Unleashing the power of science, research and innovation in Asia

Preethi Kesavan, Head at the School of Advanced Technology and Digital Media, LSBF Singapore, highlights the transformative role of science, research and innovation in Asia

Asia is transforming, focusing on establishing itself as a leading hub for innovation in science, technology, society, and research.

Prominent efforts to foster a vibrant research culture are evident in higher education institutions across Asia, like Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and National University of Singapore (NUS), Private Educational Institutes (PEI) and in the establishment of world-class research and development hubs such as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

Asia’s commitment to knowledge-driven development has propelled it to the forefront of global scientific advancements. As a result, Asia’s scientific community is reshaping the world from ground-breaking discoveries to technological innovations. In this editorial, we explore the transformative role of science, research, and innovation in Asia and highlight some remarkable achievements driving progress in the region.

Scientific excellence and collaboration

Asian researchers are at the forefront of breakthrough discoveries and have significantly contributed to education, medicine, physics, and environmental sciences. For example, The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, India, hosted the Global University Systems-GUS Academic Summit on transformation for future-proof education.

This summit was intended to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience related to educational transformations in the future to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing digital workforce and strengthen the research community within GUS.

The summit effectively leveraged research resources and partnerships by connecting experts from various GUS institutes, ultimately achieving global impact. This platform enabled researchers to forge connections and tap into a vast network of international collaborations and research opportunities, fostering the growth of research initiatives and positioning GUS as a catalyst for global research development.

Driving economic growth through innovation in Asia

Science, research, and innovation are catalysts for economic growth in Asia. Governments across the region have recognised the importance of investing in scientific research ecosystems to spur economic development.

China, India, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea have made substantial investments in research and development, creating vibrant innovation hubs. These investments have attracted global talent and nurtured local expertise, leading to cutting-edge industries in sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, material science, biomedical sciences, agriculture, and renewable energy.

In addition, Asia’s commitment to international collaboration has accelerated scientific progress. Regional initiatives like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have fostered knowledge exchange among member countries. Sharing resources, data, and expertise has accelerated research and enabled countries to tackle common challenges such as climate change, public health crises and sustainable development.

Harnessing technology for social good

One example of Asia harnessing technological innovations to address pressing social and environmental challenges is India’s ambitious space programme, enabling the country to tackle issues like disaster management, weather forecasting, and rural connectivity.

Through the development of low-cost technologies, India’s space agency, ISRO, has revolutionised access to education and healthcare in remote areas. Similarly, other countries in the region are leveraging technology to bridge the digital divide and improve the quality of life for their citizens. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and cutting-edge infrastructure, Singapore continues establishing itself as a premier destination for research and innovation.

Sustainable development and environmental conservation

Asia’s scientific community is at the forefront of efforts to achieve sustainable development and environmental conservation. Conscious of the urgent need to fight climate change and preserve biodiversity, countries in the region have invested in research and innovation that promote green technologies and practices.

For instance, China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has made significant strides in renewable energy, becoming a global leader in solar and wind power production. This transition towards cleaner energy sources has reduced carbon emissions and created new economic opportunities.

The future of science, research and innovation in Asia

Asia’s commitment to science, research, and innovation has placed the region at the forefront of global progress. National borders do not confine the boundaries of science, research, and innovation, and researchers from diverse backgrounds are instrumental in driving innovative breakthroughs.

Asia is shaping a brighter future by investing in cutting-edge research, fostering international collaboration, harnessing technology for social good, and championing sustainable development.

While Asia has made remarkable progress in science, it also faces challenges that have to be addressed. The region must ensure the ethical use of emerging technologies and invest in science education and infrastructure to foster a sustainable knowledge ecosystem.

Moreover, fostering an inclusive and diverse scientific community will be crucial for unleashing the full potential of Asia’s scientific endeavours.