Business Potential for Agricultural Biotechnology - Asian Productivity ...

Business Potential for Agricultural Biotechnology Products
Orchid biotechnology—
genetic transformation (new
transformation systems, developmental
genes for
flower development)
Improve
floral traits
in orchids
– 170 –
NUS Ongoing
R&D
NIE: Natural Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang
Technological (University (http://cf2001.sngs.sch.edu.sg/Cyberfair/orchid_grex/grex_
glow.html)
IMCB: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
NUS: National University of Singapore (http://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/research/focus/
biotech.htm)
TLL: Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (www.tll.org.sg)
In the case of Nestlé, its food safety and quality policy is that it respects the responsible use
of gene technology for food production based on sound scientific research and that food ingredients
derived from GM crops will be used where appropriate. Such ingredients must also undergo
safety evaluation by international scientific bodies like WHO, FAO, and OECD. Nestlé does
not use GM-derived food ingredients in Singapore, and it maintains stringent quality control to
prevent such contamination to its input grain supply (personal communication). It has established
a traceability system to document its U.S. grain suppliers and farmers in accordance with
the requirements of the EU market.
CREATION OF AN AGRI-BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR
The government has taken a leading role in supporting the development of an agri-biotechnology
sector and supports an active approach in coordinating biotechnology strategies and
funding programs and establishing supporting infrastructures to kick-start agri-biotech R&D and
commercialization. The establishment of the Institute of Molecular Agrobiotechnology (IMA) in
1995 heralded the advent of agri-biotechnology. The institute was operated in collaboration with
the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture with the objective of
developing Singapore as a world-class center in agri-biotechnology research through the clustering
of high-caliber scientists. With the investment arm of Imagen Holdings, IMA was poised
to capitalize fully on possible avenues for collaboration, joint ventures, and new agri-biotech
business opportunities.
In 2002, IMA’s agri-biotectechnology activities were streamlined to team up with the
National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) with
a new focus on life sciences. IMA was renamed the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL)
and tasked with undertaking cutting-edge research in molecular biology and genetics in the
broad fields of life sciences. Currently, there are 15 research groups working in the areas of cell
biology, developmental biology, pathogenesis, and bioinformatics (Table 1). It is using a comprehensive
approach, in close cooperation with industry and AVA, in harnessing agri-biotechology’s
strength and revitalizing its potential under the broader scope of life sciences in this
region. 2
2 TLL will help to develop the knowledge infrastructure and R&D human capital in Singapore through joint
appointment of research fellows and collaboration in teaching and research; collaborate with the AVA, other
research institutes, hospitals, and foreign companies; and undertake a global drive to hire world-class scientists
to build its R&D capabilities in basic and applied research. It will create intellectual property to proactively help
translate research into application through successful partnership with local and international life sciences
companies. It will create a new cluster of knowledge-intensive industries in the broad areas of biotechnology.
The commercialization strategy includes licensing and establishing research collaboration agreements with local
and international partners as well as forging alliances with established research organizations; identifying parties
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