Speeches
Speech by Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development & Ministry of Education, at the Opening of X!-periment! on Friday, 15 August 2008, at 1210hrs at the Marina Square Central Atrium, Level 2, Marina Square Shopping Centre
Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, Chief Executive, Singapore Science Centre
A/P Ren Ee Chee, Director, Graduates Affairs Office, Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR)
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Boys and girls
Good afternoon
It is indeed my honour to be part of the launch of science.08 which kicks off with the opening of X-periment! with the theme of “Fast Forward: The Science of Speed”.
This year’s X-periment! will highlight research on speed by 14 organisations. For example, the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) will be showing how software applications and other technologies cam transform the factory of the future at their booth “Digital Factory Fast Forward”. Nanyang Polytechnic, with their F1 racing simulation of the Singapore GP, will give us a sneak preview of the Singapore Formula One race which will take place in September. In addition to X-periment!, the month-long science.08 will offer more than 120 events, activities and workshops. Without a doubt, science.08 promises to be exciting, intellectually stimulating and fun.
Bringing science to the masses
science.08 is possible only with the commitment from A*STAR and the Science Centre. Both organisations have been collaborating to raise public awareness of science, technology and biomedicine. Recently, for the first time, they partnered with Capitaland to organise “Science in the Mall - X-ploring Garden Crawlies” in three malls in June. I was told that it was a great success, attended by many students and parents. This is an example of how organisations working with other private sector partners can make science more accessible to the masses.
A*STAR and the Science Centre have also partnered with the Ministry of Education to create opportunities to stimulate and nurture the passion for scientific enquiry. An example of this is The National Science Challenge 2008, which is a TV series showcasing our secondary school students. In each episode, they undergo four rounds of competition, testing their teamwork, science knowledge and quick thinking. The first episode of this year’s series will be telecast at the end of August.
Renewing our talent pool
Our budding scientists have also proven themselves internationally with outstanding performance in research projects. At the recent annual International Science and Engineering Fair held in the US, the world’s largest pre-college science fair and widely regarded as the Olympics of science competitions, our representatives brought glory to Singapore by beating their competitors to win top awards, including coming up first in the team category.
We are very proud of their achievements. It is testimony to the high quality of potential scientists among our Singaporean students. It also shows that we are on the right track in our approach towards scientific development and outreach programme. This will, in time, ensure the renewal of our talent pool to drive Singapore’s economic growth and place Singapore at the forefront of science and technology.
Building on Singapore’s successes
The foundation stone for this economic thrust was laid many years ago and we are beginning to see very encouraging results. Singapore is emerging as a major node for R&D. It has successfully attracted pharmaceutical, biomedical, chemical, and other technology companies to set up R&D centres in Singapore. We are able to do as companies appreciate our conducive business environment, high quality human resources, and supportive environment for the scientific community.
Singapore has also established its capability in developing innovative new technologies. At the recent World Cities Summit and the Singapore International Water Week held at Suntec City in June, A*STAR and its collaborators showcased nine cutting-edge technologies for future cities.
These innovations include 3D simulation software to facilitate megacity urban and defence planning, sensors for structural health monitoring of urban infrastructure like bridges, technologies for monitoring water quality, Brain-Computer Interfaces for smart healthcare, as well as lifestyle products such as biodegrable food packaging, cuffless blood pressure monitors and the world’s first eyewear frame made almost entirely from recycled materials. These innovations are testimony of Singapore’s ability and potential to compete on the global stage.
Conclusion
It is undeniable that science and technology has an impact on every aspect of our everyday lives. It dictates how we are living and how we will be living in the future. Science, technology and biomedicine will be engines of growth and Singapore has an opportunity to excel in the development of these areas. Hence, our focus on growing our human resources, infrastructure and intellectual capabilities remains key to Singapore’s future growth.
I encourage all of you, especially our youths, to be inquisitive about Science. Participate in the activities during science.08 and be inspired, or simply marvel at the wonders of Science and its impact on our lives. One day, you could be leading Singapore in the development of a new vaccine or technology.
I wish you all a fantastic time in discovering the wonders of Science.
Thank you.