A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed in Paris on 23 May 2018 for setting up a joint virtual laboratory to deepen collaboration in the field of biotechnology. Singapore's Agency for Science- Technology and Research (A*Star)- the National University of Singapore- France's National Centre for Scientific Research- National Institute of Applied Sciences and National Institute for Agricultural Research Toulouse will set up the virtual lab to work on projects in the fields of systems and synthetic biology.

Multidisciplinary teams from both countries will develop high-value products for different industries using biotechnology- said Dr Benjamin Seet- executive director of A*Star's Biomedical Research Council. Dr Kenneth Lee- senior director of A*Star's food and nutrition and consumer care cluster- said Singapore is evolving rapidly into a science and innovation hub for food and consumer care and A*STAR partners many companies- applying approaches like biotransformation to develop safe- sustainable and healthy food.

Read more below:

• The Straits Times: S'pore- France deepen biotech links
• The Business Times: Singapore- France deepen collaboration in biotechnology
• The Business Times: Iswaran visits Paris to deepen France-Singapore innovation and technology links