Singapore sees R&D growth in environmental technology
By Dominic Nathan
AN INDUSTRIAL research base in environmental technology, is taking shape in Singapore with more companies applying for grants to conduct research and development In the field.In the past few months alone, five projects in ET-related fields have been submitted to the National Science and Technology Board for research grants, compared to three approved projects that have received funding from the board since 1985.
Said an NSTB spokesman: ‘As the commercial potential of environmental technology becomes more and more evident, we are seeing a good stream bf projects In the pipeline."
The five projects In the pipeline deal with the broad categories of waste management, waste monitoring techniques and industrial waste reuse and recycling technology.
The setting up of a research base is just one aspect of the fast growing multi-billion dollar ET industry taking root here.
Other development is In the pipeline include:’
• The planned opening of the new Institute for Environmental Technology later this year.
The collaborative effort between the Singapore. Institute of Standards and industrial Research (Sisir) and the European Community will provide training for the specialized manpower needs in ET.
• ESTABLISHING a business centre by next year to serve as a focal point for ET-related information.
• PUBLISHING a booklet to give Information on environmental facilities, expertise, training courses, ET companies and fiscal incentives for environmental businesses here.
A survey conducted by the Economic Development Board (EDB) last year shows that there are already about 100 ET companies here.
They comprise mainly small local companies and a few major engineering companies which ar~ subsidies of shipyards and public listed companies.
Memoranda of Understanding signed with Australia and Vietnam recently will help to attract more foreign ET expertise to Singapore and also help local companies explore possible commercial opportunities .in the Asia Pacific Market.
A meeting with Australian government and business officials dealing with ET ended last week with proposals to develop and exchange data on environmental management capabilities in each country and to establish a mechanism for matchmaking Australian and Singapore companies.
Promoting ET is also one of the six areas detailed in the Green Plan, the Government’s blueprint to establish Singapore as a model environment city by the turn of the century.
A report released recently by the Green Plan working group said that a multi-agency approach involving the Environment Ministry, the NSTB, the EDB, the Trade Development Board and Sisir Is being taken to promote ET.
Tax Incentives, research grants, trade missions, exhibitions and conferences and exhibitions are planned to make Singapore a regional hub offering the entire range of services and expertise — from R&D and product development to training and consultancy services.
Source : The Straits Times 13th May 1993
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