AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH (AMENDMENT) BILL

AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH (AMENDMENT) BILL: Order for Second Reading read.

3.03 pm

The Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Mr S Iswaran): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

Sir, this Bill transfers the functions and powers relating to scientific metrology from SPRING to A*STAR.

Metrology, Members may be interested to know, is the science of making accurate and reliable measurements. It is critical for industrial development, trade transactions and scientific research.

Currently, SPRING undertakes all areas of metrology through the National

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Metrology Centre (NMC). These include standardisation, accreditation, certification and conformance as well as scientific metrology. NMC, therefore, maintains national measurement standards and develops measurement technology to administer these standards.

Reason for amendments

Sir, let me elaborate on why we propose to transfer these functions to A*STAR.

_Harnessing synergy between metrology and R &D _

First, this transfer will allow Singapore to harness the synergy between metrology and research and development (R&D). New technological advances will increase the demands for research on metrology. As industries need more complex and exacting requirements, measurement ranges need to have lower thresholds of uncertainty or error. Emerging fields, such as nanotechnology, MEMS and biomedical sciences, will also need highly sensitive measurement techniques. Cutting-edge metrology will require sustained scientific research. And positioning the NMC within A*STAR will allow for such collaboration and harness this synergy between metrology and scientific R&D.

Alignment with industry's advanced technological needs

Second, the transfer will enable us to better meet industry's advanced technological needs. For instance, in the semiconductor industry, new metrology tools and techniques are needed to accurately perform critical measurements, as new materials, processes and device structures are developed.

In the area of nanotechnology, new metrology tools have to be developed to

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enable precise fabrication at nanoscale levels.

Consistency with international practice

Third, the positioning of the NMC within A*STAR will align us with international practice. Leading metrology centres around the world have adopted a strong R&D focus and are often integrated with national research agencies.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States is a prime example of a world-leading research-driven metrology centre. NIST researchers continually raise the level of measurement science and technology, making possible the highly precise engineering and manufacturing capabilities required for today's most advanced technologies.

The proposed transfer will not affect SPRING's role as the national standards, accreditation and conformance body. These remain relevant to SPRING's mission to help our enterprises stay competitive in a dynamic market environment.

Mr Speaker, Sir, measurement science and technology are essential elements in facilitating a knowledge-based economy. This Bill allows A*STAR to establish and support an advanced national metrology infrastructure, which will serve to strengthen Singapore's competitive position in the global market.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House.

The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr S Iswaran].

Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.