The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) have responded to the Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) findings on the management of Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 Research and Development (R&D) grants for the financial year 2024/25. Whilst the audit confirmed that processes and controls were generally in place, it also highlighted areas needing improvement, which both organisations are addressing.
The AGO noted that NRF and A*STAR had established processes to ensure proper grant management, including approval alignment with RIE2025 objectives, clear guidance for grant calls, and proper segregation of duties. However, some projects lacked documented approvals for deviations from Indirect Research Costs (IRC) funding rates. Both NRF and A*STAR have since obtained necessary approvals and updated guidelines to prevent future discrepancies.
The audit also identified the need for improved documentation of Conflict of Interest (COI) declarations. NRF has retrospectively obtained COI declarations and is enhancing its grants management system to require these declarations before grant evaluations. Additionally, NRF has revised its COI Management Framework to exclude officers with ex officio board appointments from fund disbursement approvals.
Further, the audit found that some funding requisitions were endorsed by conflicted individuals. NRF and A*STAR have revised procedures to ensure non-conflicted endorsements and implemented monitoring dashboards to prevent future issues. A*STAR also addressed errors in manpower cost allocations and updated its iGrants system to improve verification processes.
NRF and A*STAR have committed to ongoing improvements in governance and management of public funds, ensuring rigorous oversight and accountability.
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