A*STAR Graduate Academy

At the NUS High Career Talk, we celebrated our A*STAR Science Award recipients and shared how they can pursue meaningful pathways in STEM.

A special thank-you to Prof Andy Hor, A*STAR Deputy Chief Executive (Research), Gary Lee from the A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research (A*STAR I²R), and Scholarship Officer Regina Chen for their perspectives on what a future in research can look like, and how students can begin exploring research early.

The A*STAR Science Award celebrates students with a passion for science. We hope the session encouraged them to think intentionally about where they want to be, and how curiosity, problem-solving, and research can help them work towards those goals.

Thank you as well to nushigh.lights for having us and for organising the session.

We recently hosted a Fireside Chat with Philip Yeo, Chairman of Economic Development Innovations Singapore (EDIS), where he shared candid reflections on entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and Singapore’s R&D journey.

The session brought together A*STAR scholars who have gone on to take entrepreneurial paths in their careers, including founders, C-suites and senior leaders in companies and start-ups.

Drawing from decades of experience shaping Singapore’s research and innovation ecosystem, Mr Yeo shared honest and thought-provoking perspectives on what it takes to think boldly, take risks, pursue opportunities beyond one’s comfort zone, and build with conviction.

A big thank-you to all participants for your thoughtful questions, active engagement, and enthusiasm throughout the session, which made the conversation especially meaningful.

🔬 If you are ready to pursue opportunities in science and research, explore A*STAR Scholarships: https://for.edu.sg/scholarships9a

On Monday, our Graduate Engagement Session brought together undergraduates, working professionals, and aspiring researchers to explore the different pathways available to pursue their PhDs locally or abroad.

The session sparked thoughtful discussions on important considerations when pursuing a PhD, such as thinking about your medium- to long-term goals, choosing the right scholarship and research environment to support them, and considering whether a scholarship provider offers more than just funding, such as networks, mentorship, and opportunities.

A special thank you to our speakers, Ang Koon Hwee and Kellie Sim, for sharing their personal journeys and perspectives on pursuing research and postgraduate studies.

We look forward to seeing many of you take the next step in your research journey with A*STAR.

🔬 Explore our scholarship pathways: https://for.edu.sg/scholarships9a

This week, 60 interns from the A*STAR Research Internship Award (ARIA) 2026 intake gathered for a welcome session, officially beginning their research journey with A*STAR. 🔬

ARIA offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain firsthand research experience through internships at research institutes across A*STAR.

Our interns heard from Dr Esmond Lee from the A*STAR Bioprocessing Technology Institute (A*STAR BTI) and former ARIA awardee Ms Veronica Gurung, now an NSS (PhD) scholar, who shared their experiences navigating research and making the most of internship opportunities. From Human Bingo that turned strangers into teammates, to real practical advice on navigating their internship, the session gave interns the opportunity to connect with fellow awardees, researchers, and supervisors across A*STAR.

A common message throughout the session was to stay curious, keep asking questions, and embrace the learning process as they begin their attachments across A*STAR. We look forward to seeing where their curiosity and experiences take them in the months ahead.

Interested in joining future ARIA intakes? Applications for the May/July 2027 intake will open in late November 2026.

Apply at https://for.edu.sg/aria9a

Thinking about your next step after graduation? Join us at the Graduate Engagement Session to learn how A*STAR can support your journey. Whether it’s gaining hands-on experience or pursuing further studies at top global universities, dive deep into research with A*STAR.

With the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship, you can pursue a PhD locally across specialised tracks, such as Semiconductor, Quantum, and Computing, while working on a real-world project.

Looking to go overseas? The National Science Scholarship (PhD) supports you in pursuing a PhD at leading institutions worldwide while staying connected to A*STAR’s research ecosystem.

Talk to our scholarships officers to explore your options and discover where a future with A*STAR can take you.

Sign up for the session here: https://for.edu.sg/gses26

Event Details:
📅 18 May | 11am – 12noon
📍 Innovis Multi-purpose Hall | 2 Fusionopolis Way 138634

🎓 Out & About with A*STAR – Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

“The best is yet to be” and we’re here to support you in realising your full potential.

Yesterday at ACS(I), we spoke with students about how A*STAR can support their interests in STEM and research, from early exploration to future careers in science.

Singapore’s only through-train science scholarship, the National Science Scholarship (BS–PhD), allows you to study at top global universities from undergraduate studies through to PhD. You’ll gain early research exposure at A*STAR and have the flexibility to pursue pathways across research, academia, or industry.

🔬 Find out where your research journey can take you: https://for.edu.sg/nssbsphd9a

What lies beneath the RNA we already know? 🧬

RNA plays a critical role in how our genes work. With advanced long-read sequencing, A*STAR researchers are uncovering new layers of RNA diversity. This helps us better understand disease at its roots. With possibility for better treatment.

Because better insight today leads to better care tomorrow.

Read more about the science in action: https://research.a-star.edu.sg/articles/highlights/a-longer-look-at-rna-diversity/

Shining a new light on detection. 💡

A*STAR researchers have redesigned scintillator materials so they capture more radiation energy and emit stronger light signals, resulting in clearer and sharper X-rays.

This molecular-level breakthrough could power next-generation detection platforms, and enable high-resolution molecular imaging with cleaner signals and finer detail for greater medical accuracy.

Sharper detection. Greater clarity. This is research made real.

Discover the science: https://research.a-star.edu.sg/articles/highlights/x-ray-detection-gets-a-scintillating-glow-up/

Start your journey in research: https://for.edu.sg/scholarships9a