Scientists work with SMEs to upgrade their technology

Three scientists in Singapore have been awarded the 2013 T-Up Excellence Awards for their work in helping local small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs). They are: Dr Eu Zhi Ang, Dr Li Hao and Dr Sandor Nemeth, all from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

The annual awards are part of the multi-agency GET-Up programme, which aims to help local SMEs to upgrade their technology and improve their competitiveness.

Launched in 2003, the programme has helped 502 companies in the past decade by matching them with scientists for up to two year stints, helping them develop technology road maps and providing them with technical advice.

A survey conducted with 145 of the companies between September and December 2012 found that, on average, the companies' annual growth in sales revenue increased by 7 per cent after they were helped by scientists under the programme.

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