His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, yesterday consented to visit Singapore's high technology bio-medical facility building, the Biopolis.
HRH was welcomed upon arrival by the Deputy Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board, Mr Gong Wee Lik and the Deputy Managing Director of A*Star, Mr Teoh Tong Sea, RTB reported last night.
Built at a cost of 500 million dollars by the Singaporean Government, three major agencies were involved in the Singapore Economic Development Board's initiatives, namely Bio-Medical Science Group, Bio One Capital and Bio-Medical Research Council and A*Star.
Accompanying HRH during the visit were Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Lim Jock Seng, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II, Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Dato Paduka Hj Hamdilah bin Hj Abd Wahab and Dato Paduka Timothy Ong, the Acting Chairman of Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB).
Biopolis commenced operations in 2005 after it was first launched in 2000. Its objective is to develop the bio-medical science industry as a main core of the city-state's economy.
Seven buildings are located within the Biopolis, which house different centres in the field of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical technology and health care services.
HRH arrived in Singapore on Friday for the 13th Singapore-Brunei Exchange Visit.
This year's programme will also include an informal meeting between senior officials and a networking session for businessmen to discuss topics of mutual interest.
HRH will also meet Singapore President Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Singapore Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
- Borneo Bulletin
(4th Nov 2007)
