Duke University officially opened its medical school in Singapore today with dedication of an 11-story medical research facility.

The joint Duke University and National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School is now in its third year with 130 students enrolled from 17 countries. The program was born out of Singapore's push to become the biomedical hub of Asia.

The new Khoo Teck Puat Building is named after the late Singaporean businessman and philanthropist who donated $80 million to the medical program. The dedication ceremony featured Duke President Richard Brodhead, Duke Health Affairs Chancellor Victor Dzau and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The Duke medical program in Singapore focuses on five research programs: emerging infectious diseases, cancer and stem cell biology, neuroscience and behavioral disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, and health services and systems research.