Singapore: The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has inked a pact with GE healthcare to further bolster research and development efforts. The five year agreement aims at developing next generation medical technologies.

With the pact, GE has further strengthened its presence in Singapore and Asia. The collaboration will see A*STAR and GE Healthcare co-innovate technologies in three areas: patient monitoring, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The partnership will help GE sustain its robust product pipeline, thus further improving healthcare delivery across the world. The team aims at developing better quality CT and MRI scanners which will help clinicians prescribe improved treatment for patients, through enhanced accuracy in the diagnosis of illnesses, including neurological disorders, heart disease and cancer.

Dr Raj Thampuran, managing director, A*STAR, said, "The MedTech sector has seen good double digit growth over the years. A*STAR will continue to support this high growth sector through public-private sector partnership in R&D and innovation driven efforts."

Mr Michael Barber, vice president & chief engineer for GE Healthcare, said, "We're thrilled to collaborate with A*STAR, one of the world's finest research organizations, combining the engineering strength of both of our teams, to build the future of healthcare together."