swissnex singapore

60 Biopolis Street, #01-01/02 Genome, Singapore 138672 t: +65 6774 9360 f: +65 6774 9365 www.swissnexsingapore.org

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2007Initiative of the State Secretariat for Education and Research

Platform of the Embassy of Switzerland

Swiss Knowledge Network with outposts in Boston, San Francisco, Shanghai and Singapore

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contents

3 foreword

6 mission

7 highlights 2007

9 events 2007

14 common projects

15 presentations & regional activities

17 official delegations & visits

19 initiatives

21 website & newsletters

23 media coverage

24 finances

25 sponsors & partners

27 staff & interns

29 outlook

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swissnex Singapore is the new corporate name of the Swiss House Singapore, a platform of the Swiss Embassy bridging knowledge and competencies in science, education, art and innovation. This new common corporate identity reflects the willingness of the Swiss government to create a strong common brand which will allow the existing platforms (Boston, San Francisco, Singapore and Shanghai), as well as the future ones, to efficiently function, interact and be branded as outposts of the Swiss Knowledge Network.

To improve our services, we investigated new ways of promoting Swiss excellence in Singapore and the region by organizing workshops, panel discussions and symposia on selected research and innovation themes. We searched for attractive communication

means to inform our relevant partners about our key activities, in a constant effort to showcase our services and ensure an increasing third party financing of our projects.

Our key 2007 events include the acclaimed “Inventioneering Architecture” exhibition and lecture series showcasing the Swiss Schools of Architecture, a workshop on Wealth Management Education co-organized with the recently established Swiss banking education centers in Singapore, and the tercentennial anniversary of the Swiss mathematician Euler celebrated throughout exhibitions, lecture series and competitions. 2007 was also the year of our financial audit leading to the implementation of a new accounting system as part of new directives 2008.

foreword

swissnex singapore 2007 foreword

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This broad array of activities aims at offering a dynamic interactive platform to our users and promote excellence of Swiss education, research and high technologies. In addition to some major events that you will discover in this report, swissnex Singapore has welcomed and assisted a number of official delegations from Switzerland and Singapore, given the impulse and support to various agreements between Singaporean and Swiss institutions, provided valuable information to Swiss researchers, students, start-ups and investors seeking regional opportunities, and to Singaporean and South-East Asian students looking for challenging studies in Switzerland.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank our sponsors, partners and stakeholders who allowed swissnex Singapore to become a one-stop information and networking platform for institutions and individuals from Switzerland, Singapore and the region.

Dr. Suzanne Hraba-ReneveyExecutive Directorswissnex Singapore

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mission

swissnex Singapore is a physical and virtual information, coordination and networking platform of the Swiss Embassy in Singapore, fostering partnerships in the fields of science, education, art and innovation.

Our mission is to promote Swiss educational, scientific and technological landscapes and support the international activities of Swiss institutions of higher learning, research institutes, as well as high tech SMEs in Singapore and the region.

swissnex Singapore is a cost-effective tool and a door-opener allowing its users to prospect opportunities in a low-risk environment. It is synergistically integrating governmental, academic and economic networks under one roof, in a proximity-effective environment. It is highly visible and easily accessible as the first foreign governmental structure in the heart of Biopolis, the landmark research hub in Singapore and South-East Asia.

bridging knowledge and competencies inscience, education, art and innovation

“I appreciate your initiative very much and am glad there is dynamic and reliable people pursuing our common goals at the other end of this planet.”

Ms. Johanna Ziber

Coordinator international Cooperation of swissuniversity.Ch at the reCtors’ ConferenCe of swiss universities Crus

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Swiss Icons in SingaporeThroughout the year, Swiss mathematician Euler’s 300th anniversary was celebrated in collaboration with Singapore partners and the Swiss Science Counsellor’s network in Asia with a series of talks by mathematicians from Switzerland, two exhibitions, a sudoku competition and an Euler assay competition.

Education Fairs and Eventsswissnex Singapore showcased the excellence of Swiss Higher Education to students and education professionals at numerous education fairs.

The workshop on Talent Development in Wealth Management, organized by swissnex Singapore and the Swiss Business Hub ASEAN, in collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) tackled the issue of wealth management training through lectures on selected topics by speakers from Switzerland and Singapore.

Institutional AgreementsThanks to the support by swissnex Singapore, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between institutions in Switzerland and Singapore, enabling student and professor exchanges and in-depth cooperation in specific research topics.

Academic ProgrammesIn collaboration with local and Swiss partners, swissnex Singapore has sponsored a master program in Tropical Diseases and a Language Immersion program in Switzerland. Furthermore, it has provided support to internships and study trips for Swiss and Singaporean students.

Hightech-related EventsTogether with SIMTech (Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technologies) and the Institute of Microtechnology (IMT) of the University of Neuchâtel, swissnex Singapore has organized the Swiss-Singaporean

highlights 2007

swissnex singapore 2007 highlights

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Workshop on Harsh Environment Applications, giving participants from academia and industry the opportunity to exchange on groundbreaking topics.

swissnex Singapore was a sponsor of the 4th International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT) and assisted the delegation of researchers from Switzerland in their networking with local partners.

Biotech-related EventsA Breakfast Talk on the topic of “Current Trends in Financing of Life Sciences Companies in Switzerland” was presented by SWX Swiss Exchange Vice-President and a Life Sciences investor, followed by one-to-one meetings with local investors and biotech companies.

In the frame of its 5th Life Sciences Career Days at the National University of Singapore swissnex Singapore was representing the powerful Swiss biotech sector by providing information on research opportunities in this field.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programmesswissnex Singapore hosted the delegation of the International Senior Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (ISEP) at Biopolis and provided the participants with a business-related understanding of Singapore’s biotech activities.

Support to Swiss Start-upsswissnex Singapore assisted Swiss high-tech SMEs and start-ups in Singapore and the region, by providing contacts to valuable knowledge networks, in a low-cost, low-risk, and proximity effective environment.

Support to Singaporean Delegations to Switzerlandswissnex Singapore organized an environment study trip to Switzerland for the winning teams of the Singapore National Weather Study Project, who had the unique opportunity to visit a variety of Swiss institutions and showcase their projects at schools in Switzerland.

In the frame of the “Inventioneering Architecture” exhibition, a delegation of decision makers from Singapore was hosted by Présence Suisse for an architecture trip in Switzerland.

Support to Swiss Delegations to Asia An EPFL Study Trip to Singapore organized by swissnex, allowed the students to liaise with their counterpart academic institutions and perform company visits, while enjoying Singapore in Swiss host families from the Swiss Assocition Singapore.

In cooperation with swissnex, the Asia Research Centre of the University of St.Gallen offered students from Switzerland the opportunity to attend a study trip to Indonesia.

Common ProjectsEuler’s 300th anniversary was celebrated in Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore thanks to a close collaboration between the respective Science Counsellors.

The acclaimed exhibition “Inventioneering Architecture” was welcomed by swissnex Singapore, after swissnex San Francisco, Boston and Shanghai.

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events 2007

Swiss-Singaporean Workshop on Harsh Environment Applications

22 January 2007

The workshop featuring a series of speeches outlining the importance of environment resistant microsystems in a broad range of business areas, such as automotive electronics, space and transport, as well as construction industries, was jointly organized by SIMTech, the Institute of Microtechnology (IMT), the University of Neuchâtel and swissnex Singapore. A lively panel discussion concluding the event, tea-breaks and a standing lunch gave the more than 170 participants the opportunity to interact, expand their network and launch new projects.

NTU iGlobal Fair 200724 to 25 January 2007

swissnex Singapore, together with other European countries, participated as an exhibitor at the Nanyang

swissnex singapore 2007 events

Technological University iGlobal07 Fair, promoting existing exchange programs between NTU and the Swiss partner universities, namely EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, the University of St.Gallen and the University of Applied Sciences Rapperswil.

Career 20071 to 4 March 2007

The largest Career fair in Singapore and the region was held for the 20th time at the Suntec City Convention Centre, attracting more than 400,000 visitors during the four-day event. A record number of fourteen Swiss institutions of higher learning, both Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences were represented by swissnex. The Swiss booth, as a part of the European Pavilion created a good opportunity to raise interest among prospective students. With the kind help of exchange students currently studying in Singapore and the knowledgeable inputs of delegates from Switzerland representing some of the institutions present, a great flow of information was achieved and no questions were left unanswered.

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events 2007 Anglo-Chinese Higher Education and Careers Day 20077 March 2007

The Anglo-Chinese Junior College is among the best ranked Junior Colleges in Singapore, with its International Baccalaureate results among the top worldwide. In order to inform its students about full time studying opportunities in Switzerland, a swissnex and the St.Gallen representatives provided tailor–made information about admission criteria, domains of excellence, fees and cost of living in Switzerland. Advice on how to overcome the language barrier was provided to attract the very best students from Singapore to Switzerland.

APAIE Annual Conference and Exhibition7 to 9 March 2007

The second Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) was hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS). University presidents, educators, policy makers and professionals discussed the issues and the future of the Internationalization process in the field of education on this year’s Conference theme “The Renaissance of Asia-Pacific Higher Education”. Along the conference, an exhibition took place on the 8th and 9th of March, giving countries and institutions of higher education the opportunity to showcase their education programmes. swissnex Singapore represented all Swiss institutions of higher learning and served as a platform and meeting point for the Swiss delegates and their international counterparts.

SWX Swiss Exchange Event in Singapore 15 to 16 May 2007

The event on the topic of “Current Trends in Financing of Life Sciences Companies in Switzerland” took place in the form of a Breakfast Talk and was attended by more than 85 participants from public and private sectors. After the presentation given by Dr. Yvonne Gunschmann, Vice-President SWX and Nick Draeger, Partner at Adamant Biomedical Investments AG, a Q&A session and one-to-one meetings with local investors and biotech companies concluded the event. The individual meetings allowed companies from Singapore and investors to explore opportunities to get listed, respectively to invest at the SWX.

ICMAT 20071 to 6 July 2007

swissnex Singapore was a sponsor of the 4th International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT) held bi-annually in Singapore. Concurrently, the Global Enterprise for Micro-Mechanics and Molecular Medicine (GEM4) organized its first Conference on Cancer. Several scientists from Swiss institutions presented their research achievements as authors, keynote or invited speakers. In addition, numerous symposia were organized and more than 50 international exhibitors showcased their products and equipment during the conference. swissnex Singapore has been supporting the Swiss participants by facilitating networking with local partners for future research collaborations.

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ISEP Delegation at Biopolis 5 July 2007

swissnex Singapore hosted the delegation of the International Senior Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (ISEP) at Biopolis with participants from different fields such as banking and finance, electronics, manufacturing and food technology. ISEP is the official Entrepreneurial Program of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) and the University of St.Gallen (HSG) focusing on senior executives who want to refresh and enhance their knowledge and competence as entrepreneurs. The aim of the event was to provide the participants with a business-related understanding of Singapore’s biotech activities.

Civil Service Scholarships and Careers Fair 7 July 2007

The Civil Service Scholarships and Careers Fair organized by the Public Service Commission aims at providing a platform where government scholarship providers and organizations can create awareness on government scholarships, overseas education and the challenging opportunities within the Public service. swissnex Singapore offered information about the Swiss Universities. In addition, the students and their accompanying parents were introduced to the Swiss education system and given information about the language requirements.

swissnex singapore 2007 events

Further Education Talks at Temasek 1 August 2007

swissnex presented the Swiss Higher Education System and the Universities of Applied Sciences at the Further Education Talks at Temasek Polytechnic. The event which was attended by 500 students consisted of 30-minute sessions where the participating countries presented their education opportunities. In addition, there were small booths where the students could collect brochures and ask questions. The Temasek Polytechnic students were surprised to hear about the four languages in Switzerland and many of them showed an interest in a hospitality degree.

International Exchange Day 2007 at National University Singapore6 September 2007 swissnex, together with the St.Gallen representative, provided information about the Swiss Universities, took part in the information sessions and answered enquiries from students interested in an exchange at the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology Zurich (ETHZ) and Lausanne (EPFL) and the Universities of St. Gallen, Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich, which are all partner universities of NUS.

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Discover Europe10 October 2007

The 3rd “Discover Europe for Your Future Day” took place at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).This event which consisted of a panel discussion, a European Career Fair with Career Seminars and a European Cultural Pavilion was jointly organized by the Delegation of the European Commission to Singapore, EuroCham, NTU and several EU member states. swissnex Singapore was present at the event with a booth, showcasing studying, business, cultural and traveling opportunities in Switzerland.

Climate Change and Security Workshop11 to 12 October 2007

The main objective of this conference organized by the Embassy of Switzerland and the Rajaratnam School of Public Policy was to discuss the security implications of climate change in Asia, with particular focus on developing states. Issues covered included identifying key security challenges faced by the region, examining state and regional responses to such challenges and analyzing the role of regional powers and multilateral institutions in promoting regional and international cooperation in mitigating the impact of climate change. The conference aimed at sensitizing Singapore and Southeast Asia to the Swiss security policies, encourage co-operations between Swiss and Singaporean think thanks and increase the visibility of Switzerland with regard to security policies.

Networking Event for New Students from SwitzerlandOctober 2007

The Swiss Ambassador to Singapore, Dr. Daniel Woker, the Head of the St.Gallen Asia Term, Prof. Chong Li-Choy, as well as the swissnex Singapore team welcomed the students that had recently arrived from Switzerland to Singapore. The event took place at Biopolis, one of the most dynamic biotech hubs worldwide. The purpose of the event was to allow the students from different Swiss universities to get a taste of academic and business activities in Singapore, to establish contacts with local and Swiss communities and to exchange experiences.

“Votre accueil a été merveilleux et je vous en remercie vivement. Je crois sincèrement que j’ai rarement été accueillie aussi chaleureusement.”

Ms. sabine werMus

swiss student in singapore

13 swissnex singapore 2007 events / common projects

Talent Development in Wealth Management7 November 2007

Wealth Management has developed tremendously in the past 5 years in Singapore and across Asia leading to fierce competition for well educated Wealth Managers among the banking institutions. In order to tackle the issue, swissnex Singapore and the Swiss Business Hub ASEAN, in collaboration with the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) jointly organized a Swiss-Singaporean half-day Workshop on Talent Development in Wealth Management at the Raffles Convention Centre. The event, attracting attendees from the banking, government and academic sectors, as well as the general public, consisted in lectures by speakers from Singapore and Switzerland, a panel discussion and a networking lunch. Lessons learned from the Swiss apprenticeship and on the job learning were shared by the Swiss participants including the Director of the Swiss Finance Institute, Dr. Harry Hürzeler, and the CEO of the Swiss Bankers Association, Urs P. Roth.

NUS Life Sciences Career Days10 November 2007

Switzerland is hosting headquarters of some of the finest companies and institutes in the field such as Merck-Serono and the Basel Biozentrum. In the frame of its 5th Life Sciences Career Days, NUS welcomed companies and research institues to present their latest employment opportunities to the students. swissnex Singapore was representing the powerful Swiss biotech sector by providing brochures and further information on research opportunities in the field. Students were informed on the possibilities and requirements to do PhDs and postdocs in Swiss universities and centers of excellence for molecular biology, developmental biology, biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Study in Europe Higher Education Fair8 December 2007

To promote Europe’s outstanding Higher Education opportunities, swissnex Singapore, together with the Delegation of the European Commission in Singapore and eight European countries, organized the second “Study in Europe” Higher Education Fair, held at the Meritus Mandarin Hotel. The event was open for students of all Singaporean Universities, Polytechnics, Junior Colleges and International Schools. swissnex Singapore promoted the outstanding studying opportunities at Swiss Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences, as well as the attractive education environment in Switzerland.

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Euler’s 300th Anniversary CelebrationsApril to September 2007

The celebrations of the 300th Anniversary of Leonhard Euler were launched with an exhibition showcasing Euler’s discoveries and life and two presentations given by Prof. Rolf Jeltsch from the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ). The “Experiencing Mathematics” Exhibition, (initiated by UNESCO and designed by Centre•Sciences, CCSTI de la région Centre, Orléans, France in collaboration with the Tokai University, Tokyo-Japan, and the Ateneo of Manila University, Philippines) was launched in July in the Singapore Science Center, together with the speech by Prof. Hanspeter Kraft, University of Basel. The celebrations were concluded with speeches in August and September by Prof. Walter Gautschi from Purdue University and Prof. Gerhard Wanner from the University of Geneva, respectively.

common projects

Inventioneering ArchitectureNovember to December 2007

After swissnex San Francisco, Boston and Shanghai, swissnex Singapore welcomed the “Inventioneering Architecture” exhibition at VivoCity, during the Singapore Design Festival. Featuring an interactive 40-metres-long platform of an imaginative cross-section of the Swiss Alps, the applauded exhibition was built by professors and students from the three Swiss schools of architecture. Parallel talks by architects from Switzerland were hosted by the National University of Singapore.

“Thanks to Leonhard Euler’s 300th anniversary, I am the third mathematician in one sequence to experience the impressive activity of swissnex in Singapore.”

prof. dr. gerhard wanner

president of seCtion vii of the swiss aCadeMy of natural sCienCes, university of geneva

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Information Sessions on Studying / Exchange Opportunities in Switzerland

Nanyang Technological University iGlobal Fair 2007, 24 to 25 January 2007 •Seminar series at Career 2007: “Swiss Higher Education and Research”, 1 to 4 March 2007•Anglo-Chinese School Higher Education and Careers Day 2007, 7 March 2007•European Higher Education Fair in Hong Kong, 31 March to 1 April 2007•Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship Seminar, 7 July 2007•Further Education Talks at Temasek Polytechnic, 1 August 2007•National University of Singapore (NUS) event “Exchange Opportunities in Switzerland”, 23 August 2007•Singapore Management University (SMU) Exchange Fair, 5 September 2007•NUS International Exchange Day, 6 September 2007•OCSC 4• th Education Expo Bangkok, 13 to 14 October 2007Seminar series at “Study in Europe” Higher Education Fair, 8 December 2007•

presentations & regional activities

swissnex singapore 2007 presentations & regional activities

Presentations

Presentations on swissnex Singapore’s ActivitiesBriefing on St. Gallen Integration Seminar, 23 August 2007•

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OCSC 4th Education Expo Bangkok13 to 14 October 2007

The Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) of Thailand has organized for the fourth time its exhibition on education entitled “4th OCSC International Education Expo 2007” held in Bangkok from 13 to 14 October 2007. The goal of the fair was to become an information centre related to education, as well as to help support growth in Thailand’s education with emphasis on creating inter-country knowledge and cultural exchanges. The fair took place at the National Convention Center, Bangkok and welcomed around 30’000 students from all over Thailand. For the first time, Swiss public universities were presented at this fair by the Swiss Embassy in Thailand and swissnex Singapore. This event was a major opportunity to promote Swiss public education to Thai students.

European Higher Education Fair in Hong Kong31 March to 1 April 2007

More than 40 institutions from 10 different European countries participated in the 7th European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2007 taking place in the Hong Kong Central Library. The aim of the event was to showcase the studying opportunities and strengthen the academic links between Hong Kong and the institutions present. It was the first time that swissnex Singapore was given the opportunity to join the European fair and promote the programmes, as well as provide specific information on required topics. A presentation in the frame of a seminar session to highlight the diversity of the Swiss education landscape and to provide a general introduction of the Swiss Higher Education concluded the event.

“Thank you very much for this very interesting report (European Higher Education Fair Report 2007), and for all that swissnex Singapore has invested in time, energy and money to represent the UNIL in Hong Kong.”

Mr. MarC pilloud

international relations assistant, university of lausanne

Regional Activities

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EPFL Study Trip to Singapore4 to 8 September 2007

Singapore and Malaysia were selected as destinations for a study trip by a group of Electrical Engineering students from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL). The Program included technical visits to academic institutions (NTU School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering), company visits (Siemens and Senoko Power), Swiss interests in Singapore and extra-curricular activities. The EPFL students were hosted by Swiss families from the Swiss Association in Singapore, which gave them the opportunity to experience the Swiss life in an Asian setting and initiate valuable networking.

official delegations & visits

swissnex singapore 2007 official delegations & visits

Indonesia Study Trip2 to 18 December 2007

swissnex Singapore supported a program organized by the School of Business and Management at Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM – ITB) and the Asia Research Centre (ARC) of the University of St.Gallen. Students from different European and Asian universities were exposed to the unique contexts of villages and the city of Bandung in West Java, Indonesia. Cultural management and enterprise development through multicultural teamwork and social entrepreneurship allowed the participants to develop viable business plans, improve specific village enterprises, find business sponsors and explore relevant markets.

Delegations from Switzerland

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Environment Study Trip to Switzerland3 to 8 September 2007

The winning teams of the National Weather Study Project, a competition organized by Senoko Power, were awarded with a trip to Switzerland in early September. The aim of the competition is to create awareness and educate the youth on environmental issues. During a programme organized by swissnex, the students visited different institutions in Switzerland such as the Axporama, the Paul Scherrer Institut or the Global Atmosphere Watch Programme at Jungfraujoch. The winners also had the unique opportunity to showcase their projects at local schools in Switzerland and interact with the Swiss pupils.

“One most interesting observation shared by many is that swissnex has been most active, engaging and visibly interacting with both the national as well as the international communities in Singapore. The encouraging substantive outcomes (Inventioneering Architecture Exhibition) due to the work of this compact yet dynamic organization is much appreciated and admired.”

John ting ChairMan of aCadeMy of singapore institute of arChiteCts (sia) and board MeMber of board of arChiteCts (boa)

Architecture Study Trip to Switzerland22 to 28 September 2007

In order to create awareness about the “Inventioneering Architecture” exhibition which was held at VivoCity in November and December 2007 swissnex Singapore organized a fully-sponsored architecture study trip to Switzerland. The delegation was comprised of academics from the National University of Singapore (NUS), representatives from the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA), the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the Board of Architects (BOA) and a journalist from Business Times. Part of the programme were a visit of the three famous architecture schools Mendrisio, EPFL and ETHZ, meetings with Swiss architects to establish sustainable relationships and launch joint programmes, and the visit of well-known architecture icons in Switzerland.

Delegations to Switzerland

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Long-term Representatives at swissnex SingaporeThe University of St.Gallen has established a permanent Asia Centre Singapore at swissnex Singapore in September 2004, underlining its strong presence and commitment in Singapore. A second St.Gallen representative has joined swissnex Singapore in March 2006, ensuring efficient promotion of the university and coordinating the existing programmes. This representative is also in charge of the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland. swissnex Singapore welcomes long term partners under its roof, fostering synergies between the various parties.

Short-term Users at swissnex SingaporeTo allow Swiss institutions, organizations and start-up/SMEs from the high tech sector to explore the opportunities in Singapore and the region, swissnex Singapore provides the opportunity to rent a fully equipped working space at a nominal fee.

initiatives

swissnex singapore 2007 initiatives

Institutional AgreementsFederal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich reconsiders •admission criteria for Singapore students University of Zurich and NUS (Faculties of Law) •

Haute Ecole d’Art et de Design Lausanne (ECAL) and NUS •

University of St.Gallen and NUS on •General Student Exchange

University of St.Gallen and NTU Double-Master •in Banking and Finance

University of St.Gallen and NTU Double Degree MBA•

A major increase of Singapore students in Switzerland was recorded by institutions like ETHZ (14 exchange students instead of 1-2 previously) and St.Gallen University (23 exchange instead of 8; 5 full time instead of 0 previously).

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Academic ProgrammesIn collaboration with local and Swiss partners, swissnex Singapore has set up and sponsored Master, Exchange and Language Immersion Programmes for Swiss and Singaporean students.

The Master of Science in Infectious Diseases, Vaccinology and Drug Discovery is jointly organized by the National University of Singapore, Novartis Institute of Tropical Diseases, Biozentrum of the University of Basel and the Swiss Tropical Institute. swissnex Singapore has sponsored the second intake of students.

For the second consecutive year the Language Immersion Programme has allowed twelve students from Singapore to go to the University of Fribourg for intensive French and German language courses and will be followed by an exchange programme in the respective domains of studies in 2008.

Furthermore, study trips for students from Switzerland were organized in Singapore and the region, together with local academic and business partners, allowing the students to discover the Asian business and scientific research environments (see delegations to Asia).

Student SupportNumerous enquiries from Singaporean students interested in studying in Switzerland and searching for granting opportunities have been answered, mostly as a follow-up of the education fairs attended. swissnex Singapore being a walk-in office, it also offers brochures and information materials on Swiss higher learning institutions to interested students.

Furthermore, swissnex Singapore administrated applications for the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) grants for the second year. This grant is publicized on the website and information is also sent individually to

eligible and interested students who have enquired with swissnex Singapore. For the application for academic year 2007/2008, swissnex Singapore received and submitted five applications, out of which two were accepted and awarded the scholarship from the Swiss Confederation. Furthermore, the two applicants for 2006/2007 got their grant extended for one more year. swissnex Singapore assisted the scholarship awardees with their pre-departure enquiries.

Swiss students in Singapore were welcomed to Singapore during the annual welcome event held in October, were assisted with enquiries on job or internship opportunities and were invited to join swissnex Singapore’s events as well as presentations given at the Swiss Business Association, and events organized by the Swiss Association in Singapore.

In addition, swissnex Singapore has also provided assistance on the following academic case studies:

Lodovico Brioschi, University of St.Gallen, •Bachelor Thesis “Analysis of the SE Asian Private Banking market, its trends and future potential” Nina Degonda, University of St. Gallen, SIM-IWP •Internship at the Swiss House Singapore, “Future Growth Opportunities for the Swiss House Singapore”

Roland Hunziker, INSEAD, “Strategies for Asia •Pacific” elective course

“Development of a New Strategic Service Portfolio •for Swiss House Singapore” (Integration Seminar, HSG Asia Term at SMU 2007)

Art Exhibitions at swissnexArt exhibitions by Lucas Gasser and Catherine Juget, two Swiss artists based in Singapore, were organized at swissnex with the support by art-management.com.

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The swissnex Singapore website is a dynamic platform communicating instantly upcoming events, reporting past activities and providing comprehensive information on education, research and innovation in Singapore and Switzerland. swissnex Singapore’s website enjoys increasing popularity.

swissnex Singapore publishes a monthly Science-Asia Newsletter in collaboration with its colleagues in Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul on science, technology, research, innovation and education related topics.

swissnex Singapore continues to inform its growing number of users, partners, sponsors and interested circles on past events and future activities through the quarterly e-newsletter.

website & newsletters

swissnex singapore 2007 website & newsletters

“I wish to thank you for inviting me to the event (Talent Development in Wealth Management). I thought it was perfectly organized, had interesting speakers, and certainly a great attendance. Congratulations!”

dr. harry hürZeler direCtor swiss finanCe institute

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Total number of unique visitors: 76,677 Monthly average: 1,939

Visitors to swissnex Singapore website

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media coverage

swissnex singapore 2007 media coverage / finances

Jan 07 Karriere-Jahrbuch Asien ist verlockend

19 Jan 07 24 Heures Charles Kleiber bientôt retraité, qui lui succédera

Mar 07 SBF News SER Career 2007 in Singapur – wichtige Buildungsmesse für die Schweiz / Career 2007 à Singapour – une vitrine importante pour la Suisse

May 07 SBF News SER “Inventioneering Architecture” in Singapur / « Inventioneering Architecture » à Singapour

May 07 Connect ETH Alumni Unterstützung vor Ort

Jun 07 Impulse Leonhard Euler – Ein Mann mit dem man rechnen kann

Jun 07 Schweizer Revue Alumni-Weekend der Universität St.Gallen

Jun/Jul 07 Relax 300th Anniversary of Swiss mathematician Euler

3 Jun 07 Tendance Déco Singapour à l’heure des bâtisseurs suisses

Jul 07 Impulse ‘Current Trends in Financing of Life Science Companies in Switzerland’ SWX Swiss Exchange Event in Singapur zum Thema vom 15. & 16. Mai 2007

2 Jul 07 Le Temps Recherche et formation à l’épreuve de leur passé

7 Jul 07 The Straits Times Around the world in a ‘Solar Taxi’

Aug 07 Impulse Einsatz für die Umwelt und das Klima schon in jungen Jahren – Studienreise in die Schweiz im September 2007

Sep 07 The Straits Times Swiss Treat for S’pore students

1 Sep 07 Update – ETH Alumni Newsletter swissnex Singapore – Keep in touch !

Oct 07 Impulse “Inventioneering Architecture”:Ausstellung in Singapur & Studienreise in die Schweiz

Nov 07 Relax “Inventioneering Architecture”: Exhibition & Lecture Series

Nov 07 Impulse “Talent Development in Wealth Management” Workshop

Nov 07 Channel NewsAsia TV coverage of “Talent Development in Wealth Management” Workshop

Nov 07 Human Resources Online Private bankers must maintain high standards or lose out

Dec 07 Singapore Architect Centre Le Corbusier, Zurich, Switzerland

Dec 07 Impulse “Study in Europe” Education Fair

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financesThe State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER) covers the running costs as well as the core projects costs of swissnex Singapore. In 2007, 2/3 of the projects cost was sponsored by third parties.

Allocated Budget by SER 2007 (CHF)Projects 70,000Travel 15,000Representation 10,000Running costs 65,000Personnel 150,000Total 310,000

ProjectsBudget from SER (CHF)

Contributions from Partners (CHF)

Si 1/07European Higher Education Fair 2007, Hong Kong

5,379 1,721

Si 2/07APAIE Exhibition 2007

2,564 1,142

Si 3/07Euler Exhibition

29,257 93,589

Si 4/07SWX Swiss Exchange Event in Singapore

3,867 1,183

Si 5/07Climate Change and Security in Asia

2,822 -

Si 6/07OCSC 4th Education Expo in Bangkok

429 -

Si 7/07Discover Europe 2007

742 -

Si 9/07Study in Europe 2007- Higher Education Fair

2,820 -

Talent Development in Wealth Management Workshop

- 27,278

NUS Language Immersion Programme

20,000 -

Total 67,880 121,914

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sponsors & partners

swissnex singapore 2007 sponsors & partners

art-management.comCLS Communications LtdCTI (Swiss Innovation Promotion Agency)CRUS (Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities)EHL (Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne)EPFL (Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne)ETHZ (Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)HEI (Graduate Institute of International Studies Geneva)Holcim Pte LtdHTW Chur (University of Applied Sciences Chur) IBF (Institute of Banking and Finance, Singapore)ISEP (International Senior Executive Program)Kalaidos University of Applied SciencesKHF (Conference of the Universities of Applied Sciences)Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & CieMarché MövenpickNestlé Singapore Pte LtdPrésence SuisseRicola Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

SCTE (Swiss Conference of Rectors of Schools for Teacher Education)SIMTech (Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology)Singapore Design FestivalSingapore Science CenterSwiss Bankers AssociationSwiss Association SingaporeSWX Swiss ExchangeUniversity of BaselUniversity of BernUniversity of FribourgUniversity of GenevaUniversity of LausanneUniversity of NeuchâtelUniversity of St.GallenUniversity of ZurichUniversity of LuganoVivoCity

Sponsors

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Stakeholdersswissnex Singapore is partnering with a variety of stakeholders including institutions of higher learning, research institutes, economic promoters, governmental offices, business associations as well as consulting services.

Swiss Club

Large-scale joint events have been organized at the Swiss Club, where the Swiss community was invited. Such events are advertised and reported in the Relax magazine reaching out to the Swiss Club members.

Swiss School Singapore

swissnex Singapore facilitates talks and visits at the Swiss school for iconic personalities from Switzerland and gets assistance from the Swiss school in all matters regarding primary/ secondary education in Switzerland.

Swiss Association Singapore

The recently established association aims at providing a common platform to the growing Swiss community in Singapore (more than 2000 registered end of 2007, an increase of 20% since one year). Examples of collaborations with the Swiss Association Singapore include hosting of students’ delegation in member families and at Swiss Association events.

Collaborations with Swiss Community in Singapore

Swiss Business Hub ASEAN (SBH)

The Swiss Business Hub ASEAN advises small and medium-sized Swiss companies willing to develop their international activities in Southeast Asia. Enquiries in the economic sector addressed to swissnex Singapore or SBH are considered in a pragmatic fashion by both entities. Whenever an overlap of tasks exists, knowledge is shared. Some services that swissnex Singapore offers which are not available at the Swiss Business Hub ASEAN include contacts to R&D and high tech related networks, as well as rental of a working space at swissnex Singapore at a nominal fee.

Swiss Business Association

Potential speakers for Swiss Business Association events are proposed periodically to the chairman. Swiss students in Singapore also may attend events organized by the SBA and write a small report to be published on the SBA web site.

swissnex Singapore is a member of the Swiss Business Association in Singapore and of BioSingapore (Singapore Biotech Association), and is tightly collaborating with the Swiss Business Hub ASEAN.

Partners

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Dr. Suzanne Hraba-Renevey, Executive DirectorDr. Suzanne Hraba-Renevey was awarded a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and spent several years in academia and research. She created the position of Science Counsellor at the Embassy of Switzerland in Singapore, and was instrumental in the implementation of Swiss House Singapore, presently swissnex Singapore. She presently conceives, manages and communicates swissnex activities, leading a three-member team, and reporting to an advisory board compromising personalities from academia, government and the corporate world.

staff & interns

Simona Cereghetti, Personal Assistant since 10 December 2007Ms. Cereghetti has joined swissnex in December 2007. Before moving to Singapore last September, she has been working for major Swiss banks as assistant in the Private Banking sector and has accumulated more then 10 years experience in this domain. She is proficient in Italian, English, German and French. Similarly to Ms. Lim, Ms. Cereghetti is responsible for the accounting and for the administration at swissnex Singapore. She is also in charge of answering enquires, organizing the meetings of visitors and updating the website and contacts database. She writes the Science-Asia Newsletter and contributes occasionally to the swissnex Singapore e-newsletters.

Siyin Lim, Personal Assistant from April 2005 to September 2007Ms. Lim completed her studies with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in Dec 2004. She graduated with a major in Economics and a minor in China Studies. She is proficient in English, Chinese and German. During her studies, she spent one term in Konstanz, Germany. Ms. Lim has been working for more then two years at swissnex Singapore and her commitment and excellent contribution were instrumental and highly appreciated. She left the organization in September 2007 to pursue a career in the private sector.

swissnex singapore 2007 staff & interns

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Period Name Qualifications Projects

Jan to Mar 07

Nico Decurtins Bachelor of Arts (Business Administration), University of Berne

Nanyang Technological University iGlobal Fair, Career Fair 2007, APAIE Conference and Exhibition 2007, European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) in Hong Kong, Leonhard Euler 300 years Anniversary

Jan to Mar 07

Fabio Lenzlinger Bachelor of Arts (Business Administration), University of St. Gallen

Swiss-Singapore Workshop on Microsystems for Harsh Environment Applications, Inventioneering Architecture, Food Innovation Workshop, Leonhard Euler 300 years Anniversary

Mar to Jun 07

Nathaly Bachmann Master of Science (Business Psychology), University of Zurich

European Higher Education Fair SWX Swiss Exchange Breakfast Talk, Workshop on Talent Development in Wealth Management, Food Innovation Workshop

Mar to Jul 07

Patrice Kreidi Master of Arts (European Political Studies and Economics), University of Geneva

Leonhard Euler 300 years Anniversary, ICMAT, Inventioneering Architecture

May to Jun 07

Manora Leneveu Bachelor of Business ManagementSingapore Management University

National Weather Study Project

Jun to Sep 07

Seraina Arquint Master of Accounting and Finance, CEMS Master in International Management (Community of European Management Schools), University of St. Gallen

National Weather Study Project, Workshop on Talent Development in Wealth Management, Food Innovation Workshop, “Discover Europe”, “Study in Europe”

Jul to Oct 07

Fabienne Suter Master of Science (Marketing, Services and Communication), University of St. Gallen

Inventioneering Architecture, Architecture Trip to Switzerland, Leonhard Euler 300 years Anniversary

Oct to Dec 07

Niroshan Balasubramaniam

Bachelor of Science (Bioengineering), EPFL

Inventioneering Architecture, OCSC 4th Education Expo Bangkok, NUS Life Sciences Day

Oct to Dec 07

Isabel Laederach Master of Science (Marketing and Service Management), University of Zurich

Talent Development in Wealth Management Workshop, Discover Europe, Study in Europe, Food Innovation Workshop

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It is our privilege to be part of the Swiss Knowledge Network including members in Boston, San Francisco, Shanghai and Singapore, with a growing number of swissnex outposts planned in India, Russia and South Africa.

One of the major projects in the frame of the Swiss-Singaporean partnerships is the establishment of the ETH domain in Singapore as part of CREATE, the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, hosting the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This set up will greatly improve the collaboration between Switzerland and Singapore and open up avenues for Swiss-Singaporean partnerships in science, education and innovation. Our major events in 2008 include the Food Innovation Workshop organized with Nestlé R&D Center, the MedTech workshop with the Singapore

Institute of Manufacturing Technologies (SIMTech) and the Institute of Microtechnology, Switzerland, as well as the International Symposium on Electronics Arts (ISEA 2008) which will host “Lucid Fields”, an exhibition from the Swiss artists-in-labs program at the LaSalle College of the Arts.

We hope that this brief overview of our activities in 2008 is appealing, and look forward to welcoming you soon at swissnex Singapore events!

The swissnex Singapore Team

outlook

swissnex singapore 2007 outlook

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“On behalf of Prof. Finger and the team, I would like to thank you for your initiative and thoughtfulness. We definitely look forward to a closer working relationship with swissnex Singapore in the near future.”

Mr. Choi Chor san Coordinator, exeCutive Master prograMs, Chair, ManageMent of network industries, College of ManageMent of teChnology, eCole polyteChnique fédérale de lausanne