This Act, comprising 25 sections, aims to establish, under Section 3, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research with the following main functions (i) promote and develop world-class research and development capabilities, scientific talent, technical expertise and intellectual capital in science (including biomedicine and metrology), engineering and technology, and to encourage the commercial application of scientific knowledge and technology; (ii) support, direct, coordinate and facilitate scientific and technological research and development by the Agency, the Government, educational institutions and research communities, both within and outside Singapore, including through financial assistance and the promotion of cooperation and knowledge exchange; (iii) promote manpower training and development in science, engineering and technology, and to establish and manage public institutes and research institutes in these fields; (iv) advise the Government in formulating policies and laws relating to science, engineering, technology, metrology and the commercial application of scientific knowledge and technology; (v) promote public awareness and understanding of science and technology, particularly among youths; (vi) create, develop, apply for, acquire and hold intellectual property rights, and to facilitate their commercial application; (vii) represent Singapore internationally in matters relating to science, engineering and technology; (viii) serve as Singapore’s national body for metrology, advise the Government and relevant organisations on metrology matters. The Agency may exercise all powers necessary or convenient to perform its functions, including establishing committees, companies, joint ventures, partnerships and research institutes; providing financial assistance and scholarships; supporting technology-based enterprises through incubation and business facilities; establishing and maintaining national measurement standards and metrology infrastructure; conducting testing, calibration, research, consultancy and development projects; collecting and disseminating information; acquiring and disposing of property; establishing offices locally and overseas; promoting and publishing scientific information; receiving donations and raising funds; establishing employee retirement and benefit schemes with ministerial approval; and undertaking any other activities incidental to its functions and powers. Members, officers, employees and agents of the Agency must maintain the confidentiality of any information obtained in the course of their duties, except where disclosure is legally authorised or required. The Agency has the exclusive right to use any symbol or representation it selects or devises and to display or exhibit it in connection with its activities or affairs. The change of the National Science and Technology Board’s name to the Agency for Science, Technology and Research does not create a new legal entity or affect its corporate identity, continuity, rights, obligations or legal proceedings, which may continue under its new name.
Singapore · 1991-01-11