Swissnex To Close Singapore Office

Swissnex Singapore, which has facilitated research and education collaborations over the past 11 years, will close at the end of this year.

AsianScientist (Jun. 30, 2015) – Switzerland has announced that it will close its research and collaboration office (Swissnex) in Singapore at the end of the year. First launched at the Biopolis research hub in 2004, Swissnex Singapore was the third of six offices to be set up with the objective of promoting collaboration between universities and businesses in both countries.

“In view of further development and limited resources, it is important to review our strategy and set priorities,” Mr. Mauro Moruzzi, Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) head of international relations, told SwissInfo.ch.

A press release from SERI noted the accomplishments Swissnex Singapore has achieved during its time here, particularly in the education, research and innovation sectors in Singapore, as exemplified by the significant presence of ETH Zurich, University of St. Gallen and the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).

It further added that Swissnex Singapore has “fully and successfully accomplished its mandate,” and that the relationship with Singapore will continue to be regarded “of great importance, specifically in light of the strategic role Singapore plays in Southeast Asia.”

A spokesperson from Swissnex Singapore that Asian Scientist Magazine spoke to confirmed the closure, adding that the Swiss government will continue to promote Swiss research and education through other means and support Swiss institutions in Singapore.

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Copyright: Asian Scientist Magazine; Photo: Swissnex Singapore.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

Leonard graduated from Monash University with a degree in communications. He enjoys reading about science and nature.

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