MOE Speech - SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER, AT DUNMAN SECONDARY SCHOOL扴 LIFE SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY DAY

SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER, AT DUNMAN SECONDARY SCHOOL扴 LIFE SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY DAY, ON SATURDAY, 2 AUGUST 2003, AT 8.30 AM

Introduction
1. It gives me great pleasure to join you today at Dunman Secondary's Life Sciences and Technology Day. The fact that this is held as part of the school's 40th anniversary is significant as we can reflect on how rapidly knowledge has evolved over the past 40 years to bring us to where we are today.

2. The exchange of ideas and the explosion of knowledge have contributed greatly to the rapidly changing world scene. The last few years has seen an explosion of knowledge that has merged into a body of information called the Life Sciences.

3. In the decade before, we were immersed in the language of the microchip with its zeros and ones. Now we are in the world of the gene. When combined into three letter sequences, the four letters - A, C, G and T¹ - representing the four nucleotides that form the DNA, describe not only the human species, but also all forms of life.

4. Whether it is genetic DNA fingerprinting, tissue engineering, genetically modified food or embryo cloning, the life sciences offer opportunities to address many global needs related to health, ageing, food and the environment. Since 2000, Singapore has focused on developing the Life Sciences as the fourth pillar of our economy.

5. Singapore's vision is to become a premier centre for biomedical research. Biopolis, the biomedical hub in North Buona Vista with its state of the art facilities, seeks to attract renowned scientists to work in Singapore. This will in turn attract established companies to Singapore to do research and development. The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) is also recruiting up to 250 scientists to conduct genomic research in a highly collaborative environment, and Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory is launching a global recruitment drive for world-class research scientists to build up its R&D capabilities.

Need to develop pool of young talents in the life sciences

6. The life-sciences industry uses the most sophisticated equipment to unlock the millions of letters spelling out our genes. But without the human intellectual capacity to decipher them, these letters will mean nothing. In our knowledge-based and technology-driven economy, we need to generate and sustain a strong interest in science, technology and biomedicine. This is crucial to building up the manpower resources that Singapore needs in Life Sciences.

7. I am indeed heartened to see schools all over Singapore giving their students opportunities to learn about and experience the life sciences. Exposure to DNA and protein at an early age will create interest and expertise in this field. By the time budding scientists reach university, they would have a clear comprehension and appreciation of the complex nature of molecular genetics. They can then ascertain if this is really the field they would like to dedicate their lives to.

8. Life Sciences is a highly specialized field with high capital investment. I am impressed that centres like the life sciences training and research centre at Dunman Secondary have been established to groom students with a genuine interest in research work. Through research and teamwork, students will develop an enquiring mind as well as the tenacity and determination to persevere and seek alternative solutions.

9. The recent SARs outbreak has demonstrated the powers of genetic engineering as well as the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Tan Tock Seng Hospital clinicians collected samples of an infected patient; following which researchers from the Singapore General Hospital, Defence Medical Research Institute and Defence Science Organisation worked together to isolate the genetic material of the virus. Then, scientists at the Genome Institute of Singapore decoded the sequence of the viral gene. All these took just a few weeks. By collaborating, the scientists and researchers could begin to understand the virus' genome and the genetic shift that brought the deadly virus into existence. Furthermore, by working together, the team has set the scene for further collaborations which would improve the quality of diagnostic tests and even the development of a vaccine for the disease.

10. It is never too early for students to understand and appreciate the wonders of genetic engineering and to engage in authentic research projects. I am pleased to note that one of the projects undertaken by the centre at Dunman Secondary is protein engineering of Peptide Antibiotic. All of us are aware that there are bacteria and viruses that have become resistant to the more commonly used chemically-made antibiotics. A solution to this problem lies in Antimicrobial peptides. Antimicrobial peptides are small proteins that act like antibodies in humans where they are produced in response to injury and diseases. They are nature's own way of fighting off diseases caused by microbes. The lab at Dunman has engineered Antimicrobial peptides that are closely related to the body's natural peptides. This is very impressive and laudable. The centre is currently seeking to collaborate with hospitals or other institutions in this area.

Conclusion

11. Since the centre was set up, I am happy to note that young students are eager to learn and cultivate their interest and expertise in molecular genetics. I would like to encourage schools to take advantage of centres like the one in Dunman Secondary so that their students and their counterparts from other schools, who share the ability and inclination, can collaborate to further their knowledge and interest in the area.