Oration at IPB University, NUS President Reveals the Role of Academia and Industry in the Research, Innovation and Business Ecosystem
Prof Tan Eng Chye, President of the National University of Singapore (NUS) delivered an oration in front of the IPB University community. The oration was delivered in the Open Session of the 60th Anniversary of IPB University at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM), IPB Dramaga Campus (4/10). On that occasion, he explained the vital role of universities in developing research, innovation and business ecosystems.
Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, said that he was proud to be able to receive the President of NUS to share insights with the people of IPB University. Prof Arif believes that IPB University and NUS have the same vision in building innovation and the foundation of sustainable development.
“NUS is among the leading universities in Asia and the top 10 in the world. I hope, together we can build an advanced and cutting-edge approach in various aspects, including the fields of tropical agriculture, marine, and biosciences,” he said.
In this open session, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between IPB university and NUS. Areas of cooperation include education for student and lecturer mobility, including micro-credential programmes; research networks in the scope of food, climate, environment, and marine; community provision such as service programmes, experiential field learning, and innovation, especially those connecting Block71 Singapore with IPB University’s Science and Techno Park (STP).
Furthermore, the Rector said that the collaboration between IPB University and NUS will open more strategic new opportunities. One of them is the Integrated Tropical Peatlands Research Programme (INTPREP).
“It is hoped that the collaboration between IPB University and NUS will lead to a shared vision to support food security, green industry and biotechnology, and climate change mitigation,” he explained.
In his opening session, Prof Tan Eng Chye emphasised that the development of startups requires technology, talent and ecosystem. Technology will play a bigger role in solving increasingly complex problems. In addition, there is a need for consistent talent development and growth programmes.
“I am very honoured to be here. Congratulations on the 60th Anniversary of IPB University. IPB University is very committed to the advancement of agriculture and forestry. IPB University is also one of the world’s best universities. We are very happy to partner in the fields of education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
In his speech, Prof Tan said that in an effort to develop entrepreneurship and innovation for students and graduates, he has the NUS Enterprise Academy. It includes three main programmes, namely NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC), NUS Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship (NUSSP), Master of Science in Venture Creation (MSVC).
“NOC is designed to provide students with an entrepreneurial learning and development experience during their internship abroad. Participants will gain valuable and practical experience by working with innovative startup founders abroad,” he said.
Since the programme was launched, he said, NOC has been attended by more than 4,000 students and alumni, 1,100 startups established, $4.5 billion in funding raised and 8,700 jobs created.
Meanwhile, through the NUS Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship (NUSSP), students will be equipped with insights on innovation and entrepreneurship. They will get an overview of the startup ecosystem in Singapore, Southeast Asia, and around the world in order to be able to develop and create similar ideas.
Meanwhile, he continued, the NUS MSc in Venture Creation (MSVC) programme is a one-year practical master’s programme. The programme, launched in 2021, is designed to change mindsets and accelerate the transformation of ideas into successful ventures.
Enthusiasm is high. Up to now, there have been more than 2,600 applicants, and 179 students have graduated from the programme. As a result, seven MSVC alumni have successfully established startups.
After giving a speech, Prof Tan accompanied by the Rector of IPB University and his staff also had the opportunity to visit the Science and Techno Park (STP) of IPB University at Taman Kencana Campus, Bogor. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
