singa

pore

2010Initiative of the State Secretariat for Education and Research

Platform of the Embassy of Switzerland

Swiss Knowledge Network with outposts in

Bangalore, Boston, San Francisco, Shanghai and Singapore

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contents

2 greetings from Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter

4 foreword

6 at a glance

10 highlights 2010

17 official delegations & visits

20 regional activities

22 media & communication

24 finances

25 sponsors & partners

28 team

30 one network

32 outlook

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Daring to Innovate

If the ability to rethink and reinvent is the hallmark of innovation, then the launch of the swissnex network in 2000 surely proved Switzerland’s aptitude for innovating.

swissnex, a first-of-its-kind platform, is committed to connecting Switzerland’s knowledge-based economy with global centers of science and education. But such innovation was not without risk.

Indeed, swissnex was a long-term bet. Introducing a new paradigm in foreign representation by leveraging public-private partnerships meant persuading academic, corporate and government stakeholders to journey into uncharted territory.

Today, the bet is paying off for Switzerland. What was once seen as an experiment in Swiss science diplomacy is now a driving force in our International Science Policy with a well-defined strategy and tangible outcomes. From its start in Boston, the swissnex network has grown five-fold to include outposts in San Francisco, Singapore, Shanghai, and an office in Bangalore soon to become a full-fledged swissnex.

The Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology as well as the Swiss Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences, and the nation’s labs and research centers have all seen the benefits of collaborating with a network of academic ambassadors to better target international partners and empower young talents. Swiss start-ups, innovators and emerging leaders also leverage the network to penetrate the world’s most competitive innovation ecosystems, such as Silicon Valley, and explore profitable markets.

Global collaboration must be seen as an opportunity, not as a threat, for Switzerland’s knowledge-based economy to continue to rank among the top in a fast-evolving world. Global collaboration is also our common responsibility in order to face the tremendous social, energetic and environmental challenges that our planet - and many emerging countries - face.

What has emerged from the swissnex mission of “connecting the dots” is a rich network with mutual interests and local expertise in strategic regions that allows Switzerland to reach out around the world. swissnex has truly established itself as an indispensable tool for Switzerland’s scientific leadership. What was just a vision in 2000 has definitely become a reality and we are currently planning the next steps in its development.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA

greetings from Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter

swissnex singapore 2010 greetings from federal CounCillor didier Burkhalter

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©J. Chavaillaz

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Dear Reader,

The second swissnex Day held at the EPFL Rolex Learning Center and ECAL was a great success. It enabled the initiation of projects with numerous stakeholders in a conducive environment set by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, who praised the swissnex network’s ability to reflect an innovative, creative and connected Switzerland.

In line with our mission to promote and connect, highlights of our 2010 activities included Higher Education, Biotech, Environment, Digital Media, Design and Architecture. In an initial collaboration with the Singapore-ETH Centre, swissnex Singapore presented the outcome of the Urban Design Research Studio, held as the inaugural event of the Future Cities Laboratory in collaboration with the National University of Singapore. In an effort to support the internationalization of Institutions of Higher Learning in Singapore, the first Swiss Education Fair was organized in collaboration with the Swiss Business Hub, giving parents and students in Singapore the opportunity to discover the excellent higher education programs in Switzerland, while putting Swiss players on the map of fierce international competition.

Our activities have expanded regionally with a discovery trip in Australia and a road-show in Vietnam, both countries consolidating or developing active networks with the Swiss academic institutions.

foreword

swissnex singapore 2010 foreword

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In 2010 we were fortunate to welcome our new staff members, Mrs. Fabiana Pizzali, Alumna of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne following the instrumental steps of Ms. Simona Cereghetti, as well as Ms. Anna Waibel, Alumna of the International Graduate Institute (IHEID), who will share her tasks between swissnex and the Board of Higher Education, State of Vaud. Welcome to the team, we look forward to a great collaboration!

Finally, let me take the opportunity to thank you for your continuous support and express my hope to see you at many of our future events.

Dr. Suzanne Hraba-ReneveyExecutive Directorswissnex Singapore

“Au fond on peut dire que la Suisse est un swissnex: ouverte, dynamique, entreprenante, intelligente, créative et en réseau !”

DiDier Burkhalter

Conseiller FéDéral

©V. Leow

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at a glance

swissnex singapore 2010 at a glance

Academic Programs and Student SupportThe Board of Higher Education, State of Vaud (DGES) strengthened its partnerships in Singapore by signing agreements in the field of music and health and delegating a representative at swissnex Singapore.

The applications for the Federal Scholarships for Foreign Students doubled in 2010, a concrete example of the increasing interest in pursuing Master and PhD studies in Switzerland.

swissnex Singapore sponsored the well established Language Immersion Program organized in collaboration with the National University of Singapore and the University of Fribourg. A group of Singaporean students could once again experience a four weeks immersion into the Swiss culture and languages.

“We much appreciate all the effort and hard work the swissnex team put in to make the event such a success.”

ProF. roBert Buttery

heaD oF international relations, sChool oF Business university oF aPPlieD sCienCes northwestern switzerlanD

©M. Roggo

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Educationswissnex organized and participated in various education fairs in Singapore and the region, one of the cornerstones of its mission in Singapore, portraying the excellence of the Swiss higher education system.

The first Swiss Education Fair has been organized in collaboration with the Swiss Business Hub ASEAN. Entirely dedicated to Switzerland, the Fair showcased 24 public and private institutions promoting Swiss excellence in Higher Education to interested students and parents.

In line with the internationalization effort of Swiss Institutions of Higher Learning, swissnex supported the ETHZ Alumni Chapter set up in Singapore.

swissnex Singapore assisted a group of Singaporean School Leaders with the organization of a study trip to Switzerland in the frame of the Leaders in Education Programme 2010 (LEP) organized by the Ministry of Education. The group, including principals and vice-principals of primary and secondary schools, visited teacher training colleges in Switzerland.

At the traditional networking event in Biopolis, H.E. Jörg Al. Reding, Ambassador of Switzerland to Singapore, Prof. Klaus Spremann, Head of the St. Gallen Asia Term and the swissnex Singapore team welcomed the new exchange students from Switzerland, who had the opportunity to mingle and network with representatives from the academic and business communities in Singapore.

The international community of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) welcomed alumni and local partners for a get together, marking the intensification of the school’s partnerships in Asia, a key focus for the next years. Strategic developments, with a particular overview of growing sectors such as elderly care, have been highlighted.

“We cannot thank you enough for the visits you arranged for us. Our time in Switzerland was an incredibly rich learning experience because of your hard work.”

luCy toh

PrinCiPal, st. anDrew’s seConDary sChool, singaPore

PartiCiPant in the leaDers in eDuCation Programme 2010

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Science & TechnologyIn collaboration with Swiss Biotech, a Swiss Pavilion was successfully set up at the BioPharma Asia Convention 2010, giving the opportunity to Swiss biotech companies to exhibit their innovative products and services.

swissnex Singapore supported the 2010 edition of the Computer Graphics International (CGI) organized by the Institute for Media Innovation (IMI) of the Nanyang Technological University, led by Swiss researcher Prof. Nadia Thalmann.

At the Water Expo during the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) the Swiss booth presented water technologies as well as aquatic research activities and welcomed interested partners and guests including the Mayor of Bern, Mr. Alexander Tschäppät.

Dr. Gautsch from the EPFL IMT SAMLAB, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, held two inspiring talks about the Atomic Force Microscope used during the Phoenix Mission to Mars, at SIMTech (Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology) and at the Singapore Polytechnic, in collaboration with the National Youth Achievement Award Council.

The outcome of the Urban Design Research Studio, initiated in collaboration with the National University of Singapore as the kick-off event of the Future Cities Laboratory of the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC), was presented at the Singapore Archifest.

The Clean Energy Expo Asia held during the Singapore International Energy Week showcased innovative technologies and services in the field of alternative energies. The Climate Trail presented the Swiss way to tackle the issue of global warming, addressing students, experts and the general public.

An inaugural event hosted by the Ambassador of Switzerland celebrated the set up of the Singapore-ETH Centre for Global Environmental Sustainability (SEC) together with dignitaries including the President of the ETH Zurich and the Chairman of the National Research Foundation.

swissnex singapore 2010 at a glance

“Thank you very much for your assistance before and during the Biopharma Asia Convention, especially for your help in connecting us with our potential partners. I really appreciated the efforts by the swissnex team.”

Jia wei liu

heaD oF China relations & liCensing oFFiCer at DeBioPharm grouP

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Entrepreneurship & Innovation Inspiring young entrepreneurs from Switzerland, members of Sandbox, shared their knowledge with local students, business representatives and VCs in a series of workshops at the Nanyang Technopreneurship Center, providing excellent development and networking opportunities.

The 5th Swiss Innovation Forum held at the Novartis Campus in Basel, Switzerland, gave the swissnex network the opportunity to showcase its services and discuss future trends with leading experts. Tailor-made programs organized by swissnex Singapore, allowed leading Swiss companies providing instruments and services to life science laboratories to explore opportunities of collaboration with local research players, while entering the local market.

ArtThe ECAL-NUS Workshop Exhibition presented the final artworks created during a common workshop by students from the University of Art and Design Lausanne (ECAL) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

World renowned Swiss photographer Michel Roggo had the opportunity to present his latest work entitled Underwater World at the Arts House Singapore, in the context of the Singapore International Water Week.

During the Digital Nights 2010, a spectacular event showcasing new media artworks of international artists in the streets of the Lion City, MIRALab from the University of Geneva, in collaboration with the Institute of Media Innovation of the Nanyang Technological University and the LASALLE College of the Arts presented High Fashion in Equations.

“Many thanks to Suzanne and the swissnex Team for organizing this amazing event. Keep supporting Swiss Entrepreneurs!”

guillaume BeauverD

serial entrePreneur, Ceo oF g2 ventures

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highlights 2010

swissnex singapore 2010 highlights

Swiss Education Fair28 February 2010

The first edition of the Swiss Education Fair focusing exclusively on Switzerland presented a comprehensive overview of the Swiss education landscape in Singapore. The presence of representatives of 24 Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences and Hospitality Schools enabled visitors to gain insight into the excellent curricula offered. The event, organized in collaboration with the Swiss Business Hub, attracted Singaporean, regional and expatriate students as well as their parents.

BioPharma Asia Convention 2010

16 to 19 March 2010

Together with Swiss Biotech and Swiss Exchange (SIX), swissnex Singapore set up a Swiss Pavilion at the BioPharma exhibition and gave the opportunity to Swiss companies, such as Lonza, Basler&Hofmann, Bachem and DebiopharmGroup to exhibit their innovative products and services. This international platform was a perfect opportunity to access Asian markets, explore investment opportunities as well as new technological partnerships from all over the world.

©M. Roggo

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ECAL-NUS Workshop Exhibition14 to 22 May 2010

In the context of the Luxury and Design Exhibition and in partnership with RISIS, students from the University of Art and Design Lausanne (ECAL) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) participated in a common workshop where they designed and created stunning luxury products including jewelry and tableware. Their final artworks were presented to the public at Sculpture Square, one of Singapore’s art landmarks.

“EHL is very grateful to swissnex Singapore for its support, its continuing help and its close collaboration in promoting the excellence of Swiss education.”

www.aehl-network.Ch

“We can’t thank you enough for all the great help you have rendered. With our greatest gratitude.”

Fang wan Pei

winner oF a triP to switzerlanD, swiss eDuCation Fair 2010

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Singapore International Water Week and Underwater World by Michel Roggo25 June to 11 July 2010

At the Water Expo held during the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) swissnex Singapore organized the Swiss booth under the umbrella of the Europe Pavilion, hosting the Swiss water filtration specialist Swisspro and the Swiss Business Hub ASEAN, while welcoming interested partners and guests such as the Mayor of Bern.

Taking place in the frame of the SIWW, the Underwater World Exhibition by Michel Roggo, Swiss winner of the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009, was held at the Singapore Arts House and impressed many visitors, while raising awareness about our beautiful and fragile freshwater biospheres.

“Einen grossen Dank an swissnex Singapore für die sehr angenehme Zusammenarbeit im Rahmen der Ausstellung

„Underwater World“ im Arts House Singapore. Alles wurde sehr professionell abgewickelt und zu einem sehr guten Ende geführt.”

miChel roggo

PhotograPher

swissnex singapore 2010 highlights

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©M. Roggo

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High Fashion in Equations at Digital Nights 201017 to 26 September 2010

In the context of the first edition of Digital Nights, a spectacular event showcasing new media artworks in the heart of Singapore, swissnex supported an inspiring exhibition allying technology and fashion design developed by MIRALab, a research laboratory from the University of Geneva. Entitled High Fashion in Equations, the exhibition invited the visitors to immerse themselves through the virtual catwalk into the world of fashion and dreams of the past. The exhibition has been developed in collaboration with local partners IMI (Institute of Media Innovation of the Nanyang Technological University) and the LASALLE College of the Arts.

Singapore-ETH Centre @ Archifest18 October to 3 November 2010

The third edition of the Singapore Archifest explored the opportunities to develop “Happy Cities” with higher quality built environments and sustainable urban settings. swissnex Singapore presented the outcome of the Urban Design Research Studio, held as the inaugural event of the Future Cities Laboratory by the Singapore-ETH Centre, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore. The studio focused on conceptual and spatial transformation strategies for the Rochor area that will face a densification process in the future. The exhibition was showcased at the National Museum of Singapore and attracted more than four thousand visitors.

Clean Energy Expo Asia 20102 to 4 November 2010

swissnex Singapore organized the Swiss booth under the umbrella of the Europe Pavilion, enabling research programs and innovative technologies as well as services in the clean energy sector from Switzerland to be presented to the Southeast Asian public. Dario Schwoerer, adventurer and founder of the TOPtoTOP Global Climate Expedition, captured the interest of the media and the public with his speech on sustainable technologies. Furthermore, the Singaporean winner of the Global Climate Expedition, co-sponsored by swissnex Singapore, shared his inspiring experience of joining students from all over the world for an eye-opening three weeks program in Switzerland.

swissnex singapore 2010 highlights

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Climate Trail22 October to 11 November 2010

The Climate Trail Exhibition analyses the causes of global warming and its impact on our planet, while highlighting the Swiss way of addressing the issue. It advises on how CO2 emissions can be reduced and invites the visitor to take responsibility. Adapted by swissnex to include relevant South-East Asian regional information, it was showcased in a variety of different locations in Singapore, discovered by numerous visitors, including the larger public, students, and Cleantech experts.

swissnex Singapore Christmas Party16 December 2010

To thank its partners as well as close supporters and wish them a good start in the New Year, swissnex Singapore organized a Christmas Party, giving the opportunity to share impressions and discuss 2011 projects in a conducive environment.

“Cette collaboration entre MIRALab et LASALLE a été extrêmement fructueuse en rencontres, échanges d’idées et de connaissance. J’espère qu’il y en aura d’autres.”

lionel rouDaut Programme leaDer oF Fashion Design lasalle College oF the arts, singaPore

swissnex singapore 2010 highlights / official delegations & visits

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official delegations & visits

EPFL Study Trip2 to 5 February 2010

On the occasion of their study trip to Singapore, 25 Electrical Engineering Master students from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) discovered relevant stakeholders based in Singapore. The program included visits to companies, research institutions such as A*STAR and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and to the A3 EPFL Angels association, as well as EPFL and ETHZ Alumni.

“Je voulais vous remercier très vivement de l’accueil chaleureux que vous m’avez offert à swissnex Singapore. Je suis très impressionné par le travail varié et très professionnel de swissnex Singapore. Notre rencontre a été, je pense, très productive et je rentre à Genève avec beaucoup d’idées et de suggestions quant à l’optimisation de la visibilité de l’IHEID à Singapore.”

DominiC eggel

graDuate institute oF international anD DeveloPment stuDies

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The Board of Higher Education State of Vaud (DGES) March 2010

The partnership with the Board of Higher Education, State of Vaud (DGES) was strengthened with the signing of an agreement enabling the promotion and development of the activities of Universities of Applied Sciences, more specifically between the Conservatory of Lausanne and the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory (NUS), as well as the Haute Ecole de la Santé La Source and the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies (NUS). In the frame of a DGES mandate, a dedicated project manager hosted at - and shared with - swissnex Singapore will establish and deepen academic relations with partners in Singapore and the region.

Rectors of the Universities of Applied Sciences

3 to 5 March 2010

Rectors of four Universities of Applied Sciences, as well as the Secretary General of the Rectors Conference of the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences, came to Singapore to explore partnership opportunities with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the Nanyang Polytechnic and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). They also had the chance to discuss various education topics with representatives of the National Youth Achievement Award Council.

swissnex singapore 2010 official delegations & visits

“Before leaving this continent I would like to thank you and your collaborators for the warm welcome and the excellent organization of our visit. I wish you and your crew all the best for the future.”

Dieter imBoDen

PresiDent oF the swiss national researCh FounDation, BoarD memBer swissnex Committee

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President Doris Leuthard9 July 2010

During her one day visit to Singapore, President Doris Leuthard and her business delegation visited the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) at Fusionopolis, highlighting the strong ties connecting both countries in the R&D sector. Other important appointments during that day were the meetings with the President of Singapore, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Trade & Industry, as well as the gala dinner with more than hundred personalities.

Ingenious Switzerland8 to 9 July 2010

Mrs. Nelly Wenger, President of Ingenious Switzerland, the newly set up Osec platform promoting Swiss Architecture, Engineering and Design, had the opportunity to liaise with relevant stakeholders in Singapore, selected as priority country. The program allowed the delegation to visit the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and meet representatives of the Singapore Institute of Architects, the Design Singapore Council, as well as the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC). The timely set up will allow synergies with the SEC and its Future Cities Laboratory, also leveraging on the newly organized ETHZ Alumni Singapore Chapter.

Prof. Dr. Imboden and Dr. Egger29 September to 1 October 2010

Two members of the swissnex board committee, namely Prof. Dr. Didier Imboden, President of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and Dr. Philipp Egger, Director of the Gebert Rüf Stiftung, visited Singapore to better understand how swissnex activities are embedded and perceived in the local education, research and innovation communities. They had the opportunity to meet senior representatives from the National University of Singapore (NUS), the National Research Foundation (NRF) and to pay a courtesy call to the Chairman of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), as well as to attend the President’s Science & Technology Awards Dinner 2010.

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Exploring new partnerships in Australia

15 to 24 April 2010

A discovery program organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Australia and delegates from Swiss Universities allowed to explore existing and potential partnerships with Australian counterparts and to discuss the format of a global agreement between Australian and Swiss academic institutions.

Furthermore, swissnex Singapore initiated partnerships with the Swiss Australian Academic Network and established contacts for Universities of Applied Sciences of the State of Vaud, more specifically in the domain of music and oenology. An extensive discovery program, highlighted by a wine tasting event held in Sydney, was organised in October 2010 by the Board of Higher Education, State of Vaud (DGES) and the University of Applied Sciences Changins, specialized in oenology and viticulture, further consolidating these initial partnering steps.

regional activities

swissnex singapore 2010 regional activities

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Erasmus Mundus Roadshow Vietnam7 to 11 May 2010

In collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland, DAAD and CampusFrance in Vietnam, swissnex Singapore promoted the Swiss Education landscape and more specifically the Erasmus Mundus programs at a dedicated road-show. The event series, attended for the first time by Switzerland, was organized by the European Commission to Vietnam and comprised four days of presentations and Q&A sessions for the students at six universities, in four different cities, paving the way for a more active presence of Swiss Education in Vietnam.

7th OCSC Bangkok Education Fair6 to 7 November 2010

In collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Thailand, swissnex Singapore represented the Swiss higher education landscape at the 7th OCSC International Education Expo 2010. The Expo welcomed nearly 30’000 visitors in two days, while 200 educational institutions from more than 15 countries were represented.

“I wanted to write to thank you for a lovely evening on Wednesday. It was a great event and a fantastic opportunity for Swiss and Australian researchers to connect.”

anna Brooks

laBoratory oF Cognitive neurosCienCe anD Behaviour southern Cross university, australia

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media & communication

TOPtoTOP related events, the Swiss Education Fair in Singapore and the swissnex Day 2010 in Switzerland have been the most attractive events with extensive media coverage.

After the first set up of its presence in social media in 2009, swissnex Singapore extended its activities on both facebook and twitter, reaching over 600 fans on its different websites. The swissnex website still enjoys popularity with its more than 20’000 annual visits and its informative events pages, photos and reports, updates on relevant programs in Switzerland and Singapore, as well as comprehensive information about studying opportunities in Switzerland.

In 2010 the swissnex Singapore quarterly newsletter was sent to about 5’000 contacts. Furthermore, together with colleagues from Asia, swissnex reports on latest science, technology and education news in Singapore in the monthly Science-Asia newsletter.

swissnex singapore 2010 media & communication

“I have just arrived back safely in Singapore after the expedition trip. I would like to thank you very much for this great opportunity. It was really an experience of a lifetime spending three weeks with Dario and so many outstanding students from all over the world.”

ChristoPher yi Qun ngoi

winner oF the toPtotoP gloBal Climate solution awarD 2010

©V. Leow

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©V. Leow

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finances

The State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER) covers the operating budget as well as the core events costs of swissnex Singapore.

swissnex is a public-private platform and the mandate by SER requires that projects and events are financed with at least 2/3 by third parties.

Thanks to numerous partners and sponsors who contributed with cash and in kind donations, swissnex events were financed with 3/4 by third parties in 2010.

Projects 2010 (CHF)SER Running Costs 372,100SER Projects 81,5013rd Party Projects 225,6953rd Party Operational & Mandates 18,500Total 662,496

swissnex singapore 2010 finances / sponsors & partners

©M. Roggo

Budget 2010 (CHF)SER Projects 81,5013rd Party Projects cash 152,9153rd Party Projects in kind 72,780Total 307,196

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Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP)Swiss International Air LinesSwissproSwitzerland TourismTerrapin Holdings Ltd.University of Applied Sciences HTW ChurUniversity of Applied Sciences Northwestern SwitzerlandUniversity of Art and Design Lausanne (ECAL)University of BaselUniversity of BernUniversity of FribourgUniversity of GenevaUniversity of LausanneUniversity of LuganoUniversity of NeuchâtelUniversity of St. GallenZurich University of Applied Sciences

HCMC University of SciencesHolcimKoelnmesseLASALLE College of the ArtsLonzaMichel RoggoMIRALabNanyang Technological UniversityThe National Museum of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeNespresso SingaporePresence SwitzerlandPublic Service Division SingaporeRISISSIX (Swiss Stock Exchange)Sculpture Square LimitedSingapore-ETH Centre for Global Environmental Sustainability (SEC)Swiss Biotech Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich)

sponsors & partners

Sponsors 2010

Archifest

Arts House

Bachem

Basler&Hofmann

Board of Higher Education, State of Vaud (DGES)

Can Tho University

Canton Fribourg

City Square Mall

Da Nang University

Debiopharm Group

Delegation of the European Union to Singapore and Member States

Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)

Embassy of Switzerland (Bangkok)

Embassy of Switzerland (Hanoi)

European Chamber of Commerce in Singapore

Flisom AG

Graduate Institute of International Studies

Hanoi Foreign Trade University

Hanoi University of Technology

26 swissnex singapore 2010 sponsors & partners

Partners

swissnex 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. swissnex Singapore is member of the Swiss Business Association and the European Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.

The University of St. Gallen has a permanent representation office at swissnex Singapore. The St. Gallen representative, who is also in charge of the promotion of the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland, ensures efficient visibility and coordinates existing programs. Furthermore, an academic representative organizes the St. Gallen Asia Term at the Singapore Management University. Together with swissnex, the welcome event hosts yearly new exchange students coming from Switzerland to Singapore.

The Board of Higher Education, State of Vaud (DGES) has mandated a dedicated project manager hosted at - and shared with - swissnex Singapore to establish and deepen academic relations with partners in Singapore and Australia in the field of music, health care and oenology.

To allow Swiss institutions, organizations and start-ups/SMEs from the high tech sector to explore the opportunities in Singapore and the region, swissnex Singapore provides the option to rent a fully equipped working space for a short period at a nominal fee.

“I would sincerely like to thank you and the whole swissnex team for the excellent preparation and organisation of the visiting program of our KFH-delegation in Singapore. Moreover, we would like to extend our thanks for your very kind and most obliging attendance and support during our stay!”

thomas BaChoFner

seCretary general reCtors ConFerenCe oF the swiss universities oF aPPlieD sCienCes

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Local Advisory BoardIn 2009, a local advisory board comprising personalities from the field of education, science, art and innovation was established, giving its support and advising swissnex Singapore on long-term objectives and strategic decisions. In 2010, Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schmitt, Director of the Singapore-ETH Centre for Global Environmental Sustainability and Senior Vice President for International Institutional Affairs, ETH Zurich, joined the board. Two Board Meetings have been organized this year, one including Prof. Dr. Imboden and Dr. Egger, members of the Swiss swissnex Board.

Swiss community in Singapore

The Swiss Business Hub ASEAN (SBH) advises small and medium-sized Swiss companies willing to develop their international activities in Southeast Asia. A tighter collaboration with swissnex Singapore has developed over the years in areas of business consulting, where the SBH and swissnex Singapore offer complementary services and in events organization, whenever swissnex Singapore reaches out to business communities. SBH has been a major partner in the organization of the successful Swiss Education Fair and participated in significant events such as the Singapore International Water Week and the Singapore International Energy Week. swissnex Singapore being member of the Swiss Business Association (SBA), numerous swissnex Singapore events are open to SBA members.

The Swiss Association aims at providing a common platform to the growing Swiss community in Singapore. Many of the swissnex Singapore events are open to its members.

Large scale events have been organized at the Swiss Club. Numerous swissnex Singapore events are advertised and reported in the Relax magazine reaching out to the Swiss Club members.

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

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team

Suzanne Hraba-Renevey is the Founder and Executive Director of swissnex Singapore. Dr. Hraba-Renevey also holds the position of Scientific Counselor at the Embassy of Switzerland.

Simona Cereghetti left swissnex after almost three years of an instrumental contribution to return to Switzerland.

Fabiana Pizzali, Alumna of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, who joined swissnex Singapore in June 2010, is the new Executive Coordinator and directly supports the Director. She will continue to coordinate the different activities of the office and is responsible for the administration, accounting, marketing, enquiries and official visits.

We were fortunate to welcome our new staff member, Anna Waibel, Alumna of the International Graduate Institute (IHEID), who is the new Project Manager and will share her tasks between swissnex and the Board of Higher Education of the State of Vaud, focusing on higher education.

The core team was supported by Academic Interns, who substantially contributed to the activities of swissnex Singapore:

swissnex singapore 2010 team

Adrian WenzlUniversity of Zurich September 2010 to February 2011

Valentina JannerUniversity of ZurichMandated by swissnex and the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, University of ZurichDecember 2010 to May 2011

Andreas DersziUniversity of St. GallenFebruary to August 2010

Samuel LoherUniversity of St. Gallen April to September 2010

Amaya Tanaka GaldosLycée Français de SingapourMay to June 2010

Bruno HässigUniversity of Geneva July to December 2010

Simone HegetschweilerUniversity of St. Gallen August to December 2010

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“I would like to thank all of you for making my time here incredible in terms of work, experience and a different lifestyle. I will ensure that the knowledge I’ve acquired here will serve my future career and life in general.”

Bruno hässig

aCaDemiC intern

“I experienced the five months at swissnex as a very interesting and challenging time – due to the fact that the atmosphere was very positive and we all seemed to have fun while working, I enjoyed coming to the office every day. I want to thank you for all of that!”

samuel loher

aCaDemiC intern

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one network

swissnex Singapore shares the mission to promote Switzerland’s excellence in science, education, art and innovation with four other swissnex outposts located in Boston, San Francisco, Shanghai and Bangalore. A widespread network of science and technology counselors active in the Swiss Embassies and Consulates around the world completes the Swiss Knowledge Network.

The swissnex family is reunited yearly on the occasion of the Science Counselors Meeting and the swissnex Day, allowing for extensive interaction within the network and with its stakeholders in Switzerland.

swissnex singapore 2010 one network

“Faisant suite à plusieurs années de collaboration fructueuse dans le cadre des activités internationales de la DGES, je tiens à vous exprimer personnellement toute ma gratitude pour l’excellent travail accompli par les swissnex de San Fransisco, Bangalore et Singapour. En effet, Christian Simm, Silvia Hostettler et Suzanne Renevey ont été d’un soutien considérable dans l’organisation d’événements pour la promotion des Hautes écoles supérieures vaudoises, menant à la signature d’accords significatifs dans le domaine de nos collaborations académiques internationales.L’image très positive de nos institutions, que les swissnex ont participé à forger dans l’esprit de nos partenaires américains, indiens et singapouriens a par ailleurs largement contribué à la réussite des contacts établis par les délégations des HES vaudoises.”

miChel roChat

ex-DireCtor general oF the BoarD oF higher eDuCation, state oF vauD, Presently heaD oF the eCole hôtelière De lausanne

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New education and executive programs by the University of St. Gallen as well as promotion platforms targeting Singapore such as “Ingenious Switzerland”, focusing on Architecture, Engineering and Design, further attest the keen interest in connecting the dots with one of the most vibrant and networked hubs worldwide.

Under the umbrella of new strategic alliances, swissnex Singapore will host and support representatives of the Artificial Intelligence Lab, University of Zurich, as well as the Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC), University of Lausanne, in their effort to connect with local stakeholders from academia, business and Alumni circles.

In 2011, we expect numerous visitors and stakeholders on sabbaticals nurturing the connections in the education and research fields, exemplified by the driving force of the fast developing Singapore-ETH Centre.

In an effort to set up initiatives catering to Swiss start-ups in Singapore, we are presently brainstorming with a variety of stakeholders including Singapore entrepreneurs’ associations and networks, investors, as well as academic and business players willing to nurture initiatives by young talents from Switzerland. Do not hesitate to contact us should you be willing to contribute!

The events lined up for you in 2011 range from digital media to sustainability. Please pick a few and be thrilled by the many eye-opening opportunities. Come and attend one of our events and you will experience the same spirit of discovery and mutual benefit that motivates our visitors from Switzerland and hosts from Singapore!

The swissnex Singapore Team

outlook

swissnex singapore 2010 outlook

swissnex singapore

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