On 7 January 2025, a delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) of Thailand visited the National Research Foundation (NRF) in Singapore. The delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Chairman of the National Commission on Science, Research and Innovation; Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of NXPO; Prof. Dr. Sompong Klaynongsruang, President of Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI); and Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
During the visit, the delegation engaged in discussions with Prof. Tan Chorh Chuan, Permanent Secretary of the National Research and Development; and Mr. John Lim Hua Ern, Chief Executive Officer of NRF. The discussions emphasized NRF’s pivotal role in steering Singapore’s research and development under the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) plan. NRF provides funding for strategic projects, fosters the development of research capabilities, and supports human resource development to position Singapore as a science and innovation hub. In addition, NRF’s “White Space” funding initiative addresses unforeseen needs and emerging opportunities.
On 8 January 2025, the delegation met with Prof. Subodh Mhaisalkar, Chief Executive Officer of the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), a research and technology collaboration hub under NRF. CREATE hosts research centers established by leading universities, featuring sustainable laboratory designs recognized as “Laboratory of the Year.” The research centers at CREATE focus on four interdisciplinary themes, including human systems, energy systems, environmental systems, and urban systems. The delegation also toured the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) at CREATE, which collaborates with Thailand on projects related to chirality in chemistry and the study of palaeobiodiversity in Southeast Asia.
