RIKEN President Ryoji Noyori visited Malaysia and Singapore from 19 to 23 September 2011 to promote research cooperation among Asian countries. On his visit to Malaysia, Noyori was awarded an honorary doctorate of science from the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), presented by His Highness the Raja of Perlis, D. Y. M. M. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, the chancellor of the USM. In his address to an audience of graduates, Noyori noted that Asian scientists had made contributions to the progress of science and technology with ideas forged through a long history and unique cultures. “In the twenty-first century,” he added, “it is clear that the role you are expected to play will be more important than ever.”
Noyori’s visit to Universiti Sains Malaysia also coincided with the opening on 22 September of the RIKEN–USM Joint Laboratory for Bioprobe Discovery at the USM’s Institute of Research in Molecular Medicine. This landmark collaboration between RIKEN and the USM aims to isolate novel biological active compounds from tropical plants found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia. Attended by Noyori and ASI Director Kohei Tamao, the ceremony was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the joint laboratory.
RIKEN also signed another MOU with the University of Malaya to promote further collaboration and exchange of students and researchers between Malaysia and Japan.
In Singapore, Noyori met with university officials from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where he signed an MOU to enable RIKEN and NTU to embark on further joint projects. Scientists from RIKEN are already carrying out joint research with NTU researchers in addition to acceptance programs for students. These activities have been very fruitful for RIKEN, and the recently signed MOU will further strengthen this important partnership, which is a lasting asset for both institutions.
Noyori separately visited A*STAR Chairman Lim Chuan Poh, the National Research Foundation’s former Permanent Secretary Teo Ming Kian, and National University of Singapore President Tan Chorh Chuan, and discussed various science and technology policy issues and future collaboration possibilities with RIKEN.
