Who You Will Meet A*STAR A*STAR is the lead agency in Singapore for Science Technology and Research. The agency comprises the Biomedical Research Council (BMRC), the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC), the Corporate Planning and Administration Division (ssCPAD), the A*STAR Graduate Academy (A*GA) and the commercialisation arm, Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd (ETPL). Both BMRC and SERC promote, support and oversee the public sector's R&D research activities in Singapore. A*GA supports A*STAR's key thrust of human capital development through the promotion of science scholarships and other manpower development programs and initiatives. ETPL manages the Intellectual Property created by the research institutes and facilitates the transfer of technology from the research institutes to industries. CPAD supports the two Research Councils, A*GA and ETPL in performing the functions of Finance, Human Resource, Corporate Policy and Planning, Corporate Communications, Legal, Information Technology and Audit. www.a-star.edu.sg/astar Biopolis Biopolis is a world-class centre for biomedical sciences in Asia. Located within One-North and in close proximity to the National University of Singapore, National University Hospital and the Singapore Science Parks, Biopolis is envisioned to be a world-class biomedical sciences research and development (R&D) hub in Asia. This campus is dedicated to providing space for biomedical R&D activities and to creating an environment designed to foster a collaborative culture among the private and public research community. Biopolis will serve as a cornerstone of One-North, a 494-acre site that the Singapore government has set aside to develop knowledge-intensive industries over the next 15 to 20 years. Biopolis Phase 1 is a 185,000 m2 (2.0 million sq ft) biomedical complex of 7 buildings completed in April 2004. Several key government agencies, publicly-funded research institutes and R&D labs of pharmaceutical and biotech companies are located there. The government is investing nearly $2 billion to make Singapore a global centre of excellence in several fields, including cancer and regenerative medicine. The goal -- a hub that in its first $320 million phase will house 2,000 researchers working in public and industry laboratories and interacting and collaborating to develop and market new products. That number is expected to grow to 4,000 when the project is completed. The symbol of this goal is Biopolis, a state-of-the-art campus clustering five public research institutes-specialising in genomics, nanotech and other cutting-edge disciplines-together with facilities for big drug firms and biotech research. The idea is to spend billions of dollars over the next 15 to 20 years to create a stimulating environment for researchers, entrepreneurs and scientists in which to interact and exchange ideas. Biopolis Web site Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) Temasek Lifesciences Laboratory (TLL) was established in August 2002 by the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Temasek Holdings to undertake cutting edge research in molecular biology and genetics in the broad fields of life sciences. Currently, there are 15 research groups working in the areas of cell biology, developmental biology, pathogenesis and bioinformatics. In addition, TLL has training programs for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, as well as students from the universities and junior colleges Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) is located within the sprawling campus of the National University of Singapore and situated alongside the other research institutes and academic departments of the university. www.tll.org.sg Jurong Island Jurong Island is a world-class Chemical hub in the Asia Pacific region. The Singapore government has invested $7 billion to reclaim seven islands to form a 12-square mile petrochemical complex that produced $22 billion worth of goods in 2003. When completed in 2010 it is expected to host 150 companies with $40 billion in fixed assets. An engineering marvel and a testament to Singapore's "we can achieve if we put our minds to it" attitude. Today, Jurong Island is home to leading petrochemical companies, Industry luminaries like Celanese, ExxonMobil, Dupont, Mitsui Chemicals, Chevron Oronite, Shell and Sumitomo Chemical, are based because of the comprehensive infrastructure and production synergies from this unique cluster development for oil, petrochemical and specialty chemicals. Jurong Island Highway begins with a 2.6 kilometre causeway linking mainland Singapore and the island. There are public bus services plying the entire island. On the island itself, you will find an amenities centre, Oasis@Sakra, complete with covered carpark lots, air-conditioned food court, alfresco dining restaurant, function rooms, clinic, convenience stores and ChemGallery. www.jurongisland.com.sg/aboutJI.asp The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) was established on 1 April 2000 to carry out the responsibilities of the Primary Production Department (PPD). As a statutory board, the AVA has a more autonomous framework that allows it to respond effectively to the challenges ahead. Their mission is "To ensure a resilient supply of safe food, safeguard the health of animals and plants and facilitate agri-trade for Singapore." Their objectives are to: facilitate the supply of stable, safe and wholesome meat and meat products, fish and fish products, fresh fruits and vegetables; safeguard the health of animals, fish and plants; be a centre of excellence for tropical agro-technology services; and facilitate trade in primary produce. AVA consists of a multidisciplinary team committed to a work environment conducive to professional development, innovation, cross-boundary exchange and interdisciplinary co-operation so as to be a cohesive organisation that is able to achieve its mission effectively. www.ava.gov.sg/