Rising to the Prime Minister's challenge, NTU bags the Innovative and Enterprising Agency Shield for the second year running. This means it's once again the most outstanding public organisation in Singapore supporting innovation. NTU also scoops the Innovator Award.

The university was commended by The Enterprise Challenge (TEC) panel for its efforts in creating a conducive environment for developing ideas and for its strong partnerships with other public agencies.

TEC, initiated by the Prime Minister's Office in Singapore, aims to encourage innovative proposals that bring about quantum-leap improvements in the delivery of public services.

It recognises such achievements with awards presented annually to both innovators and public agencies, to inspire other public officers and agencies to innovate.

NTU an inspiring example
According to Ms Angela Chong, Manager, The Enterprise Challenge Unit, the prestigious Innovative and Enterprising Agency Shield is awarded to "the most outstanding public agency that provides an environment conducive for generating TEC innovations from its officers".

The award winners are carefully selected by a TEC panel of distinguished professionals with years of experience in fields related to innovation.

Another prized innovation
Besides winning the Shield, NTU also took home the Innovator Award for a pilot project on the application of engineered wetland technology.

This project, a partnership between NTU's School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, the Public Utilities Board and EnviroPro Ltd, uses innovative NTU-patented biotechnology to develop a method of treating water from surface runoff. This helps keep our reservoirs clean.

Other TEC-approved projects from NTU include the biological treatment of industrial food waste (a joint project with JTC Corporation); the detection of latent fingerprints via a new optical technique (a collaboration with the Singapore Police Force); and ballast water treatment for the marine industry.

Continuous pursuit of innovation
NTU's Secretary to the University, Mr Anthony Teo, received the Shield on behalf of NTU from the Head of Civil Service, Mr Peter Ho, at the PS21 ExCEL Convention, held at the National Library on 21 November.

He described NTU's second consecutive win of the Innovative and Enterprising Agency Shield as "especially uplifting".

"We are happy and proud that NTU's continuous pursuit of innovation in our research is being recognised. For the many outstanding individuals at NTU whose continued commitment to their work has kept us at the forefront of innovation and educational excellence, this award will be an added inspiration."

He added that NTU sought to embrace innovation at all levels and in all pursuits.

"This is congruent with Singapore's Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship thrust to build up research and entrepreneurial talent, and to begin research and innovation early, especially at the university level."

© Corporate Communications Office