SINGAPORE - The quick roll-out of 10 Covid-19 diagnostic tests by a local medical technology hub has been attributed to strong collaborations between researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and companies.

This teamwork, as well as tapping basic research to produce real-world impact during crises such as the pandemic, was illustrated by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Tuesday (Nov 30) at the 2021 A*Star Scientific Conference, which also marked the agency's 30th anniversary.

He was referring to the Fortitude test kits developed by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research's (A*Star) Diagnostics Development Hub in record speed with a biotech firm in early 2020, and sent to more than 40 countries.

"Scientific breakthroughs are seldom about a lone genius having a eureka moment. Often, the breakthroughs involve multiple teams working in collaboration, and building on work by previous generations of scientists," added Mr Heng.

Beyond the pandemic, this multidisciplinary approach will be used to find solutions to the world's toughest problems such as climate change and the ageing population.

"Innovation often happens at the intersection of disciplines," said Mr Heng, at the Resorts World Convention Centre.

The annual conference brings together scientists and industry players from Singapore and several countries.

The hybrid event this year has 250 physical attendees and about 1,000 people tuning in virtually to attend lectures and discussions.

While one of science's key aims is to meet the immediate needs of society, Mr Heng stressed that strong investment in basic research is equally important to ensure that Singapore continues delivering excellence in science and technology.

Basic research refers to a type of investigation that aims to improve knowledge and theories - to expand existing knowledge.

Applied research, on the other hand, helps to find solutions to existing problems.

Although basic research takes decades to bear fruit, scientists say it ensures that the wealth of knowledge in various fields continues to grow.

Mr Heng highlighted the contributions of A*Star's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, which has been at the forefront of basic research in the biomedical sciences since 1985.

"Its basic research has been useful in helping us understand how diseases work at a molecular level, informing the development of effective drugs and therapeutics."

Agreeing, Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, who was the guest of honour at A*Star's 30th anniversary dinner on Tuesday evening, said: "Without early R&D investment in this (biomedical) field, we would not have been able to roll out Singapore-made diagnostic test kits so quickly in our track-and-trace efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic."

Under Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan announced last year, one-third of the $25 billion budget will go towards basic research.

Said Mr Heng: "Not all scientists are interested in commercialising their research. Some prefer to devote themselves to basic science, and we are committed to walk this journey with them."

Dr Tan, who is also the Minister for Manpower, reiterated that the science and technology sector will continue to grow its talent pool.

"The Government will continue to invest in talent development schemes such as increasing the number of A*Star postgraduate scholarships and traineeships, and the introduction of Research Internship Awards for undergraduates."

The Research Internship Award was introduced last year to provide research-related internship opportunities for university students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Successful applicants are posted to research institutes under A*Star.

"These schemes will maintain our momentum of growing a steady pipeline of research talent, whom we can count on to take Singapore to the next stage," added Dr Tan.

Congratulating A*Star on its 30th year, Dr Tan said: "A*Star has come a long way, growing in step with Singapore's progress from an industrialising nation to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

"Looking ahead, many complex challenges will be thrown our nation's way, but research and innovation will remain the bedrock of tackling them."