SINGAPORE - The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the critical role of science and technology as well as the need for global cooperation in combating the crisis, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Wednesday (Jan 20). "Science and tech will continue to give countries an edge in recovering from this pandemic and tackling the next one. The lesson here is that countries must continue to invest in R&D, even during an economic downturn," said Mr Heng at an event organised by Temasek Foundation. The Temasek Shophouse Conversations brings leaders from the public, private, and community sector together in a series of panel discussions and events.