Inviting Singaporean Researchers who have Received Prestigious Awards Abroad to Return to Work in Research Institutions
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Leon Perera’s inquiry regarding strategies to invite award-winning overseas Singaporean researchers back to local institutions and enhance institutional collaborations and ties. Minister of State Ms Gan Siow Huang explained that the Returning Singaporean Scientist Scheme facilitates such transitions, depending on personal preference and alignment with local research priorities. She stated that local Autonomous Universities and A*STAR Research Institutes engage in merit-based collaborations with those remaining abroad where common research interests exist. Additionally, the Singapore Global Network manages digital engagement and community events to keep overseas researchers connected to home. These efforts ensure that researchers can make informed decisions about returning to Singapore while maintaining valuable links with the local research community.
Transcript
15 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Education regarding Singaporeans who are based overseas and have been recognised for outstanding work in research through prestigious awards, such as the Sloan Research Fellowship (a) whether the Minister will consider inviting them to return to Singapore to work in our academic or research institutions; (b) whether our institutions will be open to collaborating with their organisations; and (c) what efforts are being undertaken to enhance ties with Singaporeans doing outstanding work in research institutions overseas.
The Minister of State for Education (Ms Gan Siow Huang) (for the Minister for Education): Mdm Deputy Speaker, we are proud of Singaporeans who have been recognised internationally for their outstanding research, regardless of whether they are based in Singapore or overseas. For those who are based overseas and are inclined to return to Singapore to contribute, the Government and Autonomous Universities (AUs) have various schemes in place to facilitate their transition, such as National Research Foundation (NRF)'s Returning Singaporean Scientist Scheme (RSSS).
We are mindful, however, that attracting overseas-based Singaporean researchers back to the local AUs depends on a convergence of different factors. The researcher must have preference to relocate to Singapore, even after having established a presence overseas. At the same time, there must be a match between the research priorities of the AU and the research interests of the overseas-based Singaporean researcher.
Even if the Singaporean researcher prefers to remain overseas, there are opportunities for collaborations with the local AUs or our A*STAR Research Institutes (RIs) if there are common research interests. All collaborations are assessed on their merit.
Overseas Singaporeans, including researchers, can also link up with the Singapore Global Network (SGN) within the Economic Development Board (EDB). SGN organises digital engagement and community events to keep overseas Singaporeans connected to home, so that they can make an informed decision about whether and when to return to Singapore.