With the rapid growth of the Science & Technology (S&T) community in Singapore and a critical mass of foreign researchers present in the country, the International Researchers Club (IRC), endorsed and funded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), was established in August 2001.

"IRC is a forum for members and their families to meet regularly and fosters networking and social interaction amongst members. The primary mission of IRC is to attract and retain foreign talent in Singapore, by helping them integrate into the fabric of the Singapore society, through the organisation of educational, social and recreational activities for the members."

This was referred to by Minister for Trade and Industry BG (NS) George Yeo in his speech at the EDB-NSTB Combined Scholarships Award Ceremony on 13 July 2001, where he highlighted the importance of creating a conducive environment for research human capital to take root in a knowledge-based economy (KBE).

With A*STAR focusing on promoting and encouraging science, engineering and biomedical research and nurturing talent to help advance Singapore's transition to a KBE, an active recreational club for foreign researchers will be an important component of the Science and Technology infrastructure in Singapore.

The primary mission of IRC is support A*STAR’s foreign talent retention effort in Singapore, by helping them integrate into the fabric of the Singapore society, through the organisation of social, recreational and educational activities for the members.

1) IRC as a one stop social and cultural centre for international researchers, the aim is to help them settle in Singapore quickly, get used to Singapore life style and take roots here.

2) IRC as a centre for casual scientific and academic exchanges to promote scientific cross-fertilisation.

The IRC has the potential to become an exciting hub for international researchers in Singapore. The multi-national nature and the high academic qualifications of its members will make IRC unique in its appeal to researchers. Members' participation in IRC events is crucial to the Club's success, which would in turn contribute to building a stronger scientific community in Singapore.

IRC will act as an ambassador to give foreign researchers benefits to the country. a warm welcome, guide them in settling in Singapore and look into some of their social needs and those of their families, so that they can progress with their research in Singapore and bring economic