to initiate, promote, stimulate, encourage, facilitate and assist in the development of an environment that is conducive —
(i)
to the creation and development of world class research and development capabilities in science (including biomedicine), engineering and technology in Singapore;
(ii)
to the development and nurture of scientific talent and technical capability in scientific and technological knowledge, research and development that is desirable to support the private sector and public sector and to the creation of intellectual capital in Singapore; and
(iii)
to the commercial application of scientific knowledge or technology in Singapore;
(b)
to support, direct, stimulate and undertake research and development in the areas of science (including biomedicine), engineering and technology;
(c)
to stimulate, encourage, facilitate, co-ordinate and direct scientific and technological research and development by the Government, educational institutions and research communities within and outside Singapore, and to facilitate co-operation, communication, collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge between them;
(d)
to provide financial assistance for research and development in the areas of science (including biomedicine), engineering and technology;
(e)
to promote manpower training and development in the areas of science (including biomedicine), engineering and technology;
(f)
to provide advice and guidance to the Government in the formulation of its policies and laws on all aspects of science (including biomedicine), engineering and technology, and on any matter relating to or affecting the commercial application of scientific knowledge or technology;
(g)
to establish, develop and manage public institutes and research institutes in the areas of science (including biomedicine), engineering and technology;
(h)
to undertake the promotion of science (including biomedicine), engineering and technology among youths and to create, foster and encourage public awareness and understanding of the importance of science and technology in Singapore;
(i)
to create, develop, apply for, acquire and hold intellectual property and rights and enter into arrangements for the commercial application of any such intellectual property and rights on such terms as to royalties or otherwise as the Agency thinks fit; and
(j)
to represent Singapore internationally in respect of matters relating to science (including biomedicine), engineering and technology.
[26/2002]
(2) In carrying out its functions, the Agency shall —
(a)
have regard to the needs of Singapore and its resources;
(aa)
have regard to the policies and directions of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council established under the National Research Fund Act 2006; and
[17/2006 wef 22/08/2006]
(b)
promote developments, commercial applications and innovation in areas of science (including biomedicine), engineering and technology that increase the economic growth, productivity and employment opportunities in Singapore, that enjoy good export market prospects and that will enhance Singapore’s international competitiveness.
[18/2000; 26/2002]
(3) In addition to the functions specified in subsection (1), the Agency may undertake such other functions as the Minister may assign to the Agency and in so doing, the Agency shall be deemed to be fulfilling the purposes of this Act and the provisions of this Act shall apply to the Agency in respect of such additional functions.
[18/2000; 26/2002]
(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed as imposing on the Agency, directly or indirectly, any form of duty or liability enforceable by proceedings before any court.