The Singapore National Academy of Science was originally established in 1967 with the principal objectives of promoting the advancement of science and technology in Singapore, as well as the discussion of scientific, technological and socio-economic problems of national interest. When the need arose in 1975 for an umbrella organization to represent the interests of the various scientific societies in Singapore, as well as to oversee the promotion of science and technology, the same name was retained.
The Academy represents the interests of eleven scientific constituent bodies: Institute of Physics Singapore, Science Teachers Association of Singapore, Singapore Association for the Advancement of Science, Singapore Institute of Biology, Singapore Mathematical Society, Singapore National Institute of Chemistry, Singapore Institute of Statistics, Singapore Society for Microbiology, Singapore Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Clinician Scientists and the Materials Research Society Singapore. All the constituent bodies maintain an active profile in fulfilling their aims and objectives.
The Academy maintains strong links with academia, government and industry. It publishes an Annual Report, a journal and other scientific literature. It is also a Member of the Pacific Science Association (PSA), The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA).