SPEECH BY MR PETER CHEN
SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF SINGAPORE ROBOTIC GAMES 2000
AND FIRA ASIA-PACIFIC CUP SINGAPORE 2000 ON TUE 23 MAY 2000, 9.30 A.M.
AT SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC, LT1A

2.      Let me extend a warm welcome to the members from the various countries participating in the FIRA Asia-Pacific Cup.

Robotic Revolution

3.     The word "robot' was first coined some 80 years ago by a Czech playwright from the word "robota", which means "forced labour". But long before this word came along, man through his ingenuity had been devising tools for work that was hazardous, repetitive, troublesome or just plain mundane. He has never stopped since.

4.     Advances in technology have made numerous achievements in robotics possible. Robotics is an exciting field of study that allows us to put various human capabilities, like intelligence and decision-making, into machines.

5.     I am sure many of us have been fascinated by the androids featured in the movies such as Star Wars. But robotic experts will know that the type of human intelligence displayed by robots in movies is still not quite achievable in reality. Even the very basic abilities found in a one-year-old baby, for example, being able to balance and walk and to differentiate between a dark shadow and a hole in the floor, have proven to be a challenge to the most advanced of robots.

6.     But this does not stop humans from coming up with dreams about what robots can do for them. Hans Moravec in his book, Robot: Mere Machine to Transcendent Mind, predicts a future where advanced robots will perform all essential manufacturing and food production tasks. This will allow us to indulge in more aesthetic pursuits and leisure. This may sound like science fiction, but for some of our young friends here, it could well turn out to be a reality in their lifetime given the accelerated pace of technological developments.

7.     With the advancement in microelectronics and micro-machines, a robotic revolution is taking place. Smaller and smarter robots, capable of performing more complex functions, have been invented. These robots are used in factories as well as areas like entertainment, and even deep-sea and inter-planetary exploration.

Creativity and Innovation

8.     In short, robotics is an area where there are infinite possibilities, limited only by the boundaries of human imagination. Thus, there is tremendous scope here for our students to exercise their creativity, be innovative and to think "out of the box". It is indeed heartening to note the active participation of secondary school students in these games. This shows that robotics is no longer the preserve of scientists and engineers. This is in line with the Ministry of Education's "Thinking Schools, Learning Nations" vision to nurture creativity amongst our students and to help prepare them for the Knowledge Based Economy.

9.     The Robotic Games provides an excellent platform to showcase the products of innovation and creativity. Entries of the Games are the results of intensive R&D effort, especially those from the tertiary institutions. They demonstrate team members' commitment to keeping up with up to date technologies and applying them to build their robots.

10.    I am told that the soccer-playing robots best exemplify the use of the latest technologies. Incorporated in these robots is a wide range of technologies such as collaborative multiple agent robotics, autonomous computing, real-time reasoning and sensor technology. The combined use of these technologies will bring the level of technical sophistication to an even higher level. With international participation, the standard of the competition will be further raised.

11.    Students participating in these robotic games will no doubt find them an invaluable learning experience. The complexity of challenges posed to them and the realisation of the importance of teamwork will give them a feel of the effect of globalisation and how to stay competitive in the global economy.

12.    The public lectures and demonstrations by visiting experts at the Singapore Robotic Games will help facilitate research, provide a forum for learning and exchange of ideas, and expose participants to the latest technological developments in the field of robotics and automation.

13.    Such opportunities allow students to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to help us succeed as a nation.

Conclusion

14.    I commend the Singapore Robotic Games Organising Committee for holding these competitions annually, and for giving the many aspiring young, student robot inventors and enthusiasts an opportunity to develop their interest and potential in the exciting field of robotics. I envisage the competition that will take place over the next 3 days to be very exciting.

15.    May I wish all competitors in the Singapore Robotic Games 2000 and the FIRA Asia-Pacific Cup Singapore 2000, all the best in the competitions. It is my pleasure to declare both the Singapore Robotic Games and the FIRA Asia-Pacific Cup Singapore open.

Thank you.