A*STAR teams up with Mexican institutions to further collaboration

Mexican National Council of Science and Technology and National Polytechnic Institute join A*STAR in upgrading scientific and technological research.

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research of Singapore (A*STAR) and the Mexican National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), signed on Friday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote and develop scientific and technological cooperation programmes between both institutions. This agreement marks a milestone in the bilateral relation of Mexico and Singapore and is a first step in an ever deeper and meaningful academic and scientific research exchange between both countries.

Headed by CONACYT, a Mexican Delegation formed by several important Higher Education Institutions is visiting Singapore from July 1st to 4th. As a result of this MOU, the head of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), the institution which coordinates scientific research in Mexico, together with high level representatives of Mexican Higher Education Institutions and research centres, will explore, with the support of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further possibilities of cooperation with key stakeholders in Education and Scientific Research in Singapore, including the exchange of researchers at the pre- and postgraduate levels.

This visit is a follow up to that paid by Chairman A*STAR, Mr Lim Chuan Poh and Provost NUS and President NTU, Prof. Bertil Andersson to Mexico last September. On that occasion, the Singaporean delegation visited UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico), IPN, ANUIES (National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions), CONACYT, the National Institute of Genomic Medicine and other key Mexican institutions.

On Friday, the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) and A*STAR also signed a Letter of Intent along the same lines and spirit. Previously, in October of 2010, UNAM and A*STAR had signed a Letter of Intent. All these agreements are a clear manifestation of the interest of Mexican institutions to foster collaboration with its Singaporean counterparts.