Temasek
Life sciences Laboratory

Welcome to our 20th Anniversary microsite! Established in 2002, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) focuses primarily on understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie the development and physiology of plants, fungi and animals.

With over 200 researchers from more than 20 different nationalities, TLL strives to build a preeminent organization of global talent to undertake cutting-edge, bio-molecular science research and applications to benefit people in Asia and beyond.

TLL began in 2002 and is now 20 years old. Its founding was a reflection of the faith and confidence of those few who were involved at the time, in the critical value and immense potential of life sciences to our lives and to the world we as human beings all have to live in.

This was a time before green terms like “Sustainability” and “Nature-based solutions” became buzz words today. Through the last two decades, TLL has persevered, overcoming many challenges to stay on course and to stay true to its mission of harnessing the power of life sciences with discoveries that positively impact lives and societies.

TLL and its people should be proud of having done and for continuing to do good work. Be it innovative solutions in nutrition security, advancing knowledge in bio-molecular sciences, or enabling practicable solutions contributing to sustainability, resilience and well-being of our society and beyond, TLL seeks through its work, to always be a catalyst for a better world.

It is a world that has become much more complex than ever before, faced with rapidly growing global challenges, critical and urgent. I think the best bet for success in such a world is greater synergistic collaboration which can bridge and tap holistically the value of diversity of research in different knowledge fields, as well as that of the world of operating industry and day-to-day practitioners.

Scientists and researchers including all in TLL have their work cut out for them, for much remains to be done and need to be done. I was reminded recently that someone had once said, “one thing I have learned in a long life: that all our science, measured against reality, is primitive and childlike – and yet it is the most precious thing we have.”

That someone was Albert Einstein. Indeed, many believe that looking to nature is a good way to go, for it remains the most fertile source for crucial discoveries, and inspired sustainable solutions to come.

I wish to thank all TLL staff and scientists, past and present, for their dedication and for having travelled faithfully the TLL journey together. I know that I speak for my fellow board members when I say that we look forward to working with all of you to make TLL a great place to work, to undertake the kind of research that will impact the lives of all for the better.

TLL was started in 2002 to become a research institution with a focus to understand and harness the power of life sciences, addressing anticipated challenges in food security, environmental sustainability and well-being — 21st century challenges that directly impact societal needs.

Our first founding decade saw TLL making discoveries, with science as the mission, to deepen our collective understanding of the mysteries underlying cell biology, development and diseases, and how these could impact the many facets of human life.

The foundations set up by TLL’s basic science form the basis of our strategic research purpose, with science as the means, to provide us with unique opportunities, and with that, great responsibility, to keep a laser-sharp focus on bringing discoveries to deliveries and to build an innovation ecosystem to impact lives of Singaporeans, as well as people in Asia and beyond.

20 years on, the quality of science which our discoveries rests upon have garnered stronger partnerships with our local research ecosystem as well as lasting industry collaborations. For this, I would like to thank TLL’s key partners from private, public and people sectors, especially Temasek Trust, Temasek Foundation, National Research Foundation and other agencies, for their unwavering support.

Today, TLL remains rooted to our mission. We are still one of the more unique research institutions that encourages and fosters an environment that allows both mission-oriented and discretionary basic discoveries to co-exist, and for new discoveries to emerge every day.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mr Benny Lim as our Chairman from January 2023, having taken over from Dr Teo Ming Kian, who has guided us with steady hands from 2012. I look forward to working closely with Benny, and all our current Board members to further our mission, and help bring TLL to greater heights. 

I would also like to thank all previous Board members for their guidance and to all existing and ex-TLL scientists, administration and support personnel for their dedication, hard work and commitment to our cause.

To those with a million dreams who gravitate towards solving an important problem, know that there’s a world waiting for you at TLL. Our future is made possible when our purpose attracts knowledge seekers and truth finders, people who are energised to furthering bold, original and impactful research to improves lives.

Much remains to be done. Together, we can work with partners and stakeholders to continue bringing life sciences to life, and to invent, innovate and invest in creating a better world.

Our Milestones

20 Years Impact

1 Research Link
National University of Singapore
Singapore 117604

2022

TLL, Singapore NParks and Temasek Foundation embarks on One Million Trees movement

TLL hosts Singapore Ministers for Sustainability and the Environment, Social and Family Development, and Health

TLL hosts Singapore Ministers for Sustainability and the Environment, Social and Family Development, and Health

SFA, NUS, TLL and Industry Partners sign MoU for the AquaPolis programme (video)

2021

Covid 19 Pandemic: TLL joins Temasek Foundation in testing non alcoholic hand sanitisers for BYOB Hand Sanitiser Project (video)

TLL spins off Aqualita Ecotechnology (video)

2020

Temasek Holdings recognises TLL’s strategic focus on emerging infectious diseases amidst COVID-19

Covid-19 Pandemic:  TLL joins Temasek Foundation in testing water and hand sanitiser quality, as well as public distribution  for BYOB Hand Sanitiser Project
(video)

TLL commences research on High Performance Precision Agriculture (HiPPA) systems

TLL commences research on Lighting Recipes for Sustainable and High Quality Vegetable Production

Louis Dreyfus Company Partners Barramundi Asia and TLL on Aqua Feed Research (video)

2019

TLL spins off Zero 2.5 (video)

TLL improves quality of Steviol Glycosides in Stevia plants

TLL invents food safe dye that treats HFMD Enterovirus 71 in small children

TLL delivers keynote speech at the Asia Pacific Agri Food Conference

Temasek Rice ready to take on global market after grant of plant varieties protection (video)

2018

TLL spins off Allegro Aqua

TLL commences research on Disruptive, Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP)

2017

TLL spins off Pathnova

TLL kicks off smart agriscience projects at National Research Foundation

TLL Scientists Discover New Fundamental Class of Proteins Named “Guardian”

TLL Scientists Discover Mechanical Control of Embryonic Polarisation

TLL appoints Peter Chia as CEO

Dr Yin Zhong Chao Wins Outstanding Rice Scientist (Singapore) Award

Zebrafish Study Sheds Light on Potential Effect of Global Warming on Fish Populations

2016

TLL develops multivalent vaccines against major swine viral diseases

TLL spins off TLA

TLL launches Training in Biosafety and Infectious Substances Shipping for Public Health Laboratories in Asia Pacific

TLL participates in Singapore’s state visit to Norway

TLL makes its First Deposit with Norwegian’s Svalbard Global Seed Vault

TLL’s tissue culture trees planted as part of Temasek Holding’s Tree Planting Day 

TLL hosts Delegation from Laos

TLL hosts Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Temasek Holdings’ CEO Ho Ching

TLL hosts Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

TLL hosts Singapore Ministers of Trade and Industry, National Development and Finance

TLL hosts Chairman of Temasek Holdings

Singapore’s Temasek Rice Developed by TLL Scientists for Regional Food Security (video)

Plant Biology Sheds Light on the Development of Important Plant Organs

Singapore led Consortium Deciphers the Genome of Asian Seabass: First Major Tropical Food Fish with its ‘Genetic Blueprint’ Assembled and Read

Prof Chua Nam Hai joins TLL as National Research Foundation’s Returning Singaporean Scientist

2015

Scientists Discover a Novel Fungal Biocatalyst and Regulator that Shut Down Plant Immunity

TLL is granted an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status under the Singapore Charities Act

TLL collaborates with Anhui Rice Research Institute on rice research and manpower training

TLL launches Biosafety Passport for the Biomedical and Life Sciences Industry

TLL delivers
Wilmar Distinguished Lecture in Agri-Food

TLL hosts Delegation from Myanmar

TLL hosts Singapore Senior Minister of State for Health, Environment and Water Resources

2014

TLL and Temasek Foundation build capacities in laboratory bio risk management in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia and Vietnam

TLL hosts Scientific Advisory Panel Discussion

TLL hosts Singapore’s Minister of Finance

TLL hosts Guangzhou Delegation

TLL hosts young visitors from Harvest Care Centre

TLL appoints Prof Yu Hao as Executive Director

TLL discovers a new mechanism for sex control in zebrafish, germ cells reduction yields more males

TLL appoints National Research Foundation Fellow to study diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases

TLL discovers DNA compaction and its association with diseases

TLL discovers “bio-timer” that controls growth rate in flowering plants

2013

TLL and Temasek Foundation customises rice cultivation programmes with the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural R&D

TLL hosts visit by Singapore’s Minister for National Development

Dr Yu Hao receives the Singapore President’s Science and Technology Award

TLL scientists identify an important mechanism that terminates protein folding failures

TLL young scientists receive prestigious awards for outstanding academic accomplishment

TLL develops laboratory bio-risk management with the Cambodian Ministry of Health

2012

BioForest is acquired by Samko Timber

TLL develops plant and microbial systems for flavours and fragrances with National Research Foundation

TLL sponsors Outstanding Poster Abstract Entries at the ‘Next Generation Technologies for Bioenergy and Biomass Utilization’ International Conference

TLL scientist receives prestigious Beadle and Tatum Award

TLL and Temasek Foundation collaborate on research training and manpower development in Myanmar

TLL celebrates 10th Anniversary

2011

TLL appoints Prof Chan Soh Ha as Executive Director

TLL and various Singaporean entities give out “Made-in Singapore” trees to schools and Nparks

TLL and AVA receives Grant Award from National Research Foundation on Applied Aquaculture Genomics R&D

TLL receives additional grants from National Research Foundation on Rice Research for Regional Food Security

Epigenetic factors in fruit flies provide insights into human psychiatric disorder

TLL makes landmark discovery of epigenetics in remodelling of the nervous system

2010

TLL signs MOU with Japan’s National Institute for Basic Biology

TLL spins off EPIC BIO

JOil enters strategic alliance with KF Bioplants

TLL and Temasek Foundation collaborate on research training and manpower development in Laos

TLL works on avian influenza research and Asian seabass breeding programme with AVA

TLL obtains novel findings through research on Drosophila female germline stem cells

Dr Joanne Yew and Dr Katsutomo Okamura receive Singapore National Research Foundation Fellowship

2009

TLL hosts President of Singapore at JOil plantation in Lim Chu Kang

TLL hosts Temasek Holdings at JOil plantation in Lim Chu Kang

JOil receives investment from Toyota Tsusho Corporation

TLL and international experts hold Neurosciences Symposium

Prof William Chia receives NUS Outstanding Partner in Research Award

2008

Prof Mohan Balasubramanian receives National Science Medal

Wang Hongyan receives Singapore National Young Scientist Medal & National Research Foundation Fellow 

TLL spins off JOil

TLL embarks on rice research in Banda Aceh with Temasek Foundation

TLL’s avian influenza vaccine technology acquired by Hillhouse Capital

2007

TLL and the Institute of Botany of Chinese Academy of Science forms joint laboratory on bioenergy crops

TLL is a beneficiary of Temasek Trust

Dr Yu Feng Wei receives Singapore National Young Scientist Award

Yu Hao receives Singapore Youth Award for Science and Technology & NUS Young Research Award

TLL makes breakthrough findings through research on Drosophila

2006

TLL spins off BioForest

TLL hosts first symposium with International Delegates 

Yu Hao receives Singapore National Young Scientist Award 

2005

TLL discovers the molecular interaction between a resistance gene in rice and pathogenic bacteria, and its effect on disease resistance in rice

TLL sets up the Asia Pacific Biosafety Association

TLL conducts regional biosafety training with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

TLL discovers insights that reveal how human embryos develop and help prevent birth deformities

TLL identifies an important mechanism that may control Body Patterning

2004

TLL licenses first proprietary technology to NYSE listed entity

Genomar and TLL announce R&D Collaboration on Nile Tilapia and Atlantic Salmon

TLL sets up BSL3 and ABSL3 labs

TLL and the Institute of Genetics Developmental Biology of Chinese Academy of Science forms joint laboratory on rice functional genomics

TLL hosts visit by the Princess of Thailand

2003

TLL and others form the Singapore Dengue Consortium

TLL collaborates on applied upstream farming technology with AVA

TLL and Tan Tock Seng Hospital announce Rapid Diagnostic Tool in the fight against SARS

TLL appoints Executive Director

2002

TLL is established

TLL makes breakthrough discovery in the auxin signalling of plants

TLL unravels an important control mechanism during mitosis

Prof Chua Nam Hai receives the Singapore Public Administration Medal (Gold)

TLL, Singapore NParks and Temasek Foundation embarks on One Million Trees movement

2022

TLL hosts Singapore Ministers for Sustainability and the Environment, Social and Family Development, and Health

2022

TLL hosts Singapore Ministers for Sustainability and the Environment, Social and Family Development, and Health

2022

2022

2013

  • TLL and Temasek Foundation customises rice cultivation
    programmes with the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural R&D.
  • TLL hosts visit by Singapore’s Minister for National Development.
  • Dr Yu Hao receives the Singapore President’s Science and Technology Award.
  • TLL scientists identify an important mechanism that terminates protein folding failures.
  • TLL young scientists receive prestigious awards for outstanding academic accomplishment.
  • TLL develops laboratory bio risk management with the Cambodian Ministry of Health.

2014

  • TLL and Temasek Foundation build capacities in laboratory bio risk management in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia and Vietnam.
  • TLL hosts Scientific Advisory Panel Discussion.
  • TLL hosts Singapore’s Minister of Finance.
  • TLL hosts Guangzhou Delegation.
  • TLL hosts young visitors from Harvest Care Centre.
  • TLL appoints Prof Yu Hao as Executive Director.
  • TLL discovers a new mechanism for sex control in zebrafish, germ cells reduction yields more males.
  • TLL appoints National Research Foundation Fellow to study diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • TLL discovers DNA compaction and its association with diseases.
  • TLL discovers “bio timer” that controls growth rate in flowering plants.

2015

  • Scientists Discover a Novel Fungal Biocatalyst and Regulator that Shut Down Plant Immunity.
  • TLL is granted an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status under the Singapore Charities Act.
  • TLL collaborates with Anhui Rice Research Institute on rice research and manpower training.
  • TLL launches Biosafety Passport for the Biomedical and Life Sciences Industry.
  • TLL delivers Wilmar Distinguished Lecture in Agri Food.
  • TLL hosts Delegation from Myanmar.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Senior Minister of State for Health, Environment and Water Resources.

2016

  • TLL develops multivalent vaccines against major swine viral diseases.
  • TLL spins off TLA.
  • TLL launches Training in Biosafety and Infectious Substances Shipping for Public Health Laboratories in Asia Pacific.
  • TLL participates in Singapore’s state visit to Norway.
  • TLL makes its First Deposit with Norwegian’s Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
  • TLL participates in Temasek Holdings’ Tree Planting Day.
  • TLL hosts Delegation from Laos.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Temasek Holdings’ CEO Ho Ching.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Ministers of Trade and Industry, National Development and Finance.
  • TLL hosts Chairman of Temasek Holdings.
  • Singapore’s Temasek Rice Developed by TLL Scientists for Regional Food Security (video).

2016

  • TLL develops multivalent vaccines against major swine viral diseases.
  • TLL spins off TLA.
  • TLL launches Training in Biosafety and Infectious Substances Shipping for Public Health Laboratories in Asia Pacific.
  • TLL participates in Singapore’s state visit to Norway.
  • TLL makes its First Deposit with Norwegian’s Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
  • TLL participates in Temasek Holdings’ Tree Planting Day.
  • TLL hosts Delegation from Laos.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Temasek Holdings’ CEO Ho Ching.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Ministers of Trade and Industry, National Development and Finance.
  • TLL hosts Chairman of Temasek Holdings.
  • Singapore’s Temasek Rice Developed by TLL Scientists for Regional Food Security (video).

2017

  • TLL spins off Pathnova.
  • TLL kicks off smart agriscience projects at National Research Foundation.
  • TLL Scientists Discover New Fundamental Class of Proteins Named “Guardian”.
  • TLL Scientists Discover Mechanical Control of Embryonic Polarisation.
  • TLL appoints Peter Chia as CEO.
  • Dr Yin Zhong Chao Wins Outstanding Rice Scientist (Singapore) Award.
  • Zebrafish Study Sheds Light on Potential Effect of Global Warming on Fish Populations.

2017

  • TLL spins off Pathnova.
  • TLL kicks off smart agriscience projects at National Research Foundation.
  • TLL Scientists Discover New Fundamental Class of Proteins Named “Guardian”.
  • TLL Scientists Discover Mechanical Control of Embryonic Polarisation.
  • TLL appoints Peter Chia as CEO.
  • Dr Yin Zhong Chao Wins Outstanding Rice Scientist (Singapore) Award.
  • Zebrafish Study Sheds Light on Potential Effect of Global Warming on Fish Populations.

2018

  • TLL spins off Allegro Aqua.
  • TLL commences research on Disruptive, Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP).

2018

  • TLL spins off Allegro Aqua.
  • TLL commences research on Disruptive, Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP).

2019

  • TLL is established
  • TLL makes breakthrough discovery in the auxin signalling of plants.
  • TLL unravels an important control mechanism during mitosis.
  • Prof Chua Nam Hai receives
    the Singapore Public Administration Medal (Gold).

2019

  • TLL is established
  • TLL makes breakthrough discovery in the auxin signalling of plants.
  • TLL unravels an important control mechanism during mitosis.
  • Prof Chua Nam Hai receives
    the Singapore Public Administration Medal (Gold).

2020

  • Temasek Holdings recognises TLL’s strategic focus on emerging infectious diseases amidst COVID 19.
  • Covid 19 Pandemic:
    TLL joins Temasek Foundation in testing water quality and public distribution for BYOB Hand Sanitiser Project (video).
  • TLL commences research on High Performance Precision Agriculture (HiPPA ) systems.
  • TLL commences research on Lighting Recipes for Sustainable and High Quality Vegetable Production.
  • Louis Dreyfus Company Partners Barramundi Asia and TLL on Aqua Feed Research (video).

2020

  • Temasek Holdings recognises TLL’s strategic focus on emerging infectious diseases amidst COVID 19.
  • Covid 19 Pandemic:
    TLL joins Temasek Foundation in testing water quality and public distribution for BYOB Hand Sanitiser Project (video).
  • TLL commences research on High Performance Precision Agriculture (HiPPA ) systems.
  • TLL commences research on Lighting Recipes for Sustainable and High Quality Vegetable Production.
  • Louis Dreyfus Company Partners Barramundi Asia and TLL on Aqua Feed Research (video).

2021

  • Covid 19 Pandemic: TLL joins Temasek Foundation in testing non alcoholic hand sanitisers for BYOB Hand Sanitiser Project (video).
  • TLL spins off Aqualita Ecotechnology (video).

2021

  • Covid 19 Pandemic: TLL joins Temasek Foundation in testing non alcoholic hand sanitisers for BYOB Hand Sanitiser Project (video).
  • TLL spins off Aqualita Ecotechnology (video).

2022

  • TLL, Singapore NParks and Temasek Foundation embarks on One Million Trees movement.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Ministers for Sustainability and the Environment, Social and Family Development, and Health.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Ministers for Sustainability and the Environment, Social and Family Development, and Health.
  • and Industry Partners sign MoU for the AquaPolis programme (video).

2022

  • TLL, Singapore NParks and Temasek Foundation embarks on One Million Trees movement.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Ministers for Sustainability and the Environment, Social and Family Development, and Health.
  • TLL hosts Singapore Ministers for Sustainability and the Environment, Social and Family Development, and Health.
  • and Industry Partners sign MoU for the AquaPolis programme (video).

TLL and others form the Singapore Dengue Consortium

2003

TLL collaborates on applied upstream farming technology with AVA

2003

TLL and Tan Tock Seng Hospital announce Rapid Diagnostic Tool in the fight against SARS

2003

TLL appoints Executive Director

2003

2003

TLL and others form the Singapore Dengue Consortium

TLL collaborates on applied upstream farming technology with AVA

TLL and Tan Tock Seng Hospital announce Rapid Diagnostic Tool in the fight against SARS

TLL appoints Executive Director

2002

  • TLL is established
  • TLL makes breakthrough discovery in the auxin signalling of plants.
  • TLL unravels an important control mechanism during mitosis.
  • Prof Chua Nam Hai receives
    the Singapore Public Administration Medal (Gold).

Lorem Ipsum

At TLL, our staff and scientists are committed to putting the magic and potency of science to good use. Our first founding decade saw TLL making discoveries, going beyond the ordinary to deepen our collective understanding of the environment and impacting various facets of human life. With vivid dreams conjuring special things….