SPEECH BY MR PETER CHEN SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION AT THE SONY CREATIVE SCIENCE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY 2000 ON WEDNESDAY, 24 MAY 2000 AT 9.30 AM AT THE SINGAPORE SCIENCE CENTRE

2     Most of us think of toys as something to amuse the children with. Not many of us realise that toys can be a means to learn more about science and technology. Participants in this competition, in trying to design and build toys using household odds and ends, would have discovered for themselves that the making of toys involves many principles of science and engineering. I am pleased to hear that there were more than 1800 entries for this Award. This shows that science, especially with an element of entertainment has a place in many people's hearts.

3     The objective of the Sony Creative Science Award is to encourage the creative use of scientific knowledge to come up with interesting and unusual toys. . In toy-making, one gets to experiment with basic scientific principles. It is a well known fact that children have a genuine curiosity for discovering new things and figuring out how things work. In earlier times, children used to make their own toys from materials such as rubber seeds and coconut leaves. The advantage of making a toy yourself, as opposed to buying it off the shelf, is that you are more likely to be able to fix it yourself when it breaks down.

4     It is said that the early years of a child's life are the critical years for the development of intellectual and social skills. Hence, it is good to organise activities that facilitate the development of such intellectual and social skills in primary school children. The Sony Creative Science Award provides the opportunity for primary school students to work independently and pick up many skills which cannot be found in textbooks. Through project work, they are encouraged to think creatively, apply knowledge purposefully and work with others.

5     Learning is an on-going process, which continues throughout our lives. As we strive towards a globally competitive knowledge-based economy, we need to focus on creative thinking and innovativeness to ensure we remain competitive. . Being creative and innovative means adapting quickly to the changing environment, understanding the needs and likes of consumers, and inventing products that add value to people's lives.

6     I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Singapore Science Centre and the SONY group of companies in Singapore for taking the initiative to organise this competition to encourage creative scientific learning amongst our young.

7     I would also like to congratulate all participants for having demonstrated the winning combinations of creativity, talent and perseverance. I hope this competition has aroused and stimulated your interest in science and that you will continue to think and work creatively to make your dreams come true.

Thank you.