The first-ever A*STAR Global Network (AGN) Platinum Fireside Chat took place at Singapore Management University (SMU), drawing an enthusiastic audience of leaders from the A*STAR Global Network, Singtel, and the SMU community. The event featured a Fireside Chat led by keynote speaker Mr. Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel Singapore.
Professor Sun Sun Lim, SMU’s Vice President for Partnerships and Engagement, described the event as more than just a gathering, emphasizing its significance as a celebration of the collective commitment to innovation shared by academia, industry, and research. She highlighted A*STAR's track record in translating laboratory discoveries into impactful global solutions, positioning Singapore as a leader in the global deep tech landscape.
Additionally, Lim praised SMU's efforts in fostering a supportive ecosystem for deep tech innovation, citing initiatives like the Business Innovations Generator (BIG) incubator program, which has aided over 490 startups, and the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), attracting over 1,000 applications from 1,100 universities worldwide.
Lim emphasized the fruitful collaboration between A*STAR and SMU, stating that joint endeavours like these blend the strengths of both institutions, creating fertile ground for innovation. She expressed SMU's commitment to serving as a pivotal node in Singapore's deep tech ecosystem and hosting A*STAR’s Global Network, symbolizing a shared dedication to driving impactful collaborations and expanding the innovation ecosystem.
Lim envisioned the Fireside Chat as a catalyst for a collaborative movement, fostering strategic partnerships to address societal challenges and advancing discourse crucial for deep tech commercialization and global economic contribution. She emphasized the collective effort to shape a future where deep-tech innovation addresses significant challenges, positioning Singapore and its partners as the gateway to Asia and the driving force behind transformative innovation on a global scale.
