SPEECH BY PROFESSOR SHIH CHOON FONG VICE-CHANCELLOR, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE AT THE TLI-AP OFFICIAL OPENING 24 JULY 2001, 3.30PM FACULTY OF MEDICINE AUDITORIUM

  

 


Speech by Prof Shih Choon Fong, Vice-Chancellor, National University of Singapore

      

Welcome speech by Mr Peter Ho, Permanent Secretary of Defence and Chairman of TLI-AP

  
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Brigadier General George Yeo, Minister for Trade and Industry

  

Professor Jean-Lou Chameau, Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs

  

Mr Peter Ho, Chairman, TLI-AP

  

Distinguished Guests

  

Ladies and Gentlemen

  

  

I am pleased to be here this afternoon for the Official Opening of The Logistics Institute – Asia Pacific, otherwise known as TLI-AP.

 

  

ABOUT TLI-AP

  

Established in late 1998, TLI-AP is a joint partnership between the National University of Singapore and Georgia Institute of Technology.

  

TLI-AP is an interdisciplinary university-level research institute within NUS. It draws on the combined strengths of four NUS faculties; the Faculties of Business Administration, Engineering, Science, and the School of Computing for its faculty members and research scholars.

  

In addition, TLI-AP has the commitment and support of Georgia Tech, top government agencies, and the logistics research and education industry. With such strong support, TLI-AP is poised to play an important role in the discovery, creation and application of new knowledge for Singapore and beyond.

  

The establishment of TLI-AP is also another step closer towards realizing NUS’s vision in becoming a global knowledge enterprise. Let me elaborate on this.

  

At NUS, we want to build a microcosm of a global knowledge community where scientists, engineers, and business and computing specialists from all over the world carry our joint teaching and research. The healthy mix of research and curricular ventures, alliances with universities, and collaborations with local and global organizations will foster a vibrant intellectual and entrepreneurial climate. This climate nourishes the NUS community who will, in turn, help contribute towards Singapore’s development in the knowledge-driven global economy.

  

Let me speak on how TLI-AP can contribute towards fulfilling the NUS vision.

  

  

1. BOUNDARYLESS UNIVERSITY: COLLABORATION WITH GEORIA TECH AND LOGISTICS AS CROSS-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

  

Logistics involves mutli-disciplinary research. It requires the dissolution of structural and disciplinary boundaries, to facilitate an exchange of ideas across departments. TLI-AP will provide an environment conducive for NUS academics and students from various faculties to interact on common research ground and for the rubbing of mind against mind.

  

In this strategic collaboration with Georgia Tech, we have transcended our physical boundaries, with significant results. Many research collaborations have been established between NUS and Georgia Tech faculty members. For example, 16 NUS and 16 Georgia Tech faculty members have contributed to the development of five white papers. Together, these form a comprehensive knowledge of state-of the-art developments in various logistics sectors, particularly the Asia-Pacific links in global supply chains.

  

This is the blossoming of an exciting relationship, whereby faculties from both universities come together to solve complex and challenging problems faced by local and regional logistics communities. The dynamic exchange of knowledge could stimulate new ideas and spawn new knowledge areas as well as inspire curriculum innovation.

  

  

2. INDUSTRY OUTREACH PROGRAMME

  

NUS values research that has high impact and which will also contribute to industry and society.

  

TLI-AP has developed an extensive industry-outreach programme that will form yet another bridge between NUS and industry. The Leaders in Logistics programme that Mr Peter Ho spoke about earlier is a good example. I am heartened to learn that several research projects have been successfully completed under this programme. TLI-AP is embarking on another initiative to set up a market research centre. This centre will empower TLI-AP with the knowledge and technology to plan logistics effectively. TLI-AP will thus be in a position to help multi-national corporations as well as local enterprises to better strategise their investments and operations in the region.

  

I anticipate many more success stories. TLI-AP has the potential to become a focal point where academia and industry work closely to solve complex logistics problems.

  

  

CONCLUSION

  

In conclusion, I would like to speak of some aspirations I have for TLI-AP.

  1.  I challenge TLI-AP to become a model of excellence for the institutes and industries in Singapore and the region.

  2. For top regional managers to be trained through TLI-AP dual MSc and professional education programmes.

  3. For TLI-AP to establish a direction and spearhead the trend for future research and development in logistics and supply-chain management.

  4. And finally, for industry players from the region to continually come to TLI-AP for consultancy and research collaborations.

Under the leadership of TLI-AP Chairman Mr Peter Ho and his team, and with your continued support, I am confident that TLI-AP will leapfrog ahead of its competition to become the premiere logistics institute in the Asia Pacific.

  

  

Thank you.