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Research Centres Research Centres & Interdisciplinary & Interdisciplinary

Research ClustersResearch ClustersPearls on the Net. Taken from ZnO Particlesby Yang Huiying, Project Officer, School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering

144 R e s e a r c h R e p o r t 2 0 0 6 . R e s e a r c h C e n t r e s & I n t e r d i s c i p l i n a r y R e s e a r c h C l u s t e r s

Research CentresResearch Centres

Centre for Research on Small Enterprise Development (CRSED)

Director: Prof Cham Tao SoonDirector: Prof Cham Tao Soon

CRSED was set up to focus on the development of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which form the majority of companies in Singapore. The centre also looks into training and education requirements of staff and owner-entrepreneurs, information and marketing requirements, and the role of incubators. It has links to the Nanyang Business School, the College of Engineering and the Technopreneurship Development Centre.

Centre for Chinese Language & Culture (CCLC)Director: Assoc Prof Lee Guan Kin

CCLC was set up in April 1994, primarily to promote excellence in research in Chinese language and cultural topics of interest to the Centre and the Chinese communities.

CCLC focuses on the following research areas: Southeast Asian Chinese Language and Dialects , Southeast Asian Literature in Chinese , Southeast Asian Chinese History and Folklore

, Literary & Social Traditions in the Chinese World .

CCLC currently publishes two major publications, namely the Nantah Journal of Chinese Language and Culture (the “Journal”) and the Nantah Chinese Language and Culture Series (the “Series”). The former is an international refereed journal and the latter includes monographs on Chinese language, Chinese literature and Chinese culture in general.

Chinese Heritage Centre (CHC) Director: Prof Leo SuryadinataDirector: Prof Leo Suryadinata

CHC was established to advance the knowledge and understanding of the Chinese communities spread throughout the world. The Chinese communities outside China are linked not only by common ancestry but also by common traditions, memories, beliefs, customs, manners and even skills. These elements form an integral part of the ‘Heritage’ to which the name of the Centre refers. The centre’s mission is to be a leading research and resource centre on the Chinese outside China.

IESE is wholly owned by NTU and supported by the Economic Development Board (EDB). It acts as a receptacle for innovative environmental technologies (ET) and to provide value-added research, development and deployment of these ET through its four research centres - Water & Membrane, Clean Energy, Marine & Resource Recovery, and Environmental Engineering. The aim of IESE is to create, innovate and conduct basic research to accelerate commercialisation that will establish Singapore as an ET hub for environmental science and engineering.

Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering (IESE) Director & CEO: Prof Tay Joo Hwa

NTC is a multi-disciplinary centre which is strongly committed to technology entrepreneurship development within the University and the region to create new business ventures that will provide new engines of growth for Singapore. The Center’s core competencies are Entrepreneurship Education & Development and Outreach Activities in Entrepreneurship. The other competencies which will be developed are Research in Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurship Consulting. To further its mission, the key developments include strategic improvements to the Graduate Diploma in Technopreneurship & Innovation Program, the annual NTU Business Plan Competition, introduction of the Minor in Entrepreneurship Program for undergraduate students, the Entrepreneurship Express Program for small business owners and start-up ventures, and Mentor In-Residence Program.

Nanyang Technopreneurship Center

(NTC)Director: Assoc Prof Tan Teng Kee

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NTU-MINDEF Protective Technology Research Centre (PTRC)

PTRC was established on 29 September 1998 via the Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and NTU. Under the strong leadership of Prof Pan Tso-Chien, PTRC has developed into a leading centre of excellence in underground technology and rock engineering. This is prominently reflected in PTRC’s contribution of essential technologies towards the engineering as well as the construction of underground ammunition facilities.

Besides building up PTRC’s strength in underground technology and rock engineering, Prof Pan has led a PTRC research team to complete a milestone study on the response of high-rise commercial buildings to blast loading. The study results have not only helped identify the R&D needs for building protection in the post-911 era, but also provided the basis for the initiation of a national programme on building protection.

Director: Prof Pan Tso-Chien

Temasek Laboratories

at NTU (TL@NTU)

Director: Prof Shang Huai Min

Temasek Laboratories at NTU (TL@NTU) is a partnership between Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA). This partnership aims to explore the frontiers in science and develop strategic technology that will deliver effective solutions to enhance defence and security in Singapore.

The Thales@NTU Laboratory, housed in NTU’s Research TechnoPlaza, is a joint research laboratory involving NTU, Thales Technology Centre Singapore and Thales Research & Technology (France). The collaboration leverages on NTU’s research capabilities and state-of-the-

Thales@NTUDirector: Assoc Prof Tjin Swee Chuan

art facilities with the expertise of the Thales Group. The lab develops cutting edge, dual usage technologies that can be harnessed for both commercial and homeland security applications. Its partners include DSTA, DSO, CSIT, A*STAR, CNRS/IEMN (France) and the University

of Surrey (UK). The R&D focuses on 4 main technology platforms, namely (1) RF Photonics, (2) RF Advanced Compounds, (3) Wireless Technology, and (4) Augmented Reality. Researchers from Thales visit NTU regularly to share expertise and experiences. They give lectures in their

areas of expertise and organize workshops. A student attachment program between NTU and French tertiary institutions is also in place and PhD scholarships are available to students doing research in relevant areas.

France-Singapore Workshop on Optoelectronics and RF Technology organized in NTU and attended by local and international experts


SEC was established in July 1999 as an interschool research centre hosted by the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) with participation from the Schools of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), Computer Engineering (SCE) and Materials Science Engineering (MSE). SEC’s mission is to spearhead R&D activities in new satellite systems and applications which have potential industrial applications in the near and long term. Its core research activities include low earth orbit (LEO), small satellite bus and payload design, fabrication and testing. In additional, SEC’s activities include the design of Linear Error Probable (LEP) satellite groundstations and terminals for mobile users. SEC also undertakes consulting R&D work related to satellite engineering for public and private sector organizations.

Satellite Engineering Centre (SEC)Director: Assoc Prof Tan Soon Hie

Electromagnetic Effects Research Laboratory (EMERL)

Since the day when Marconi demonstrated wireless transmission a century ago, the environment we live in has been heavily polluted with electromagnetic fields. These electromagnetic fields, if not properly controlled, can cause interference to electronic devices. In view of the concern of such “pollution”, a $10 million Electromagnetic Effects Research Laboratory (EMERL) was jointly set up by NTU and DSO National Laboratories to spearhead electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) research in Singapore. EMERL is sited within NTU campus and is fully-funded by DSO, DSTA and A*STAR. EMERL houses two state-of-the-art test facilities, a Semi-Anechoic Chamber (SAC) and a Mode Stirred Chamber (MSC). The SAC is a well shielded

Director: Assoc Prof See Kye YakDirector: Assoc Prof See Kye Yak

enclosure with the walls lined with electromagnetic absorbing material. It provides an “electromagnetic pollution free” environment to measure emission as low as micro-volt per meter. On the other hand, the MSC is another well shielded enclosure for immunity testing. It can emulate hostile electromagnetic environment with electromagnetic field of several hundreds volt per meter. With these facilities, NTU will be able to play a leading role in advanced electromagnetic effects research. Currently, three research projects in the areas of electromagnetic shielding material, extremely-low electromagnetic emission electronic packaging and reverberation chamber have started and more research projects are in the pipeline.

Energetic Materials Research Centre (EMRC)Director: Emeritus Prof Ang How Ghee

The mission of EMRC centres on a new generation of energetic materials, with special attention on innovation, research training and collaboration. The research focus of the Centre is on new materials with high energetic performance, ranging from oxidizers to metals. Its research on chemical synthesis of the

high energy density materials includes the design of new synthetic routes that are safe, non-polluting and cost-effective. Its interests on computational modeling will take its basic research beyond the labs to new applications. The Centre extends its research to physical and spectroscopic

studies of selected energetic materials and metals. The critical issues of insensitivity and compatibility of energetic material compositions are examined in order to achieve new goals of enhanced energetic performance and the uncompromising demands of high safety standards.

Intelligent Systems Center (Intellysis) Director: Assoc Prof Chen I-MingDirector: Assoc Prof Chen I-Ming

Intellysis is an applied research centre jointly set up by Singapore Technologies Engineering and Nanyang Technological University. It is the meeting point of application-specific problems and technologically viable solutions, and serves as a hotbed for technology development and advancement in the area of intelligent systems. The centre’s emphasis is on synergistic integration of physical systems with information

technology and complex decision making processes in the design, manufacture and operation of intelligent systems relevant to industrial users. Main research programmes in the center include intelligent sensor network, intelligent information processing and optimization, Al-based simulation, cognitive information systems, and innovative robotics and haptics.


The Centre for Advanced Bionanosystems has the state-of-the-art facilities and explores advanced bionanosystems, particularly focusing on micro/nano array sensors, lab-on-a-chip systems, nanomedicines, drug delivery devices, bioelectronics and biofuel cells for excellence in both science and commercialization.

Centre for Advanced BionanosystemsDirector: Assoc Prof Li Chang MingDirector: Assoc Prof Li Chang Ming

Nanostructure biosensors and electronics

NTU-MPA Maritime Research Centre (MRC)Director: Assoc Prof Tan Soon Keat

MRC is dedicated to the research and development of port and maritime technology. Established jointly by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and NTU, it serves to coordinate research and development effort among various local and international organizations.

Lien Institute for the Environment (LIFE)Director: Assoc Prof Ting Seng Kiong

NTU’s School of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) and Lien Foundation have joined hands to establish the Lien Foundation – NTU Environmental Endeavour. The Endeavour is made up of two arms: the Lien Institute for the Environment (LIFE) and LIEN AID.

CEE’s world-class environmental technologies will be translated into sustainable solutions with a lasting, positive impact on developing communities. The Lien Foundation will extend its experience in supporting community work in the region.

LIFE, being R&D-driven, will help develop

technology solutions for applications such as water production, sanitation, and strengthening of non-engineered structures and rapidly deployable shelters. LIEN AID will proactively seek out the needs of communities and deploy the appropriate technological know-how in the field through engineering-based community projects.

NTU and Lien Foundation unite to meet new environmental challenges in Asia


Interdisciplinary Research ClustersInterdisciplinary Research Clusters

The research centres under College of Engineering has been reorganized – based on their research programmes, activities and output - into research clusters for better synergy, focus, optimal sharing and usage of research equipment.

The BPE Cluster is an NTU-wide network of related research centres and laboratories with shared R&D facilities. The Cluster is made up of three research centres and two laboratories with the primary mission to create and test advanced medical & drug technologies for advanced patient care and biological mysteries. To achieve this mission, the Cluster taps on its multi-disciplinary expertise and works strategically and closely with international renowned hospitals, academic institutions and industries. The BPE Cluster focuses its research on Biochemical, Bionanotechnology, Bioimaging, Biosensors, Distributed Diagnostics and Home Healthcare Systems, Neuroengineering, Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, Biomechanics, and Medical Robotics.

Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Engineering Cluster (BPE Cluster) Director: Assoc Prof Lim Chu SingDirector: Assoc Prof Lim Chu Sing

1.1. Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (BMERC)

Director: Assoc Prof Lim Chu SingBMERC’s strengths stem from the coherent fusion between core engineering disciplines, biology and medicine. Researchers in the centre come from the established schools of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (SCBE), Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), Computer Engineering (SCE), Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE). BMERC also works very closely with the industry, hospitals (e.g. Singapore General Hospital (SGH), National University Hospital (NUH), KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)), overseas biomedical engineering research facilities, as well as with the Society of the Physically Disabled (SPD), as part of the Community Research Network to research into the latest assistive technologies.

1.2. Centre for Biotechnology (CBT)

Director: Assoc Prof Mary ChanCBT capitalizes on chemical engineering sciences to exploit several

frontiers of biotechnology including protein therapeutics engineering, biomolecular recognition and system bioengineering. Along the way, the researchers in the centre will apply state-of-the-art methods in protein surface display on genetically engineered organisms, directed evolution of the peptide sequences of proteins and biochemical process simulation to design novel bio-catalysts, biopharmaceuticals, oral vaccines, biosensor, etc. Most importantly, the centre serves as a focal point of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) undergraduate students, faculty members and research students for fostering highly interdisciplinary research at the crossroad of chemical engineering sciences, life sciences and nanosciences.

1.3. Centre for Chiral and Pharmaceutical Engineering (CCPE)

Director: Prof Ching Chi BunCCPE is the ideal chemical discovery and development partner to the pharmaceutical, biochemical and chemical industries. The Centre aims to forge multi-disciplinary research between science and engineering to provide the ‘one-stop chemical solution’ – a unique range of innovative research projects designed to improve and to create novel separation technology for the

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industries. Through its multi-disciplinary and upstream projects, the Centre aims to develop R&D manpower, scientific knowledge and technological capabilities to support the chemical, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries as well. It plays an active role in enhancing the competitiveness of Singapore’s chemical and pharmaceutical industries through its function as an R&D entity, a platform for NTU’s College of Engineering to collaborate with A*STAR Research Institutes, various Institutes of Higher Learning and technology start-up companies and as a coordinating party integrating scientists and engineers.

1.4. Computer-integrated Medical Intervention Laboratory (CIMIL)

Director: Assoc Prof Ng Wan SingCIMIL houses the main medical robotics, bio-robotics, ultrasound imaging and surgical assist technology groups under the BPE Cluster. CIMIL is today an internationally recognized unit for researching surgical assist modalities. The URobot (Urology Robot), the CRobot (Colonoscopy Robot) and the prostate navigational robot are just a few examples of completed medical robots built by the laboratory.


1.5. Physiological Mechanics Laboratory (PML)

Director: Assoc Prof Yeo Joon Hock

The Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Cluster (NanoCluster) was set up in March 2005 as an NTU-wide network of research centres that includes shared facilities for nanofabrication, nanocharacterization and exploitation of nanotechnology applications. NanoCluster focuses on the areas of nanodevices, nanomagnetics and nano-optics, organic and molecular electronics, nanomaterials synthesis, energy and catalysis, and nanobiotechnology. Research activities and considerable expertise in these areas already exists within the various research centres and schools in NTU but the NanoCluster will provide a unique platform whereby the various disciplines such as materials, electronics, and biology will interact on a nano and molecular scale.

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Cluster (NanoCluster) Director: Assoc Prof Subodh MhaisalkarDirector: Assoc Prof Subodh Mhaisalkar

NanoCluster seeks to coordinate, facilitate and stimulate research in nanotechnology in NTU by grouping together the following centres in NTU:

2.1. Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMRC)

Director: Assoc Prof Subodh MhaisalkarAMRC is a University-wide research centre that focuses on the synthesis of advanced and innovative functional materials for applications ranging from biotechnology to nanoelectronics. Its research focus is on Biomaterials, Energy & Catalysis, Nano & Organic Electronics, Nano Photonics & Magnetics, and Defence Materials. The main research facilities include materials synthesis for organics and in-organic materials, thin film deposition, materials characterization including morphology, thermal and structure characterization.

2.2. Microelectronics Centre (MEC)

Director: Assoc Prof Pey Kin LeongMEC’s vision is to be an internationally renowned leading-edge research laboratory, specializing in new semiconductor-based materials, nanostructures/devices and microsystems to create new

knowledge and technological know-how for the future of microelectronics and nanoelectronics. Its research facilities include two Class 100 and one Class 10-10,000 clean rooms, Materials Characterization laboratory, Sensors & Actuators laboratory, Ion Beam Processing laboratory, IC Design, CAD/CAM laboratory and Microfabrication laboratory to carry out its advanced research work in silicon processes and devices. MEC has complete facilities for the fabrication of compound semiconductor and a wide range of other semiconductor and non-semiconductor thin film devices, sensors and circuits. MEC’s research focuses on Diamond-like Carbon Thin Films and Nanoelectronics, Nanoelectronics Computation, Si-based Research Technology, Sensors, Actuators and Smart Materials Research, Compound Semiconductor and Heterogeneous Integration, and MEMS & Integrated Microsystems.

2.3. Photonics Research Centre (PhRC)

Director: Assoc Prof Tjin Swee ChuanPhRC is dedicated to research and teaching in the fast-paced field of Photonics science and technology.

PhRC was founded originally in 1994 as a photonics research laboratory under Microelectronics Centre, the first of its kind in Singapore, and it became a School-based Research Centre in 2003. PhRC has signed numerous MoUs with international collaborators. The strength of PhRC is also recognized by Thales, a French defense organization, when they set up their first joint research laboratory with a university outside of Europe. A MoU between NTU and Thales was signed on 21 February 2005 to establish a joint research laboratory to develop dual-use technologies. PhRC conducts research in many cutting-edge areas of optics and photonics, which may be broadly divided into three programs: fibre and laser optics, biophotonics, as well as photonics materials and devices.

2.4. Micromachines Centre (MMC)

Director: Assoc Prof Miao JianminMMC is a multi-disciplinary research centre with a 500m2 clean room equipped with sophisticated Micro-electrochemical Systems (MEMS) fabrication and characterization equipment and facilities. Its research

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PML houses the cardiovascular dynamics, non-invasive glucose sensing and blood pressure sensing groups of the BPE cluster. The cardiovascular dynamics group is renowned for the autologous pericardial tissue replacement heart valve and has successfully

implemented these in humans. The work is currently undergoing clinical trials and the Laboratory has recently organized a successful workshop for surgeons to practice and try out the new heart valve replacement device and surgical procedure.


areas range from mechanical sensor design, micromachining, optical and RF MEMS, microfluidic MEMS for the biomedical applications to MEMS process development and materials research. Recently, MMC is developing nanofabrication and nanomachining technologies for the new wave of nano and bio research. MMC has established an excellent reputation in Singapore and overseas. It is one of the biggest research centers for MEMS research in the world. It also supports the dual master degree program of MEMS engineering with the French University Ecole Supérieure d’Ingénieurs en Electronique et Electrotechnique

(ESIEE), which is the first of such kind of dual degree Masters programme in MEMS engineering in the world.

2.5. Precision Engineering Centre (PEN Centre)

Acting Director: Assoc Prof Zhou WeiPEN Centre has positioned itself as one of the regional leaders in the area of precision engineering and nanofabrication research. It also has established itself as an effective and

relevant research centre to the industry and is well recognized internationally. PEN Centre’s niche areas are in precision engineering, nanometrology, and nanofabrication. Its research focus includes ultra-fast laser micromachining, focused ion beam technology, ultra-precision machining and nanometrology. The Centre’s strength is in nanofabrication and nanometrology. Its ability in Focused Ion Beam technology has impressed and convinced Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and WinTech Nano-Technology Services Pte Ltd to choose PEN Centre as their partner to support their R&D.

The IDeAS Cluster within the College of Engineering promotes cross-disciplinary research between research centres contributing to research and applied sciences for devices and systems. The activities at IDeAS pertain to undertaking application-inspired research in novel devices and systems by leveraging on its competencies in the areas of Embedded Systems, Integrated Circuits, Sensor Networks, Human Factors, Control Systems, Robotics, Machine Intelligence and the Mechanics of Micro-systems. The Cluster embodies the following research centres:

Intelligent Devices and Systems Cluster (IDeAS)Director: Prof Thambipillai SrikanthanDirector: Prof Thambipillai Srikanthan

3.1. Centre for Integrated Circuit and Systems (CICS)

Director: Prof Do Manh AnhCICS’ vision is to excel in research in Integrated Circuits and Systems Design and to provide cutting edge technologies and specialized manpower training for the Singapore electronic industry. It has strong research activities in IC Design well recognized internationally. Research activities are focused mainly on the design, analysis and integration of electronic circuits and systems in general, and on the design of low-voltage low-power system-on-chip (SoC) in particular. The expertise of CICS is in the three specialized areas of RF Integrated Circuits & Systems; Mixed-signal IC & Applications, and VLSI Design & Embedded Systems are well demanded by the industry in the form of consultancy and industrial collaboration.

3.2. Centre for High Performance Embedded Systems (CHiPES)

Director: Prof Thambipillai SrikanthanCHiPES undertakes user-inspired basic research into novel algorithms and their architectural translations to innovate embedded solutions. It undertakes basic research into Future Design Methodologies for shorter time-to-market (TTM) and lower non-recurring engineering costs (NRE) to realize high-productivity embedded systems suitable for mass volume manufacture. CHiPES serves as a knowledge base to facilitate state-of-the-art training in Embedded Systems Engineering through active participation in industrial projects and the use of advanced CAD tools and process technology. The research focus at CHiPES is represented by 8 distinct focus groups: Reconfigurable Computing, Secure/Forensic Embedded Systems, Computer Arithmetic, Embedded Control,

Algorithms to Architectures, Embedded Software, Embedded Signal Processing and Design Methodologies.

3.3. Centre for Computational Intelligence (C²i)

Director: Assoc Prof Michel PasquierC²i was established in April 2004 at the NTU’s School of Computer Engineering. It comprises faculty and students undertaking high quality research in the technologies required for the realization of intelligent systems of the future. C²i’s expertise ranges from classical, knowledge-intensive AI, through machine learning and adaptive systems, to nature-inspired Computational Intelligence. Its work focuses on the investigation, design, and development of novel models and techniques and their application for building computing systems and devices that are of practical use in human endeavours.

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3.4. Robotics Research Centre (RRC)

Director: Assoc Prof Gerald SeetRRC is jointly managed and funded by the School of Computer Engineering (SCE), the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE). RRC has established its research expertise on intelligent robotics systems for selected applications (specialised industrial areas and hazardous environments), machine intelligence and vision, sensors, actuators, cybernetics and selected control algorithms. With its direction focused on intelligent robotic systems in specialised application, RRC zooms into two distinct areas - industrially related robotic applications and highly specialised robots for medical and hazardous applications. A secondary aspect is to acquire and develop its technological expertise in the areas of robotics. Investigation into relevant technology in the areas of machine vision, sensors, actuators and cybernetics technology continues at a vigorous pace.

3.5. Centre for Intelligent Machines (CIM)

Director: Assoc Prof Wang Dan WeiCIM is a school research centre hosted by the Division of Control and Instrumentation with participation from other divisions in the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE) and other schools of NTU. It was established in 2003 with the mission to spearhead R&D activities in the areas of Control System Technology, Mobile Robotics, Surveillance Technology, Real-time & Embedded Information Systems, and Machine Learning. CIM’s research in control, especially robust and adaptive control, enjoys excellent international reputation. In addition to fundamental research, it has put a lot of emphasis on industrial control, in particular, process modeling, optimization and control with applications in air-conditioning systems and has completed several major industrial projects. CIM also has

very strong research teams in autonomous systems and machine learning supported by several government and industry funded projects.

3.6. Centre for Human Factors & Ergonomics (CHFE)

Director: Assoc Prof Lim Kee YongCHFE is an inter-school entity, involving staff from the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication & Information (WKWSCI). It has been well positioned to address the entire spectrum of design concerns, extending highly desirable art-to-part capabilities to encompass ideation/concept definition, art/virtual design/computer aided design/simulation, and finally the production of a first physical prototype. Interest areas are wide

ranging, covering industrial automation and systems, consumer products and military systems.

3.7. Center for Mechanics of Micro-systems (CMMS)

Director: Prof Ling Shih-FuThe mission of CMMS is to provide a research environment which taps and integrates expertise of professors on campus for tackling issues in Mechanics met in developing micro systems and developing new enabling technologies useful for design and realization of micro systems. Research in CMMS can be roughly categorized into 2 areas: solving problems in Mechanics in developing new generation of hard disk drives for industry and developing new enabling technologies of modeling and measurement for design and testing of micro systems.

The InfoComm Research cluster strives to conduct cutting edge research on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to meet the future needs of digital, broadband, wireless and security. It has identified three research thrusts to provide the research focus: InfoComm Infrastructure, Media and Signal Processing, and Information Security. Guided by these thrusts, research programmes are undertaken in the 10 core research areas: Optical Communications, Power Line Communications, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology, Wireless and Mobile Technologies, Sensor Array Signal Processing, Imaging and Classification Techniques, Sentient Computing and Affective Sciences, Digital Media Processing and Understanding, Pervasive Computing and Network, Document Security and Biometrics. InfoComm Cluster comprises five research centres:

InfoComm Research ClusterDirector: Assoc Prof Ser WeeDirector: Assoc Prof Ser Wee

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4.1. Centre for Multimedia and Network Technology (CeMNet)

Director: Assoc Prof Chia Liang Tien, ClementWith the convergence of computing, broadband network, telecommunication and consumer electronics, a new area has emerged in Multimedia Technology and

Networking. CeMNet is divided into three separate clusters: the Network Technology Cluster works on networks and protocols to ensure that networks of the future are capable of handling high-bandwidth communications well; the Multimedia Signal Processing and Communications Cluster conducts studies on how multimedia compression technologies and their transmission methods can be improved; and the Pervasive Computing Cluster works on ways to make technological communication


support as readily available as the air we breathe. The Centre focuses on technology innovations in the areas of media source (e.g. MPEG-7 encoding, collaborative visualisation), media transport (e.g. wireless, mobile and broadband networks, Quality of Services, multicast), media distribution, and application services (e.g. videoconferencing).

4.2. Centre for Information Security (CIS)

Director: Asst Prof Jiang XudongThe main research activity of CIS broadly focuses on the areas of Cryptography (cryptographic algorithms, cryptographic protocols and provable security), Network Security (wired/ wireless network security and ad hoc network security), Digital Watermarking (copyright protection and authentication of image, audio, video, document and vector graphic data) and Biometrics (theoretical and applied research in areas related to the human identity recognition based on his/ her physiological or behavioural characteristics that are unique to each individual).

To date, CIS has developed and patented a fast MPEG watermarking scheme to embed secure watermarks efficiently and invisibly into the MPEG bit stream without the need for MPEG decompression. CIS has also developed a fingerprint retrieval framework using the orientation field as the main feature and the dominant ridge distance as an auxiliary feature, which will speed up the identification process and also alleviate the accuracy deterioration of the fingerprint identification from that of the verification.

4.3. Centre for Signal Processing (CSP)

Director: Assoc Prof Ser WeeCSP was first formed as a research centre in the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE) in 1991. From August 1995 to March 2002, CSP received its core funding from The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) (then National Science and Technology Board (NSTB)) and operated as a national research centre. Since April 2002, CSP has been re-organized as a research centre in the School of EEE, with the mission of spearheading the research and development of signal processing technologies for the future.

The Centre is organized into four research programmes: Multimedia Signal Processing, Statistical and Adaptive Signal Processing, Bio-Signal Processing and DSP System Design and Development. With the vision that future systems will become more intelligent and connected, CSP strives to create significant research impact on the enabling DSP technologies. Specifically, three thrust areas have been identified as the focus for its research projects: biomedical signal processing, homeland security, and intelligent human-machine interface. In addition, collaboration with local and overseas universities, research institutes and industry will continue to be a very important part of the activities for CSP.

4.4. Network Technology Research Centre (NTRC)

Director: Assoc Prof Shum PingNTRC is an inter-school research centre hosted by the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) with participation from the School of Computer Engineering (SCE). The establishment of NTRC by Digital Equipment Singapore and NTU in November 1991 provides a focal point for researchers with interest in communications and computer

networking to undertake research and development works of strategic importance to the Singapore’s economy. NTRC’s mission is to spearhead strategic research in state-of-the-art communications and computer networking technologies for short- and long-term benefits to the industry in Singapore.Situated in the state-of-art Research Techno Plaza, NTRC owns a total lab space of 12,000 square feet and is fully equipped to provide technical support and facilities to both academic (undergraduate and postgraduate levels) and industry-relevant research in the areas of data communications, local and wide area networks, digital signal processing, radio systems, optical transmission systems and fibre-based computer networks. The core research activities carried out in NTRC can be broadly classified under four research programs: Power Line Communications, Optical Communications, Network Control and Engineering and Mobile Network Technology.

4.5. Positioning and Wireless Technology Centre (PWTC)

Director: Assoc Prof Law Choi LookPWTC is an inter-school research centre hosted by the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) with participation from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and School of Computer Engineering (SCE). PWTC was established in March 1999, formerly known as Global Positioning Systems Centre (GPSC). Its vision is to be a Centre of Excellence in Who, Where and When (WWW) technologies and its mission is to lead and promote Research, Product Innovation and Training in Identification, Positioning and Tracking technologies.The R&D activities of PWTC focus on Wireless Network, RF Identification and Tagging (RFID) and Global Navigation Satellite System & Applications.


ACMC aims to promote research excellence in NTU through multi-disciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research in the areas of advanced computing, visualisation, and human-computer interaction in a variety of domains, and to promote quality utility computing services. Its mission is to provide computational services and facilities, and to coordinate, facilitate, and stimulate research and development among the university community in multi-disciplinary fields of advanced scientific/engineering computing and media, and to support NTU in becoming a world-class university in technology and science. The Cluster will be supporting a program on computational science and engineering. This involves the use of scalable computing and scientific visualisation of large-scale computational intensive simulation and design optimisation of engineered systems, as it evolves into a more comprehensive hub for advanced computing and media research. ACMC consists of 3 research centres:

Advanced Computing and Media Cluster (ACMC)Acting Director: Prof Lim Mong KingActing Director: Prof Lim Mong King

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5.1. BioInformatics Research Centre (BIRC)

Director: Assoc Prof Liao KinBIRC focuses on the education, research and development, and human-resource training in bioinformatics at NTU. It brings together scientists and engineers, who are interested in bioinformatics modeling and computation, and fosters cross-disciplinary interactions among different schools at NTU to perform advanced research in bioinformatics. BIRC also builds the necessary partnerships with other research and educational institutions, locally and abroad, to achieve its objectives of providing the interdisciplinary environment and training for students and researchers to engage in leading and cutting edge research in bioinformatics, and thereby become a part of the life sciences workforce in Singapore and elsewhere. BIRC is currently hosted by the School of Computer Engineering (SCE) with the participation of the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) and the National Institute of Education (NIE).

5.2. Centre for Advanced Media Technology (CAMTech)

Director: Karl Wolfgang Mueller-WittigEstablished in 1998, CAMTech is a joint R&D centre of the Fraunhofer-Institute for Computer Graphics (IGD) in

Darmstadt, Germany and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), in Singapore. CAMTech’s key technologies include real time rendering, virtual reality and augmented reality. Its core competencies are scientific and medical visualisation, next generation learning environments for life sciences, virtual engineering and manufacturing, virtual and augmented environments for medical application, new media for education and cultural heritage, 3D modelling and reconstruction of incident scenes.

5.3. Centre for Computational Engineering (CCE)

Director: Assoc Prof Ng Teng YongThe emergence of high-performance computing has created a third mode of scientific investigation. Today, modeling and simulation joins theoretical analysis and physical experimentation as tools for discovering new knowledge and aid the understanding of new phenomena. It enables the study of complex engineering systems and natural phenomena that would be too expensive or dangerous, or even impossible, to study by direct experimentation. Computational Engineering encompasses the design, development, and application of computational systems to analyze of physical problems in engineering and science. These computational systems include not only the algorithms and

software required for the solution of mathematical equations describing physical processes, but also the means and methods of visualizing, analyzing, and interpreting computed results and other physical data.The newly formed Centre aims to support selected upstream core research as well as application areas in computational engineering activities. It seeks to foster interdisciplinary, computationally oriented research in different areas of science and engineering. This field is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring expertise in advanced computing technology as well as in one or more applied disciplines. Its successful application to many of today’s complex multi-disciplinary problems is heavily dependent on both computer architecture and powerful numerical techniques and algorithms.

5.4. Interaction and Entertainment Research Centre (IERC)

Director: Assoc Prof Pensyl William RussellIERC is a research centre of the School of Computer Engineering (SCE) in NTU. It is a new centre dedicated to creative cross-disciplinary collaborations between various university departments, as well as with government and industry partners. Areas of focus include interactive fine art, augmented reality, games education/training and simulation.


EWT Cluster was formed in 2006 to establish a focal point for EWT research and development, serve as a resource and technology transfer centre for EWT and act as a platform for multi-disciplinary EWT research. EWT Cluster focuses on its priorities to advance the state- of-the art in environmental and water technologies through both niche basic and applied research.

The core research competencies of EWT Cluster include water reclamation, water resources management, water quality analytics, coastal management, waste to energy, waste to materials, environmental remediation, and environmental biotechnology. Other environmental research areas include fuel cell systems, alternative energy sources, environmental sensing, monitoring, and control systems, plasma processing, green chemicals, environmental informatics, and nanotechnology for environmental applications and impact to human health and the environment.

The EWT Cluster leverages on the relevant environmental expertise and research activities in the Fuel Cell and Energy Research Laboratory (FCERL), Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL) and the following research centres in NTU:

Environmental and Water Technologies (EWT) ClusterDirector: Assoc Prof Edmond LoDirector: Assoc Prof Edmond Lo

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6.1. NTU-NEA Environmental Engineering Research Centre (EERC)

Director: Assoc Prof Wang Jing-YuanThe Environmental Engineering Research Centre (EERC) was officially launched in 1999 in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment (ENV). Its vision is to become the centre of choice for environmental technology in the nation and region. The core research competences of EERC include water reclamation, water resources management, water quality analytics, coastal management, waste to energy, waste to materials, environmental remediation, and environmental biotechnology.

6.2. Centre for Modeling and Control of Complex Systems (CMCCS)

Director: Prof Soh Yeng ChaiCMCCS was established in 2003 to champion R&D activities related to the understanding of dynamics and computational issues of complex systems. It is an inter-divisional

research centre with active participation of researchers from various research institutions in Singapore. The mission of CMCCS is to excel in research and development on methodologies for modeling, computation, control and optimisation of complex systems. Its core research activities are Modeling and Control of Biological Systems; Computational Nano-Electronics; Computational Electromagnetics; Control of Networks; Modeling, Optimization and Control Techniques.

6.3. Facility for Advanced Characterization, Testing, and Simulation (FACTS)

Director: Assoc Prof Timothy John WhiteFACTS provides access to top end electron and X-ray beam equipment for the characterization of materials, conduct high level teaching and training, and act as a forum to catalyze basic and applied science study in NTU and the wider research community of Singapore. FACTS focuses its research on the atomic level crystallographic, structural and chemical analysis using electron and X-ray probes, providing an essential underpinning for the design, development and validation of nanomaterials.

6.4. Biosciences Research Centre (BRC)

Director: Prof James P TamBRC is a multi-disciplinary research centre encompassing researchers from different schools in NTU that are interested in focusing on the biomedical and biological questions facing Singapore and the world in the 21st century. By providing a research environment with state-of-the-art facilities, the BRC hopes to create the ideal environment for internationally competitive research in all areas of the life sciences, bringing together researchers from NTU and beyond. It is a model of how Institutes of higher learning will operate in the future. This model would drive top level research in the various themes undertaken by the BRC, such as Infectious Diseases, Ageing and Cancer, ultimately leading to new therapeutic targets of potential commercial value. The BRC aims to provide the infrastructure that is needed to pursue internationally competitive biomedical research. Currently the following core facilities providing advanced instrumentation are in various stages of development: Proteomics, Genomics, Cell Biology, Structural Biology, Chemical Biology, Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory and animal facilities.

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