Hong Kong–Singapore Joint Call for Proposals

Deadline: 20-Oct-2026

The Hong Kong–Singapore Joint Call for Proposals supports collaborative research projects between Singapore and Hong Kong in artificial intelligence, energy and environmental sustainability, and translational immunology. The initiative provides up to S$150,000 per project for an initial 24-month phase, with selected projects potentially advancing to a second phase offering up to S$300,000 for an additional 36 months. The program is designed to promote scientific excellence, strengthen research ties between Singapore and Hong Kong, and support projects that combine the expertise and resources of research teams in both regions. Proposals should demonstrate strong collaboration between the two research teams and potential for significant scientific, economic, and social impact. The Hong Kong–Singapore Joint Call for Proposals is a bilateral research funding initiative supporting joint research teams from Singapore and Hong Kong.

The call aims to:

Each project must involve a Singapore-based and a Hong Kong-based Principal Investigator (PI). The joint call focuses on three priority research areas. This theme supports research applying artificial intelligence to the development of future smart cities. Projects should demonstrate meaningful collaboration between the participating research teams and potential benefits for urban development and society. This priority area focuses on research addressing energy and environmental sustainability challenges. Projects may explore innovative scientific approaches that can contribute to more sustainable energy systems and environmental outcomes. This area supports collaborative research in translational immunology and emerging diseases. The focus provides an opportunity for Singapore and Hong Kong research teams to combine expertise and resources to address important challenges related to immunology and emerging diseases. Phase 1 provides funding for the initial collaborative research period.

Key details include:

Phase 1 projects will be evaluated based on their research progress and other relevant criteria before consideration for the second phase. Selected Phase 1 projects may advance to Phase 2 based on progress and evaluation.

Phase 2 provides:

Advancement to Phase 2 is not automatic and depends on project progress and evaluation. Each application must be jointly developed by: The two collaborating teams must work together to develop the proposal. Both teams are required to submit identical proposals to their respective funding agencies.

The Singapore-based PI must:

The institutional appointment requirement must be met by the Singapore-based Principal Investigator at the time of application. The collaborative nature of the program is a central requirement.

Applicants should ensure that:

Proposals must be:

Applicants should allow sufficient time for institutional review and endorsement before the submission deadline. The Hong Kong–Singapore Joint Call for Proposals provides a framework for researchers from both regions to work together on major scientific and technological challenges. The program combines research collaboration with a phased funding model, allowing selected projects to begin with a 24-month research phase and potentially continue into a longer second phase.

The initiative can help researchers:

Applicants should develop the proposal collaboratively rather than preparing separate applications independently.

A strong proposal should clearly explain:

The proposal should also demonstrate clear synergy between the collaborating teams. Applicants should keep the following requirements in mind:

Applicants should avoid:

A strong joint proposal should:

It is a bilateral research funding initiative supporting collaborative projects between research teams in Singapore and Hong Kong. The call supports three priority areas: Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities of Tomorrow, Science for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, and Translational Immunology and Emerging Diseases. Phase 1 provides up to S$150,000 per project for 24 months. Selected projects can receive up to S$300,000 per project for an additional 36 months in Phase 2. Up to 10 projects can be supported during Phase 1. Up to 3 projects may advance to Phase 2 based on progress and evaluation. Each application must be jointly developed and submitted by one Singapore-based PI and one Hong Kong-based PI. Yes. The Singapore-based PI must hold a primary appointment of at least 75% at a local publicly funded research institution. Yes. The Singapore and Hong Kong teams are required to submit identical proposals to their respective agencies. All proposals must be written in English. Yes. Proposals must be endorsed by the applicants’ host institutions before submission. Yes. Indirect costs are permitted but are capped at 30% in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. The Hong Kong–Singapore Joint Call for Proposals provides phased funding for collaborative research addressing artificial intelligence, energy and environmental sustainability, and translational immunology and emerging diseases. By requiring joint participation from Singapore and Hong Kong research teams, the initiative is designed to combine complementary expertise and resources while supporting research with potential scientific, economic, and social impact. For more information, visit A*STAR.