The National University of Singapore (NUS) has set aside $1 million to promote aerospace research.The initial funding will support the work of the university's new Centre for Aerospace Engineering (CAE) over three years, NUS said on Wednesday.

It will partner SIA Engineering, ST Aerospace and Singapore's national defence research and development organization, DSO National Laboratories, in the venture.

The centre will work on different projects, for example, how to reduce aircraft drag to save fuel.

Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo, who was the guest of honour at the launch of the new centre, said it was a timely initiative. She noted that the local aerospace sector is a key pillar of Singapore's economy.

"Finding the right talent and expertise is critical to support the industry's continued growth," said Mrs Teo.

The new aerospace centre will provide an important platform for industry and academia to work together to groom young talent, she said.