SG Robotics – Catalysing Capabilities, Capturing Value
Abstract
The National Robotics Programme (NRP) is one of the Singapore RIE (Research, Innovation and Enterprise) initiatives. Since it was established in 2016, it has invested in use-inspired and use-driven research and development in various public sector laboratories and centres of excellence to build differentiating robotics capabilities for Singapore. Beyond building technology enablers, NRP has also been proactive in catalysing robotics-related translation, applications, industry development and talent development to enhance value capture for Singapore. This talk will share the experience of NRP’s journey to develop a vibrant and innovative robotics ecosystem in Singapore. It will include examples of some of the robotics-related RIE capabilities which have been developed so far.
Ex-Chief Executive, Singapore National Robotics Programme (NRP)
Biography
Professor Quek Tong Boon was the founding Chief Executive of the Singapore National Robotics Programme from its inception in 2016 till end Mar 2025.
Currently he chairs the PUB (Singapore’s national water agency) Water Technology Advisory Panel and sits in various other public sector committees. They include the Committee of Government Scientific Advisors, the Scientific Advisory Panel of the Ministry of National Development, and the International Advisory Panel of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.
His past appointments in the public sector included being the Chief Defence Scientist of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), its Deputy Secretary (Technology and Transformation), Chief Research and Technology Officer, and Chief Information Officer between 2002 to 2016. He was the Chief Scientific Advisor of the Ministry of Trade and Industry from 2017 till Mar 2023.
In the 90s and 2000s, Prof Quek was CEO of DSO National Laboratories(DSO) and helmed the Defence Materiel Organisation (predecessor organization to today’s DSTA – Defence Science and Technology Agency). He also chaired the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore(IPOS) and sat on the Boards of various public sector organisations and agencies such as DSTA, DSO, SingTel, Singapore Technologies, PUB, A*STAR and the Singapore University of Technology and Design(SUTD).
An engineer by training, Prof Quek is an adjunct professor at the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore. He is also a Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Engineers, Singapore and a Fellow of the Academy of Engineering, Singapore.