Meet Liza Noonan, ASEAN Director for CSIRO

liza

Tell us about your business 

CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency. Its purpose is to solve the world’s greatest challenges with science and technology. Challenges like food security, infectious disease management, resiliency against climate change, developing low emissions technologies, creating industries of the future and ending plastic waste.

What’s your role all about?  

My role is about positioning innovative Australian science, technology & knowledge as a solution provider to big global challenges. It’s about fostering collaborations and make connections with organisations in Australia and across ASEAN that share a purpose to solve the same challenges. It’s about profiling the fantastic work of CSIRO scientists and our partners.   

What’s the hot topic in your sector right now?  

In 2020 top of the list is global health security. Although the priority is vaccine development and distribution what will come next is how we collectively build our preparedness against future biosecurity threats. Other major hot topics include the opportunity for partners like Australia and Singapore to come together and develop clean hydrogen markets and innovate in new sources of proteins that are nutritious and great for the planet.

Why are you a member of AustCham in Singapore?  

It’s a great way to stay connected to the Australian business community here in Singapore and across the region. I really value the individuals who make up the Chamber and are so passionate about the Australia-Singapore business relationship.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would you go on holiday? 

I have a very, very long list. Hakuba for some skiing, Morocco for new adventures, Montenegro for sailing, London to catch up with friends and Italy, Spain, France for glorious food and history.  I’d still love to do that half marathon in Bagan.  But at top of the list is Sydney. My home town and where my very first niece or nephew is about to make their arrival into the world.

Since travel hasn’t been an option for most of this year, what hidden gems have you discovered in Singapore? 

Walks around Dairy Farm Quarry and Bukit Batok Nature Park to get the blood flowing on a weekend. Lots of bike riding with the family particularly around Bishan Park and the new East Coast-Changi connector;  some very life-like dinosaurs to spot. Prawn fishing at Orto. Little Island Brewing at Changi Village for a great Sunday Roast. And HydroDash at Sentosa – my muscles are still recovering!

 

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Find out more about CSIRO on our website

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