14 September 2007

Aces in science and technology

Four NUS scientists came up aces at the 2007 National Science and Technology Awards — Singapore highest honour in science and technology.

NUS ACES: Assoc Prof Wu Jie (first, from left), Asst Prof Ng How Yong (fifth, from right) and Asst Prof Ng Huck Hui (second, from right) with guest-of-honour Mr Lim Hng Kiang (centre), Minister for Trade and Industry, and other winners at the National Science and Technology Awards 2007 Presentation Dinner.

Asst Prof Ng Huck Hui, Department of Biological Sciences, won the National Science Award (NSA) for unravelling over 3,000 components of genetic controls that make a stem cell, thus paving the ways for manipulation of cells to produce regenerative medicine. One of the youngest recipients in the Award's 16-year history, his findings on what makes a stem cell a stem cell has created a big impact with over 4,000 citations registered.

"It is certainly a great honour and prestige for me to be conferred this National Science Award. But science isn't about awards, it's about the power to find answers," said Asst Prof Ng who is also with the Genome Institute of Singapore. He had earlier won the Young Scientist Award (YSA) in 2004, the NSA equivalent given to scientists younger than 35.

A team from Department of Mathematics also won the NSA. The team, comprising Prof Jon Berrick and Assoc Prof Wu Jie discovered fundamental connections between algebraic topology (the study of the shapes of geometric objects) and the theory of braids. Their findings can be applied to air traffic control and robotic motion as well as drug creation.

Asst Prof Ng How Yong, Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, was awarded the YSA for developing novel ways to produce ultra-clean water and clean energy using fuel cells powered by micro-organisms.

The annual National Science and Technology Awards are administered by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).  The winners will be giving a lecture about their prize projects from 9am to 3pm on Sept 20 at the Breakthrough Theatrette, Matrix Building Level 3, Biopolis.