SINGAPORE, JANUARY 31 President and scientist, APJ Abdul Kalam, clearly had science at the top of his agenda as he landed here this evening as part of the three-nation tour of Singapore, the Philippines and South Korea.

Addressing mediapersons aboard the special Air India flight, the President made it clear that he would look for technology convergence, ways to develop stem cell research, as well as how to take forward his idea of a world youth satellite and a world knowledge platform. He said he would like to see how these countries were seeking to bridge the digital divide, so as to replicate some of the lessons learned in India.

Therefore, he said, he was looking forward to visiting technical institutes as well as interacting with high school students and technical experts. Singapore and South Korea, he said, were on their way to becoming knowledge centres and he would like to see how the concept could be chanelled in India. Asian countries have a lot to contribute to a knowledge society, he added. All these steps, he said, would lead to world peace. ‘‘All major religions have their origin in Asia and all talk of peace, yet peace remains elusive,’’ he said and added that it would be his endeavour to find ways for permanent peace.

He emphasised that he would also talk to religious and political leaders in an effort to build a bridge of friendship and peace. Clearly, diplomacy and politics are far from his focus during the visit although he is slated to discuss bilateral issues with the heads of the three nations and to interact with ministers of these countries.

He did mention, though, that his current visit was part of the “Look East ’’ policy of the government and added that he expected a comprehensive economic agreement to be signed with the Singapore government.