Chongqing - Chongqing Liangjiang New Area will partner with Singapore to create a model park for international sci-tech innovation cooperation, as outlined in the recent action plan for new national areas released by the National Development and Reform Commission. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration with ASEAN nations in industries, infrastructure, and green development.

Sci-tech innovation is a crucial aspect of China-Singapore cooperation, exemplified by the National University of Singapore (Chongqing) Research Institute in Liangjiang New Area. The institute collaborates extensively with Liangjiang on sci-tech innovation, industry incubation, and talent development. Since 2022, over 60 Ph.D. students have engaged in scientific research at the institute.

"I am confident for the park to become a world-class one for sci-tech innovation," said Wang Jiagong, dean of the NUS (Chongqing) Research Institute.

The model park collaboration allows China and Singapore to unite in sci-tech research, commercialization, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This partnership facilitates resource sharing and collaborative innovation, fostering a win-win situation for both parties.

Wang highlighted the model park's key roles, including deepening existing cooperation and enhancing communication channels. In 2021, the NUS (Chongqing) Research Institute launched BLOCK71 Chongqing, an industrial hub fostering China-Singapore exchanges and facilitating sci-tech achievement commercialization. With a focus on advanced manufacturing, smart sensors, AI, finance, and modern logistics, BLOCK71 Chongqing has nurtured close to 30 high-tech firms.

According to Wang, next, the institute will collaborate with Liangjiang on smart manufacturing, new energy, advanced materials, bio-medicine, and next-generation electronic techniques.

"Singapore has a lot of experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital economy development, while Chongqing is trying to build a sci-tech center with national influence. Both sides have big room for cooperation in the sci-tech field," said Xing Yuewen, director of Liangjiang Science and Technology Innovation Bureau.

Since the project was inaugurated in 2015, Liangjiang has been a core carrier of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity. As of 2023, the new area has signed 61 cooperative projects totaling USD 10.98 billion, accounting for 21% and 43% of the municipality.

(The original author is Guo Shuyu from Liangjiang New Area Media Center)