RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUND

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Trade and Industry what percentage of the Research and Development Fund was subcontracted out to overseas institutions during the years 1990 to 1992.

Mr S. Dhanabalan: The Research and Development Fund (RDF) was set up only in 1991. It has not been used to finance any R&D farmed out to overseas institutions.

The RDF is intended to fund the development of R&D capabilities and the build up of experienced R&D manpower in Singapore, in areas which will enhance Singapore's economic competitiveness. Therefore, one of the principal conditions for RDF financial assistance to companies is that the R&D must be carried out in Singapore. The financial assistance may cover overseas attachments, but only in so far as they are for on-the-job training and capability upgrading.

RDF-funded research institutes and research centres do collaborate with their overseas counterparts in joint projects, which involve the exchange attachments of R&D personnel. These collaborations provide avenues for technology transfer and the training of our R&D manpower. They are undertaken on the basis of the benefits to be derived from such collaborations.