A*STAR Launches Quantum And Semiconductor Scholarships To Power Singapore's Deep Tech Future

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has launched two new scholarship tracks under the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) — the AGS (Semiconductor) and the AGS (Quantum) — to build a strong pipeline of talent and strengthen Singapore’s position as a global deep-tech hub. Applications are now open for both scholarships.

The announcement was made by Guest-of-Honour Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, at the 2025 A*STAR Scholarship Award Ceremony (SAC). The annual event celebrates Singapore's future scientific leaders, with 79 individuals awarded scholarships this year for their academic excellence and commitment to create real-world impact through science.

Strategic Investments In Critical Technologies

Semiconductors and quantum technologies are critical enablers of Singapore’s economic growth and are drawing intensifying global competition for talent. The semiconductor sector, where Singapore currently accounts for 10% of global chip production and 20% of global semiconductor equipment manufacturing^[1] , is vital to Singapore’s economic competitiveness. Meanwhile, quantum technologies represent a fast-emerging frontier with transformative applications in ultra-secure communications, precision sensing, and next-generation computing.

The launch of these new scholarships strengthens Singapore’s talent pipeline in critical deep tech areas, while positioning Singapore as a global innovation hub. Under these tracks, scholars will take on field-specific research projects, receive specialised training, and gain valuable industry exposure — building capabilities that are critical for national success in these deep tech domains.

Celebrating Singapore's Future Scientific Leaders

Since 2001, A*STAR scholarships have supported the development of over 1,300 researchers — many of whom now lead as CEOs, CTOs, Principal Scientists, and Professors, contributing meaningfully to Singapore’s research and innovation ecosystem.

This year's cohort of 79 scholars will pursue undergraduate and PhD studies across key scientific disciplines, with a strong focus on deep-tech areas that are critical to Singapore's future economy.

Among them are passionate individuals whose research interests span vital fields such as computational biomedical sciences for precision medicine, AI-powered manufacturing and defect detection, sustainable manufacturing technologies, antimicrobial and antiviral research, and advanced materials science.

These scholars join a distinguished and growing network of A*STAR scholarship alumni who continue to drive innovation as scientific leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry pioneers across the wider ecosystem.

Please refer to Annex A for the profiles of selected recipients of the 2025 A*STAR Scholarships.

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^[1] Singapore Economic Development Board, “What makes Singapore a prime location for semiconductor companies driving innovation?”, 20 August 2024.

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.

Annex A - Profiles Of Selected Recipients Of The 2025 A*star Scholarships

Examples of newly-minted A*STAR scholars:

From Aerodynamics to Algorithms: Using AI to Navigate an Uncertain World

Mr Syed Hafiz Bin Salim Alsree
Recipient of the A*STAR National Science Scholarship (PhD)

Mr Syed Hafiz Bin Salim Alsree traces his research journey back to a childhood question: How do aircraft fly? That curiosity led him to pursue aeronautical engineering, where he became fascinated by the physics of turbulent flow — one of the most complex phenomena in fluid dynamics.

In his search for better ways to model such systems, Hafiz encountered machine learning. What began as a technical solution soon became a deeper interest in artificial intelligence (AI) — not just as a tool, but as a method for understanding complexity across disciplines. A research attachment at A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing broadened this perspective. There, he worked on time series analysis and saw how AI could power real-world solutions in fields like healthcare, environmental forecasting, and urban planning.

This shift from studying specific domains to mastering adaptable methods shaped Hafiz’s approach to science — one driven by curiosity and flexibility. The A*STAR National Science Scholarship (PhD), he says, is a natural next step that allows him to explore these intersections more deeply while contributing to national priorities.

Growing up with learning difficulties, Hafiz developed a strong sense of self-discipline and resilience — qualities that continue to shape his scientific outlook. “Investing in discovery never loses value,” he reflects. “Every step helps you grow.”

As he embarks on his PhD journey, Hafiz is eager to build predictive tools that help Singapore better prepare for uncertainty — from public health to urban planning. For him, it’s the chance to explore bold questions and tackle real-world problems that makes science worth pursuing.

From Curiosity to Confidence: Building a Sustainable Future with AI

Mr Abdullah Bin Zainal
Recipient of the A*STAR National Science Scholarship (BS)

Mr Abdullah Bin Zainal didn’t plan to become a researcher — let alone publish a paper as first author while still in polytechnic. What began as a curiosity about artificial intelligence (AI) soon grew into a passion for using technology to solve real-world problems.

His first experience with applied AI came through JobSense, a project that aimed to recommend personalised upskilling paths by analysing CVs and job market trends. After joining a team of peers who had won a hackathon with the concept, Abdullah helped build the AI engine behind the platform. “It was my first time working with people from different disciplines,” he recalled. “I saw how different perspectives could come together to build something useful.”

That spirit of collaboration and experimentation carried into his internship at A*STAR, where he developed a machine learning model to detect defects in 3D-printed metal parts. Despite the noisy, unstructured data, his model was able to identify meaningful patterns — leading to a conference paper with Abdullah as first author. “Traditionally, real-time defect detection is a major challenge,” he explained. “Machine learning revealed insights that would’ve been nearly impossible to uncover manually.”

Abdullah sees AI not as a replacement for human problem-solving, but as an amplifier. “It helps us experiment faster, ask better questions, and discover things we might have missed.”

His path to research has been far from conventional — starting as an N-level student, progressing through the Polytechnic Foundation Programme, and eventually graduating top of his class in Mechanical Engineering. “My internship at A*STAR sparked my love for research,” he said. “It made me realise I wanted to keep learning.”

Now an A*STAR scholar, Abdullah hopes to specialise in sustainable manufacturing — applying his skills to create lasting impact in a field he deeply cares about.

From Wonder to Purpose: Charting a Path in Biomedical Discovery

Ms Peng Shu Qin
Recipient of the A*STAR National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD)

Ms Peng Shu Qin didn’t always know she wanted to be a biomedical researcher — but she has always been driven by a desire to understand how the world works. A fascination with biology soon became something deeper: a curiosity about how the body functions, and what happens when its intricate systems go awry.

An advanced cell biology class in polytechnic proved a turning point. She became captivated by apoptosis — the process of programmed cell death that protects the body by eliminating damaged cells. This led to an internship at the A*STAR Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, where she explored antimicrobial and antiviral peptides. Working during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shu Qin saw how science could directly address global health challenges. “That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue this path,” she said.

Her inspiration also came from home. Shu Qin’s older brother, also an A*STAR scholar, introduced her to the world of research. Their journeys evolved in parallel — shaped by shared values, mentorship, and a belief in science as a force for good.

Now embarking on her PhD journey, Shu Qin is excited to apply computational methods to uncover the hidden complexities of disease. “I want to turn vast biomedical data into insights — to reveal patterns that can guide precision medicine and lead to more effective treatments.”

For Shu Qin, every small discovery matters. “Even when the answers seem far away, each step brings us closer to something that could make a real difference.”

Annex B - Profiles Of A*star Scholars Who Are Now Leading Researchers In Their Chosen Fields

Examples of A*STAR scholars who are leaders in their field, contributing to high-impact research areas and technology translation.

From Lab to Startup: Redefining Materials Science through AI and Innovation

Dr Kedar Hippalgaonkar
Principal Scientist at A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (A*STAR IMRE),
Associate Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Co-founder of Xinterra

Dr Kedar Hippalgaonkar is helping redefine how the world discovers new materials — not just in the lab, but in the market. As a Principal Scientist at A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (A*STAR IMRE), he pioneers the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and high-throughput experimentation to accelerate the design and development of materials for real-world applications.

Dr Kedar is revolutionising the field of materials science through his research in exploring materials by design for functional properties, focusing on the intricate interactions between phonons, photons, and electrons.

Dr Kedar’s team combines high-throughput experimentation with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate materials development. This innovative method addresses traditional R&D limitations, significantly speeding up the discovery process and paving the way towards commercialisation. By leveraging human-machine intelligence synergy, Dr Kedar and his team are shaping a more efficient ‘new world of materials.’

The implications of Dr Kedar’s research are vast and impactful. His work promises the development of sustainable materials with diverse industrial applications, from energy-efficient technologies to advanced electronics. This research not only enhances Singapore’s position as a leader in materials science but also contributes to global sustainability efforts.

In 2022, he co-founded Xinterra, a deep-tech company that applies A*STAR-developed AI platforms to discover and scale novel materials faster than ever before. The company reflects a growing generation of scientist-entrepreneurs translating research into solutions with commercial and global potential — a key pillar of Singapore’s R&D strategy.

Kedar mentors PhD students at A*STAR and NTU and believes that empowering the next generation of innovators is as important as the discoveries themselves. Dr Kedar received the A*STAR National Science Scholarships (both BSc and PhD), which enabled him to continue his research in materials science. His commitment to advancing materials science through research and innovation exemplifies the spirit of A*STAR’s mission to drive scientific discovery and technological innovation.

Dr Kedar’s groundbreaking work and its significant contributions to the future of materials science is a testament to the power of innovative research and its potential to transform industries and improve lives.

From Cells to Solutions: Tackling Ageing and Brain Health Through Science

Dr Caroline Wee
Principal Scientist at A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (A*STAR IMCB),
President at the Society for Neuroscience, Singapore Chapter (SfN.SG)

Dr Caroline Wee is leading transformative research at the A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (A*STAR IMCB), focused on tackling metabolic and brain health disorders using nutritional and microbiome-based strategies. With Singapore facing growing age-related and mental health challenges, Dr Wee’s innovative work offers new pathways to improve health and well-being across lifespan.

Dr Wee has always been fascinated by the intricate connection between the human brain and body. This passion drives her research, which uses zebrafish as a model organism to explore the impacts of the food we eat on our organs and brains, down to the molecular and cellular level. Her goal is to identify new pathways for disease prevention and treatment, particularly for metabolic and mental health disorders, as well as neurodegeneration over aging. This research fuels her vision of a future where science harnesses solutions found in our natural world to improve quality of life into our golden years.

A proud Singaporean, Dr Wee’s journey into biomedical research was driven by a personal mission to make a difference. She excelled academically, securing the A*STAR National Science Scholarships (BSc and PhD) that enabled her to pursue advanced studies in neuroscience. She believes that the strongest biological insights can be made by leveraging a diversity of models, which is reflected by her multidisciplinary and collaborative work – from zebrafish and cell biology to human cohort studies. She has also extended the application of her work to aquaculture health and nutrition research.

Today, she actively mentors young scientists at A*STAR and through her leadership in the local neuroscience community. She believes that building a strong research culture requires not just great science, but also a commitment to nurturing talent.

Her contributions exemplify scientific excellence, but also the spirit of innovation, mentorship and resilience that defines Singapore’s research community. By advancing brain and metabolic health, while guiding the next generation of researchers, Dr Wee is helping shape both the future of science, and the scientists of the future.

Annex C - About A*star Scholarship Programmes

Launched in 2001, the A*STAR Scholarship is an integral part of A*STAR’s talent strategy to develop a core of local scientific talent for A*STAR and the wider Singapore Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) ecosystem.

The main scholarship schemes offered by A*STAR that nurture Singaporean PhD talent are the National Science Scholarship (NSS), the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS), and the A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF). The scholarships are open to Singapore Citizens as well as Singapore Permanent Residents and non-Singaporeans who are prepared to take up Singapore Citizenship.

1. The National Science Scholarship (NSS) enables scholars to receive the best education and training at top universities and laboratories all over the world. The NSS scheme ensures that a share of top local talent chooses science and research as a career, thus sustaining a pipeline for potential local scientific leaders. Support is provided for BSc, Masters, PhD, MBBS-PhD and MD-PhD programmes. NSS scholars are required to fulfil a service commitment of four to six years. A*STAR has opened up multiple career pathways for scholars to contribute in A*STAR, as well as in academia, industry, spin-off companies, patent examination, technology transfer, research management, and other public sector organisations.
2. The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) offers up to four years of PhD training for scholars in Singapore (at NUS, NTU, SMU or SUTD). AGS scholars who graduate from NTU, NUS, SMU or SUTD are eligible to apply for the A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) to support a further two-year training at an international lab. The service commitment for AGS scholars is up to three years.^[2] The AGS scheme contributes towards building a critical mass of Singapore PhD talent to anchor R&D capabilities.
3. The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (Computing) was launched in November 2018 to attract top talents to pursue a PhD in computing and information science (CIS) disciplines. AGS (Computing) scholars will have invaluable opportunities to research real-world issues across the whole spectrum of computing science, from deep learning for healthcare, data analytics for improved machine learning, to modelling and simulation for advanced applications. The scholarship is tenable for PhD studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) or Singapore Management University (SMU).
4. The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) supports recent PhD graduates to undertake post-doctoral training in top universities and private labs overseas. The AIF allows A*STAR to retain promising young Singaporean PhD talent in Singapore after they gain post-doctoral experience overseas. The AIF fellows have a three-year service commitment to A*STAR.

More information on A*STAR’s various scholarship and attachment programmes may be found at www.a-star.edu.sg/scholarships.

^[2] There is no service commitment for AGS scholars who are Singaporeans at the point of award.

Annex D - New Scholarships Tracks Launched In 2025

1. The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (Semiconductor) develops PhD talent to support Singapore’s ambition to be a global hub for semiconductors. Scholars will train in areas such as chip design, process engineering, materials science, and advanced packaging, through PhD programmes at NUS, NTU, SMU or SUTD. Scholars may also engage in joint research with A*STAR institutes or industry partners across the semiconductor value chain. The service commitment for AGS (Semiconductor) scholars is up to three years.
2. The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (Quantum) supports Singapore’s National Quantum Strategy by building deep research talent in quantum science and engineering. Scholars will pursue PhD training in quantum technologies at local universities (such as NUS or NTU) and may have opportunities to collaborate with A*STAR research institutes or international partners. The scholarship focuses on areas including quantum sensing, communication, and computing — with applications in secure data transmission, precision diagnostics, and advanced simulation. The service commitment for AGS (Quantum) scholars is up to three years.