Inviting Singaporean Researchers who have Received Prestigious Awards Abroad to Return to Work in Research Institutions

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Education regarding Singaporeans who are based overseas and have been recognised for outstanding work in research through prestigious awards, such as the Sloan Research Fellowship (a) whether the Minister will consider inviting them to return to Singapore to work in our academic or research institutions; (b) whether our institutions will be open to collaborating with their organisations; and (c) what efforts are being undertaken to enhance ties with Singaporeans doing outstanding work in research institutions overseas.

Mdm Deputy Speaker, we are proud of Singaporeans who have been recognised internationally for their outstanding research, regardless of whether they are based in Singapore or overseas. For those who are based overseas and are inclined to return to Singapore to contribute, the Government and Autonomous Universities (AUs) have various schemes in place to facilitate their transition, such as National Research Foundation (NRF)'s Returning Singaporean Scientist Scheme (RSSS).

We are mindful, however, that attracting overseas-based Singaporean researchers back to the local AUs depends on a convergence of different factors. The researcher must have preference to relocate to Singapore, even after having established a presence overseas. At the same time, there must be a match between the research priorities of the AU and the research interests of the overseas-based Singaporean researcher.

Even if the Singaporean researcher prefers to remain overseas, there are opportunities for collaborations with the local AUs or our A*STAR Research Institutes (RIs) if there are common research interests. All collaborations are assessed on their merit.

Overseas Singaporeans, including researchers, can also link up with the Singapore Global Network (SGN) within the Economic Development Board (EDB). SGN organises digital engagement and community events to keep overseas Singaporeans connected to home, so that they can make an informed decision about whether and when to return to Singapore.