The Business Times, 8 Feb 2002

TEMASEK SETS UP LIFE SCIENCES LAB WITH NUS, NTU
IT WILL FOCUS ON MOLECULAR AND GENETIC RESEARCH, COLLABORATE WITH OTHER INSTITUTES

The government's investment holding company Temasek Holdings has teamed up with the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University to set up a life sciences research laboratory.

The Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) will focus on molecular and genetic research in broad fields.

Both universities have agreements with the laboratory for the joint appointment of research fellows and collaboration in teaching and research.

The lab is also expected to collaborate with the Agri-food & Veterinary Authority, as well as carry out joint research projects with other research institutes, hospitals and foreign companies.

It will embark on a global drive to hire world-class scientists to build its R& D capabilities in basic and applied research.

"With the academic co-sponsorship of both the universities, TLL will be able to help develop the knowledge infrastructure and R&D human capital in Singapore," Temasek said in a statement.

Temasek said it will continue to play a developmental role over the next five years by investing in growth sectors – such as life sciences – that have limited private sector participation due to their long gestation period and high risks.

It started investing in the life science sector two years ago, both directly in companies and indirectly through venture capital funds.

Besides backing local life science companies, Temasek has also invested in overseas firms with the strategic intent to generate spin-offs for the local life sciences and biotechnology industries through technology transfer and other forms of collaboration.