting fi xed asset investments nice fl at spins, do all in Singapore to rise to. Despite a sorts of gyroscopic slowing global economy, the EDB tumbles and all the remains “cautiously optimistic” traditional graceful about 2012, as investment aerobatics too. There interest in Asia remains healthy. should be enough smoke, noise and action to entertain anyone.” 1 to 3 % — Australian pilot Tony Blair, 41, who performed That is how much Singapore’s daredevil stunts in his single-propeller Rebel 300 during the Singapore Airshow from Feb 14 to economy is projected to grow Feb 19 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. in 2012.

The percentage of new foreign 18% undergraduates in Singapore universities in 2011.

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3 SceneSG.indd 3 3/13/12 9:55 AM COVER STORY

Crowds fl ocked to the Singapore Airlines Boeing 747 display. The airline is retiring its fl eet of 51 747s planes SOARING after nearly four decades of service. HIGH SINGAPORE’S STATUS AS A REGIONAL AVIATION HUB HAS BEEN REAFFIRMED WITH THE RECORD VISITORSHIP FIGURES AND NUMBER OF DEALS INKED AT THIS YEAR’S SINGAPORE AIRSHOW. WORDS BY GENE KHOR

rom a sneak peek at Boeing’s 787 Dream- liner to heart-stopping aerial acrobat- ics from the Republic of Singapore Air FForce’s F-16C jets, the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Smokey Bandits and the Royal Austral- ian Air Force’s Roulettes, the recent Singapore Airshow 2012 had something for both trade and public visitors. The biennial event, which is Asia’s largest and one of the three most important aerospace and defence exhibitions on the global calendar, drew a record number of trade and public visitors this year. In total, some 900 exhibitors from 50 coun- tries — a signifi cant increase from the 800 at the inaugural show in 2008 — participated in this showcase of cutting-edge developments in the aviation industry. Members of participating delegations read- ily attested to the commercial importance of the event. “The Singapore Airshow continues to be a great platform for us to reach out to the avia- tion community in the Asia Pacifi c region,” said Ms Katy Padgett, Communications Manager from A demonstration of the Lockheed Martin American aircraft manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. F-16 Fighting Falcon, a multi-role jet fi ghter “As an industry leader, it is critical to us to have aircraft, and the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle, a twin-engine, a signifi cant presence at major airshows around all-weather tactical fi ghter designed by the world and the Singapore Airshow ranks high McDonnell Douglas, by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) at the on our priorities.” Singapore Airshow 2012. These two jets 4 experience singapore were recently acquired by the RSAF.

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4-7 Cover Story.indd 4 3/13/12 9:57 AM “The Singapore Airshow is the only event of its kind that brings together the largest number of high- level delegations from the Asia Pacifi c region and beyond.” Mr Jimmy Lau, Managing Director of Experia Events, the show’s organiser

The event clocked a record at- tendance of around 145,000 trade and public visitors. Held from 14 to 19 February 2012 at the Changi Exhi-

bition Centre, it also took up 50,000 The Roulettes fl ying team from sq m of space; 6.5 per cent more area Australia. than the previous show in 2010. “The Singapore Airshow is the overhaul] services across commercial than 100 global and local aerospace only event of its kind that brings to- and private/business aviation, and companies currently operating in gether the largest number of high- its focus on aviation-related research Singapore. Its Singapore branch was level delegations from the Asia Pacifi c and technology programs are just a set up in 2010 and provides customer region and beyond,” said Mr Jimmy few examples.” support, aircraft simulator training Lau, Managing Director of Experia “Its proximity to its neighbours is and spare parts distribution to the Events, the show’s organiser. “These a plus too- you can fl y to most of the Asia Pacifi c region. The company is include heads of the international avi- countries in the Asia Pacifi c within also part of A*STAR’s (Agency for ation community, high-level govern- eight hours” Science, Technology and Research) ment and military delegations, and Embraer is just one of the more SERC (Science and Engineering top industry leaders.”

Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan’s Embraer Legacy REGIONAL BASE 650 executive jet was on display for visitors. Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Em- braer, ranked the fourth largest in the world, was participating in the show for the third time. “Singapore is our regional base and therefore participation at the show is a natural extension of our business development here,” ex- plained an Embraer representative. “There are several factors that make Singapore an attractive aviation hub for us. Its ability to provide excel-

lent MRO [maintenance, repair and GettyPhotos: Images & Corbis

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4-7 Cover Story.indd 5 3/13/12 9:57 AM The Singapore Airshow 2012 was open to the public on 18 and 19 Feb 2012.

Research Council) programme to ises in services for the conduct research in the aviation aerospace, electronics, sphere. land systems and ma- rine sectors. LOCAL PRESENCE “Our aerospace arm, Although foreign companies have ST Aerospace, is one of stepped up their presence in the ex- the largest aviation hibition, homegrown Singapore Tech- MRO companies in the nologies (ST) Engineering continued world,” said Mr Patrick to dominate the showfl oor, occupy- Choy, Executive Vice ing 3,500 sq m of exhibition space. President, International A Rolls-Royce aircraft engine. ST is one of Asia’s largest defence Marketing, ST Engineer- and engineering groups, and special- ing. “It’s the world’s number one air- try arising from rising fuel prices. In frame MRO service provider, clocking spite of this, the long-term prospects about 8.7 million man-hours annually. for the sector remain good, according “Singapore The success of our aerospace business to Singapore Transport Minister Lui is representative of Singapore’s push Tuck Yew. must maintain towards becoming a major aviation Speaking at an event on 7 January a leadership and aerospace hub.” 2012 to commission the new control MRO operations and services ac- tower at Seletar Aerospace Park, Mr position as a global count for 90 per cent of Singapore’s Lui said the industry in Singapore had aerospace hub aerospace sector, while manufactur- grown by an average of 12 per cent by continuing to ing makes up the rest. annually over the past two decades. In 2010, it reached a record output of deliver world-class COME TOGETHER about US$5.7 billion (S$7.14 billion) infrastructure.” The theme for Singapore Airshow and employed about 18,000 workers. 2012, “Driving Change, Overcoming The global airline industry is in Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Singapore’s Transport Minister Challenges Together”, was especially fact encountering far less turbulence pertinent given the current challeng- now. Based on fi gures from the As- es faced by the global aviation indus- sociation of Asia Pacifi c Airlines, this

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4-7 Cover Story.indd 6 3/13/12 9:57 AM A visitor takes a closer look inside the cockpit of a Lockheed F16D Fighting Falcon.

and Pratt & Whitney — has already achieved a 75 per cent take up rate.

Singapore’s ST Engineering, one of Asia’s largest defence and engineering groups, occupied Work on its Phase III will begin later this 3,500 sq m of exhibition space. year, according to Mr Lim Kok Kiang, the Economic Development Board’s sector clocked in a profi t of around global aerospace hub by continuing Executive Director for Transport, at a US$15 billion in 2010, a remarkable to deliver world-class infrastructure.” pre-Singapore Airshow briefi ng. achievement considering the losses In working towards this outcome, And with a record US$31 billion of around US$15 billion in 2008 and the Singapore government is devel- worth of deals inked at Singapore US$10 billion in 2009. oping more infrastructure to support Airshow 2012 — three times more “Singapore must be a part of this the industry and encourage R & D, than what the 2010 event chalked global growth, to enable the local while also upgrading the talent pool up — there can be no doubt that the aerospace sector to contribute signifi - via further education and training in show’s objective of fortifying Singa- cantly to the economy and to create the fi eld. pore’s position as a global market- good jobs for Singaporeans,” said Mr The 320-hectare Seletar Aero- place and networking powerhouse Lui. “To achieve this, Singapore must space Park — whose leading tenants for the world’s aviation community maintain a leadership position as a include ST Aerospace, Rolls-Royce has been met.

HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE • A record S$39 billion worth of deals were inked, three times more than the last airshow • A record number of visitors attended, with around 145,000 trade and public visitors • Visitors got to tour Singapore Airlines’ last three remaining Boeing 747-400s; the airline retires its Boeing 747 fl eet by March this year • Boeing gave visitors a sneak peek of its latest carbon fi bre airliner, the 787 Dreamliner • Exhibitors have already started snapping up spots for the next event in 2014; 70 per cent of space has been reserved The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was also on display. The two largest aircraft manufacturers, European Airbus and American Boeing, drew the most attention during the event. Photos: Getty Images, Corbis, Experia Events GettyPhotos: Corbis, Images,

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4-7 Cover Story.indd 7 3/13/12 9:57 AM IN SINGAPORE GLOBAL

The Heleran (meaning ‘parade’ in Sundanese) Ceremony from Indonesia is a procession that shows gratitude to the earth and God. Some performers PARADE Angklung, a handmade bamboo musical instrument, while others played the , paper umbrellas with traditional paintings. What do you get when you put 8,000 twirled thePayung Geulis performers from seven countries together?ogether? If it is for Chingay in Singapore, youu get a colourfulcolourful parade of massive proportions! Thee annual event drew awe and applause from the mmoreore than 150,000 spectators, including touristsists anandd visitors to Singapore. Held on 3 andd 4 February 2012, the two-hour spectacularacular featured local participants as well as those from Egypt, China, Taiwan,n, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ABOVE: Titled ‘Flowers in Bloom’, this dance was performed by the Lan Yang Dancers from Taiwan. It’s meant to represent spring, when fl owers Traditionally held as the fi nale to Singapore’s bloom and come to life. The dancers’ costumes represent diff erent Lunar New Year celebrations, this year’s parade — varieties of fl ora found in Taiwan, like orchids, peonies, lilies and lotus. BELOW: To mark this year of the dragon, the ‘Prosperity Flying Dragon the 40th — was held at the Pit Building which also & Phoenix Dance’ from China made its second Chingay appearance. Manoeuvred by cables that brought the two mystical creatures as high hosts the annual F1 Singapore Grand Prix. as 40m, they are meant to usher in peace and prosperity.

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8-9 In Singapore.indd 8 3/13/12 9:59 AM 800 performers from the People’s Association Youth Movement set the Chingay Parade 2012 ablaze with their high-energy Dragon Dance

Performers from Malaysia’s Tian Loong Koong Stilt Walking Group and Johor Bahru Hong Yang Sports Association lit up the parade dressed as the Chinese Gods of Fortune, Longevity and Prosperity

A 300-strong contingent from the China Red Star Dance Troupe made their presence felt with a traditional Han Dynasty dance sequence

It’s a feat of strength and endurance as 50 performers from the Zhanjiang Dragon Dance Troupe from China linked up for the fi rst ever human dragon dance here

Performers from the Japanese Association sung and danced to the evergreen Japanese hit ‘Ue o Muite Aruko’, also known in English as ‘Sukiyaki’ Photos: People’s Association (PA) (PA) Association People’s Photos: The Reda Folkloric Troupe from Egypt entralled spectators with the centuries-old El Mawlawia, a dance that sees them spin and whirl to the music

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8-9 In Singapore.indd 9 3/13/12 9:59 AM JOINING HANDS

A WELCOMING CENTRE In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011, victims in one of the aff ected main towns have found reprieve in a temporary care centrere builbuiltt with donations from Singapore. WORDS BY GENE KHOR

other Nature showed her assistance in Japan’s recoveryy vicious side on 11 March eff orts continued with the 2011 when a massive opening of the Taro Supportt M10-metre high tsunami Centre (TSC) in Miyako City inn slammed into Japan’s north-east coast Iwate Prefecture. Built at a cost off in the aftermath of an 8.9 magnitude ¥70 million (S$1.16m), the centree earthquake — the most powerful ever is a joint eff ort by the SRC and thee to strike the country. Almost 20,000 Singapore Embassy in Tokyo, inn people were killed or went missing, collaboration with the Japanesee with the Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and being the hardest hit. Transport, and Iwate Prefecture. In an overwhelming show This project is the fi rst reconstruc- of support by Singaporeans, the tion project funded by SRC’s Japan Singapore Red Cross (SRC) received Disaster Fund. The TSC aims to serve S$35 million in donations for its Japan the 1,000 or so evacuees from the 400 Disaster Relief Fund. SRC set up the househoulds who have, since the dis- fund on 13 March 2011 to provide aster, been living in three temporary relief and assistance to the victims of housing close to the centre. It also the disaster, including the provision of serves parts of Taro Ward within 10 km basic necessities to Japanese families from the facility, which includes anoth- placed in temporary housing. SRC has er 200 households. also contributed nursing beds and The centre is managed by social vehicles to transport the elderly and welfare association Taro Washinkai MAIN AND MIDDLE PHOTOS: The opening ceremony of the Taro Support Centre on 15 November 2011 was the disabled. which has 10 care workers on duty to attended by representatives from the Singapore Red Cross and the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, provide daily services to the elderly as well as offi cials from Miyako city and the Iwate ONE-STOP RELIEF who make up more than 30 per cent of prefecture government. ABOVE: A plaque to commemorate the completion of In November 2011, Singapore’s the residents in the ward. the centre.

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10-11 Joining Hands.indd 10 3/13/12 10:00 AM The Miyako City authorities have installed equipment for the caregivers to rehabilitate the elderly, and these include bathroom facilities catering for those who MrM LimLi ThTheameam PPoPoh,hh, DDirDirector of Operations and Head of International Services from the SRC (right), are physically challenged. A with an elderly resident of the ward, at the TSC. kitchen and a tatami room serve as a communal area. An elderly resident said at the centre’s opening, “I’m worried about my health but I don’t want to always visit the hospital. If there’s something wrong with me, I can be taken care of at this facility so I look forward to coming here.”

The kitchen (above, left) at the TSC serves as a communal area. The bathroom (above, right) is OTHER EFFORTS equipped to cater for the elderly who make up more than 30 per cent of the residents in the ward. Mr Shogo Tsugawa, Parliamentary Sec- retary of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, said: “This project went SRC has supported relief eff orts by AFTER THE very well. We were able to form such a supplying bottled water, collapsible facility from the generosity shown by water containers, blankets and TYPHOON… Singaporeans.” mattresses. It has also set up Restoring The Singapore Red Cross was In addition to the centre, the Family Links, a tracing service that also in the Southern Philippines, helps Singaporeans and the Japanese which had been hit by Typhoon community in Singapore to locate Washi. Singapore reached out to those in need on 21 December immediate family members who have 2011, sending assistance and been uncontactable following the aid to survivors of Typhoon “This project disaster. Washi in Mindanao, Philippines. Besides the TSC, a large portion The SRC worked alongside the went very well. of the Japan Disaster Fund 2011 Philippines National Red Cross to We were able has been earmarked to fund other distribute relief items and food reconstruction projects in the aff ected supplies, after the disaster had to form such areas. A key criterion for the projects is left 500 dead and thousands

that they should benefi t the survivors homeless.The SRC followed up airs a facility from of the disaster in practical ways. SRC with some post-Christmas cheer will also fund the construction of a a week later when a second the generosity team distributed S$200,000 ¥700 million multi-purpose hall at worth of food and family items shown by Rikuzentakata city in Iwate prefecture donated by Singapore. Packaged Singaporeans.” and a ¥300 million nursery school at as a ‘Family Christmas Pack’, Shichigahama city in Miyagi prefecture. it included clothing, sleeping Mr Shogo Tsugawa, Japan’s Parliamentary Construction for both projects materials, blankets and school Secretary of Land, Infrastructure, Transport is expected to begin in 2012 and be supplies and footwear for and Tourism completed by 2013. children. Photos: Singapore Red Cross/Ministry of Foreign Aff Red Cross/Ministry Singapore Photos: of Foreign

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10-11 Joining Hands.indd 11 3/13/12 10:00 AM MAKING FRIENDS

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) faculty member Professor Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann A GLOBAL RESEARCH HUB DIVERSE TALENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD of full-time international faculty at NTU ARE JOINING SINGAPORE’S THREE UNIVERSITIES, has risen by about 44 per cent between AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE EVOLUTION OF THE 2007 and 2011. “The university’s teach- ing and research staff hail from more COUNTRY’S R & D LANDSCAPE. WORDS BY FAIROZA MANSOR than 70 countries, bringing with them ood things seem to come interdisciplinary Institute for Media dynamic international perspectives in threes — as far as Sin- Innovation (IMI). and years of solid industry experience,” gapore is concerned — for The Swiss national is one of the he said. GNanyang Technological Uni- growing number of international re- Prof Magnenat-Thalmann’s hus- versity (NTU) faculty member Professor searchers in Singapore universities as band, Professor Daniel Thalmann, is Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, a pioneer the country moves towards its goal to also part of the NTU faculty as a Visiting in the area of interactive digital media be a global research centre of excel- Professor at the School of Computer research known as virtual humanity. lence. More than S$16 billion has been Engineering. He is also the PhD coordi- Prof Magnenat-Thalmann fi rst committed to public research and de- nator at IMI. came to Singapore in 1995 as a velopment over the next fi ve years, “The Singapore government off ers visiting professor at the National with twice this amount invested in the generous funding and freedom for re- University of Singapore (NUS) for six private sector. searchers to grow and develop their months. Smitten by the country’s Besides NTU and NUS, Singapore projects,” said Prof Magnenat-Thal- sunny weather — among other also has a third university, the Singa- mann, who used to teach in universi- things — she returned in 2008 for a pore Management University (SMU). ties in Canada and Switzerland. “NTU personal sabbatical. In August 2009, According to the Director of NTU’s off ers a vibrant and conducive environ- she returned to Singapore to take up Human Resource Faculty Aff airs de- ment for me to discover and learn new her current position as Director of the partment, Dr Koh Hock Tee, the number ways of living and thinking.”

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12-13 Making FriendsV1.indd 12 3/13/12 10:01 AM The Singapore Management University

expatriates — conduct research as well as teach. Associate Professor of Accounting Zang Yoonseok, a Korean, joined its School of Accountancy as an assistant

Professor Antonio Helio Castro-Neto, Director of the Associate Professor of Accounting Zang professor in 2003 after completing NUS Graphene Research Centre, and Professor in the Yoonseok joined the SMU School of Accountancy his PhD studies at the University Department of Physics, Faculty of Science as an assistant professor California at Berkeley. “As a rookie researcher, the Professor Barry Halliwell, Deputy At NUS, there are now 76 nation- most important criteria in fi nding a job President (Research and Technology) alities, including Singaporeans, rep- was whether the university provided at NUS acknowledges the increase resented among the teaching and re- a conducive research environment. in the number of international search staff . This involves subscription of important researchers at the institution. “NUS Professor Antonio Helio Castro- research databases, regular research has a robust research culture, talented Neto, Director of the NUS Graphene workshops, and reasonable teaching faculty and fi rm support which off er a Research Centre, and Professor in the load,” said Assc Prof Zang. conducive atmosphere for researchers Department of Physics, Faculty of Sci- “Singapore is an attractive city be- to synergise their eff orts and achieve ence, came to Singapore from the Unit- cause of its expat-friendly culture, vi- scientifi c and medical breakthroughs, ed States where he had been a Physics brant economy and safe environment and discover new insights into socio- professor for 20 years. He joined NUS for work and play — all that on top of economic patterns and behaviours,” in 2010. the good research support that the he said. “NUS is well-known for its high country off ers.” levels of excellence in teaching and re- search and also for being highly entre- preneurial. It rivals the best universities RESEARCH A “The Singapore in the USA and Europe,” said the Brazil- NATIONAL GOAL government ian national. To develop a vibrant and Prof Castro-Neto fi nds the Singa- innovative scientifi c community, off ers generous pore experience “fascinating” and plans the National Research Foundation funding and to stay for as long as he feels that he (NRF) was established in January is contributing eff ectively to NUS, and 2006 as a department under the freedom for as long as the university supports his Prime Minister’s Offi ce, and tasked researchers work in the fi eld of Condensed Matter with driving Singapore’s research Physics. and development eff orts. It to grow and “Singapore has a truly rich interna- announced its fourth batch of 10 develop their tional, multi-cultural environment and young scientists in January 2012. is a very welcoming country. My wife These were selected from 174 projects.” and I feel at home here,” he said. applicants worldwide, and each Prof Magnenat-Thalmann, a pioneer in the At SMU, there were 174 full-time NRF research fellow will receive area of interactive digital media research international faculty members in 2010, up to S$3 million over fi ve years to known as virtual humanity. compared to 126 in 2007. All members support their fi eld of studies.

of the SMU faculty — locals or Yan Hong Chee University, Technological Nanyang of Singapore, National University Photos:

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12-13 Making FriendsV1.indd 13 3/13/12 10:01 AM REFLECTIONS

BUILDING BLOCKS 84 representatives from various developing countries came to Singapore to learn how the country develops government policies to promote its small and medium enterprises. WORDS BY GENE KHOR

ingapore-based education in the city it had planned to expand in. group, EtonHouse expanded Based on the fi ndings of the into Suzhou, China in 2003. study, EtonHouse refi ned its expan- S When it wanted to venture sion strategy. Besides Suzhou, the EtonHouse International School in Chengdu, China. further into China in 2008, it turned to education group is now in Chengdu, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore Dongguan, Jinan, Nanjing, Wuxi, Yiwu for advice. IE Singapore is an agency and Zhuhai. under the Ministry of Trade and Such partnerships between SMEs Industry tasked to help local small and the government made a huge and medium enterprises (SMEs) ex- impression on Mr Edward C Chin- pand overseas. Mook, President of the Caribbean EtonHouse leveraged on IE Singa- Association of Small & Medium Enter- pore’s market knowledge of China, as prises in Jamaica. well as the fi nancing schemes off ered “This level of innovation and to aid its expansion. It was given a business facilitation is the catalyst grant to conduct a market feasibility by which all governments should study, which included interviews with embrace,” he said. “I think the most TheThh cocourseursrse“ ““CaseCCaseS SStudiestdtuddiies off SMSMEES Successfullyuccessfully LevLeveragingeraging government offi cials, expatriate busi- important lesson is that there needs Intellectual Property (IP) Assets for Business Competitiveness” ness owners and public service bodies to be a synergy [between the diff erent was conducted from 29 Nov to 1 Dec 2011.

BOTTOM AND RIGHT: Participants attending the course “Developing Government Policies to Promote SME Development” which was conducted from 4 to 13 January 2012.

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Title:ExperienceSG Issue: JAN-MAR12 Size: 210(h) x 276(w)mm Color: CMYK Server: TP_Customised DTP: HUA

EXSG 14-15 Reflections V2.indd 14 3/13/12 10:03 AM sectors] for business development to grow.” Mr Chin-Mook was one of 84 par- ticipants from developing countries — including Kenya, the Maldives, Bhutan, Vietnam and Morocco — who were in Singapore to learn how the country developed government policies to promote its SMEs. He at- tended the “Innovation & Micro, SME: The Singapore Experience” seminar organised under the Singapore Co- Mr Mohamad Itani, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Republic of Lebanon, giving a thank you speech on behalf of the participants of the “Developing Government Policies to operation Programme (SCP). It was Promote SME Development” course held at the Civil Service College. conducted under the Singapore- Commonwealth Third Country Train- about diff erent government policies of SME Successfully Leveraging Intel- ing Programme by the Singapore that support SMEs. An example was lectual Property (IP) Assets for Busi- Training and Development Associa- the IE Singapore’s Exporters Develop- ness Competitiveness” course was tion, from 9 to 13 January 2012. ment Programme, which helps SMEs co-organised with the World Intel- At the seminar, participants learnt venture overseas through training in lectual Property Organisation and export strategy and market visits. Intellectual Property Offi ce of Singa- The level of support for SMEs also pore. Conducted from 29 November impressed Mr Dominic Muriuki, Plan- to 1 December 2011, it aimed to give ning Executive for the Export Process- participants a better understanding “This level of ing Zones Authority of Kenya. Apart of how enterprises can leverage on innovation from streamlining procedures for their IP assets to remain competitive. start-ups, he noticed that Singapore The other course “Developing and business designated “areas for research like Government Policies to Promote SME facilitation is the Biopolis, which houses public and Development” was conducted by corporate research laboratories in the Civil Service College from 4 to 13 catalyst which one location”. He added that Kenya January 2012. It covered topics such all governments is keen to “create an environment like as clean governance and, harnessing that…with tech parks and educa- science, technology and innovation should embrace.” tional opportunities to stimulate the for development. Mr Edward C Chin-Mook, President of the Caribbean Association of Small & Medium growth of SMEs”. However, Mr Ivan Kazlou who at- Enterprises in Jamaica Two other courses pertaining to tended the course was most surprised SME development were also organ- to learn that students at Singapore’s ised under the SCP. The “Case Studies secondary schools routinely apply the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (or SWOT) analysis meth- od when working on projects. “I’m amazed to hear that such ideas and practices are being encouraged at such a young age here,” said the Chief Counsel to Chairperson of Minsk Re- gion Executive Committee in Belarus. “This [strategic planning method] is something we’d like to introduce to our country’s youths as well. We be- Mr Ashok Nair, Adviser, Special Advisory Services Division, Commonwealth Secretariat (right) and lieve it’s because of such education, Mr Edward C Chin-Mook, President of the Caribbean Association of Small & Medium Enterprises in Jamaica (middle), with another participant at the “Innovation & Micro, SME: The Singapore as well as government support, that Experience” course, 9 - 13 Jan 2012. Singapore’s SMEs have fl ourished.”

experience singapore 15

Title:ExperienceSG Issue: JAN-MAR12 Size: 210(h) x 276(w)mm Color: CMYK Server: TP_Customised DTP: HUA

EXSG 14-15 Reflections V2.indd 15 3/13/12 10:03 AM SINGAPORE COOPERATION PROGRAMME (SCP) THE E-WAY TO SCP ROUNDUP 21 NOV TO 9 DEC 2011 EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP Ten senior executives from six Asian countries OPEN SOURCE E-RESOURCES WERE DEVELOPED DURING learnt about the best practices of Singapore A WORKSHOP JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SINGAPORE and South Korea during a course on public governance and administration. The inau- MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND THE COMMONWEALTH gural course, “Senior Executive Programme OF LEARNING. in Public Policy and Administrative Reform”, was attended by 10 participants from Cam- bodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines and Vietnam. The Singapore segment of the course covered areas such as leadership, hu- man resource management, public sector reforms, anti-graft measures, public engage- ment through new media and Singapore’s whole-of-government approach. During the course, participants also visited the Building and Construction Authority, Land Transport Authority and National Parks Board. The course was jointly conducted by Singapore’s Civil Service College and the Korea Develop- ment Institute.

9 TO 13 JAN 2012 A fi ve-day seminar on aviation security, entitled “Aviation Security: Auditing Techniques and Developing Security Manuals”, brought 31 personnel from the Participants of the course forged lasting friendships and created educational materials that aviation industry around the world to could be used around the world. Singapore. It was conducted by the Singapore Aviation Academy, the training arm of the No matter where you are, access to a set of electronic training materials on Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. The educational leadership will soon be just a click away. participants, hailing from more than 30 These training materials are the product of the 10th Virtual University for countries among them Albania, China, India, Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC) International Materials Devel- Myanmar, Tunisia and Uzbekistan, comprised opment and Training Workshop, jointly organised by Singapore’s Ministry of executives, managers and supervisors from Foreign Aff airs (MFA) and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL). civil aviation authorities, airport operators The 12-day workshop was held from 17 November to 2 December 2011 and airlines. Participants also learnt how to develop and conduct eff ective aviation at the National Institute of Education International. Twenty-three senior level security audits. They were also provided the educators from the small states of the Commonwealth looked at ways to de- tools to develop security manuals for their velop online content on educational leadership — a dynamic term coined respective organisations that would meet in the late 20th century to replace educational administration. Participants the requirements of the International Civil of the workshop were divided into six groups, each tasked with examin- Aviation Organization. ing the strategies and tools required to lead change. They also discussed current issues, policies and technologies aff ecting the management of 21 FEB TO 2 MAR 2012 educational institutions. The Singapore experience in planning, de- At the end of the workshop, they created a set of educational leadership veloping and maintaining its major road training materials that can be used and adapted by individuals and institu- projects took centre stage during a 12-day tions from around the world. Upon return to their home countries, partici- course on road infrastructure. The course en- pants continued to share their skills with colleagues. titled “Road Infrastructure Management and The COL is an intergovernmental organisation aimed at helping develop- Maintenance” was attended by 32 offi cials ing nations gain access to quality education and training. and engineers from 25 countries including Under the VUSSC, small states of the Commonwealth collaborate to de- China, Moldova, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, velop open content e-resources. These non-proprietary e-materials — de- and Sri Lanka. During the course, Singapore’s veloped by small states, for small states — help to broaden global access to traffi c planners and policymakers spoke on education through the innovative use of information and communication subjects such as green construction, risk technology (ICT). management and road maintenance. The course was conducted by the Land Transport For more information on the Singapore Cooperation Programme, please visit www.scp.gov.sg Authority Academy.

16 experience singapore

Title:ExperienceSG Issue: JAN-MAR12 Size: 210(h) x 276(w)mm Color: CMYK Server: TP_Customised DTP: HUA

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