Boosting National Capacity for Larger-scale COVID-19 Testing

Alongside vaccinations, testing is a critical pillar of Singapore’s multi-pronged strategy against COVID-19. The Stronghold Diagnostics Lab (SDL) was established by A*STAR and the National University Health System (NUHS), with Temasek Foundation as a strategic industry partner. Together with other partner laboratories, SDL works to boost capacity for larger-scale COVID-19 testing and support Singapore’s resumption of economic activities. SDL’s testing facilities integrate A*STAR’s capabilities in biomedical sciences and Industry 4.0 technologies such as automation and smart sensing. The lab is manned by a workforce of over 150 staff, consisting of volunteer scientists from A*STAR, the universities and medical staff from NUHS, as well as fresh graduates and professionals with relevant experience and qualifications.