A*STAR celebrates International Women's Day

A*STAR Women In Science

From groundbreaking discoveries to cutting-edge research, our researchers are empowering the next generation of female science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) leaders.

Get inspired by our #WomeninSTEM

Turning Science into Startups in Times of Reset

Program Details

On Wednesday, 29 October 2025, A*STAR Global Network (A*GN) and Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE) co-hosted a Fireside Chat in partnership with Economic Development Board (EDB) Society.

The Fireside Chat took place at the SMU School of Accountancy’s Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium. The session featured Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Group and Founding Chairman of SMU, in conversation with Mr Ng Choon Peng, President of the A*GN and Senior Director (Commercial Strategy and Partnering) of Essex Bio-Technology.

A Conversation on Purpose, Innovation, and the Human Spirit

Opening the evening, Professor Lily Kong, SMU President, reflected on the university’s 25-year journey and its partnership with A*STAR to drive purposeful innovation. Mr Beh Kian Teik, A*STAR’s Chief Executive, highlighted how A*GN has grown into a global community of almost 3,000 members — connecting science, business, and society to turn knowledge into real-world impact.

The fireside chat, themed “Turning Science into Startups in Times of Reset,” invited audiences to reflect on five key ideas that resonate deeply with A*STAR’s mission:

  • Legacy & Purpose: Sustaining the spirit of building and creating meaning, not monuments.

  • Civilisation in Transition: Ensuring AI and innovation remain inclusive and plural in a global “knowledge reset.”

  • Technology & Humanity: Embedding ethics and empathy into innovation as AI reshapes industries.

  • Intersections & Translation: How A*STAR and SMU together can model deep-science translation and social impact.

Singapore’s Role: From champions to hosts — positioning Singapore as the trusted arena for ideas that matter.

 

Partnerships that Power Impact

The conversation underscored the shared vision between A*STAR and SMU — to bridge science, enterprise, and society through interdisciplinary collaboration. From joint research in human-centred computing to translating innovations into viable enterprises, both institutions are shaping a new model of impact for Singapore.

Looking Ahead

The evening concluded with networking and a buffet dinner.

Photo: Guests connecting over dinner following the Fireside Chat

The A*GN continues to bring together thought leaders who push boundaries and inspire transformation. Stay tuned for future sessions as A*GN builds communities of purpose — where deep science meets human insight to create lasting impact.

close

close