Fusionopolis Two: Singapore launches new research hub for science and tech while HK still debating technology bureau

2-MIN READ2-MIN

A photo showing Fusionopolis One, which focuses on infocomms as well as media, science and engineering. A second phase comprising four major science and engineering research institutes was launched Monday at the same industrial park in Singapore. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Published: 8:00am, 21 Oct 2015Updated: 1:10pm, 21 Oct 2015

While the Hong Kong Legislative Council continues to debate the feasibility of a technology and innovation bureau, Singapore launched a new research and development complex on Monday to boost innovation in the city in the fields of technology and science.

Dubbed Fusionopolis Two, the complex is the latest addition to Singapore’s R&D landscape. It is expected to drive new economic growth areas for the city-state.

Launched in 2008, one-north is a large development hub in the city that comprises three purpose-built areas for public and private bodies: Biopolis is a dedicated biomedical R&D facility, Fusionopolis focuses on infocomms as well as media, science and engineering, and Mediapolis is a self-contained digital media cluster.

Fusionopolis Two is home to four science and engineering research institutes – the Data Storage Institute, the Institute of Microelectronics, the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, and the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology.

The US$324 million addition means that a total 16 out of 18 research institutes under Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) will be located within the one-north hot spot.