Collaboration/cooperation with external institutions Activities of Singapore Office

The AMED Singapore office was established in 2016, the commemorative year marking the 50th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore. The office was located in the Singapore Science Park, the first research, development and technology hub in Singapore, which is close to both the National University of Singapore and also the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), with which AMED signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 16, 2016.

The AMED Singapore office has been integral to our successful collaborations in Asia and the Pacific region. It has enabled us to strengthen our ties with key partners, to keep up with the cutting-edge of technical progress in the medical field, to analyze political trends in medical research and development, to build human networks, and to disseminate AMED’s presence and activities across the region.

Utmost among the achievements of the AMED Singapore Office has been its key role in our establishment of a close collaborative partnership with A*STAR, including the launch of international joint research in the fields of "Health and Longevity" and "Cell Therapy". The Singapore office has also strengthened cooperation with major research institutions in Singapore, including the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) under Singapore's Ministry of Health, and the National University of Singapore. In the Pacific region, we signed a MOU with Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) on October 17, 2018, and have fostered a close relationship with them through the e-Asia Joint Research Programs.

Having accomplished our mission to consolidate a firm foundation for collaborative partnerships across Asia and the Pacific, AMED has taken the decision to transition our approach to engagement in the region, and to close the Singapore office, effective as of March 2020. Responsibilities and functions of the Singapore Office will be reassigned to expert teams working from our Headquarters in Tokyo, so we can continue to explore opportunities and broaden our support for international research collaboration across Asia and the Pacific region.