Speeches
Speech by Mr S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Education, at the Opening Ceremony of the 2nd Singapore International Science Challenge, 26 May 2009, 9.00am, National Junior College, Ngee Ann Kongsi Performing Arts Theatre
Mrs Virginia Cheng
Principal, National Junior College
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you at the Opening Ceremony of the 2nd Singapore International Science Challenge (SISC). I would like to extend a warm welcome to our many international friends who have travelled far, from around the globe, to be with us today.
The Singapore International Science Challenge (or SISC for short) was initiated in 2007 by National Junior College, to provide a platform for students to experience the rigour of science competitions, and to nurture young scientists with a global perspective. The Ministry of Education is pleased to once again lend its support to SISC 2009. I am also glad to note that A*STAR, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, is the co-sponsor.
Importance of environmental sustainability
While the immediate priority of governments worldwide is to overcome the global economic recession, there is another profound long term challenge that looms in the background. The Living Planet Report published by the World Wildlife Fund says that “more than three quarters of the world’s people live in nations that are ecological debtors” - their national consumption outstrips their endowment of natural resources and wildlife. Another report by Sommerkorn notes that the effects of climate change seem to be more extreme than expected and may have already triggered the disappearance of summer Arctic ice. Therefore, the theme of this year’s SISC — Fresh Challenges, New Possibilities — is apposite as it focuses on addressing the key issue of environmental sustainability.
Singapore Pushing the Frontier in Integrating Science and Enviromental Sustainability
Singapore is a strong advocate of tackling the global environmental challenge through Science and Technology. We have established a Clean Energy Programme Office to drive the growth of the Clean Technology industry, committing more than S$600m to its development. Alternative energy sources are an important aspect of this effort. In particular, Singapore has leveraged on its strong R&D infrastructure and its position in the Asian sunbelt to attract leading researchers and companies in solar energy to Singapore.
For example, last year saw the opening of the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (or SERIS for short). The current CEO of the institute, Professor Joachim Luther, was the former Director of Europe’s largest Solar Energy R&D institute. Another prominent scientist that was attracted to work at SERIS as its Deputy CEO is Professor Armin Aberle, who was awarded the 2008 IAG Eureka Prize for Innovative Solutions to Climate Change.
Water technology is another area in which Singapore has invested heavily. Today, Singapore is internationally recognized for its excellent water management and pioneering use of cutting-edge water technology. Our Strategic Research Programme on Clean Water will help Singapore become a global hydro-hub by 2015 through the holistic combination of industry and technology development. Already, numerous research centres of excellence have been set up, including the Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute (NEWRI) and the Singapore-Delft Water Alliance.
A good example of the dividends from our research is the creation of NEWater, a sustainable source of water for industrial use in Singapore. I understand that you will have a chance to visit the NEWater demonstration plant - it is an excellent example of Science serving the goal of environmental sustainability, harnessing various types of technology such as reverse osmosis and microfiltration. For its outstanding contributions to microfiltration technology, our national water agency was presented with an Award of Excellence from the National Water Research Institute, USA.
Cleantech and NEWater are two examples of how Singapore has sought to harness scientific research to ensure that our economic progress and our environment can co-exist harmoniously. More generally, the Government recently published its Blueprint for Sustainable Development. It maps out our vision of Singapore as a lively and liveable city which is efficient, clean and green - in other words, a city that continues to develop while using less resources, generating less waste and pollution, and preserving our natural heritage.
The Importance and Challenges of Collaboration in Science
A key aspect of SISC is the meeting of minds and the exchange of ideas, which underscores the importance of collaboration in Science. A good example of such scientific collaboration related to the field of environmental sustainability was highlighted by the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, which was given for “efforts to build up greater knowledge about man-made climate change”. It is instructive that the prize was awarded to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which is, in fact, a multi-governmental group - a broadbased collaborative effort cutting across institutional and national boundaries.
As scientists of tomorrow, one challenge you will face is in finding the right balance between competition and cooperation in scientific research. We live in a highly competitive world. Yet, we need collective and collaborative efforts to find solutions to problems in an inter-dependent world. Hence, it is essential that we nurture from young a culture of purposeful cooperation based on intellectual integrity, cultural sensitivity and mutual respect. I, therefore, urge you to make the most of your time in SISC to better understand each other and explore opportunities for mutual growth through collaboration.
For example, there has been successful research collaboration on the topic of fungi between the students from two schools here today - Japan’s Waseda University Honjo Senior High School and Singapore’s National Junior College (NJC). During an overseas gathering of students, much like this one, the seeds for collaboration were planted during networking sessions. Members of staff from both schools realized that they had common strategic goals and thus would benefit from working together.
That collaboration has yielded many opportunities for learning. I understand that the NJC staff and students learnt more about fungi that are not found in Singapore from their Japanese counterparts. Moreover, the Japanese students were able to share which fungi are edible and which aren’t. Apparently, they pick and eat fungi from the forest near their school, a habit Singaporeans are unaccustomed to! Similarly, NJC students were able to acquaint their Japanese friends with fungi that are more common in Singapore, such as our bracket and gilled fungi. It is through experiences like these that our horizons are broadened and our learning deepened.
Conclusion
In closing, I would like to commend the organizing team for their efforts to make SISC 2009 a worthy sequel. I am happy to note that this year, there are 26 participating schools from 4 continents, making SISC a biennial highlight in the itinerary of international science competitions. I am sure that all teachers and student participants here will have a memorable time, not only by stretching your minds through the rigour of scientific competition, but also by forging lasting friendships across nationalities and cultures. I wish all of you a challenging and enjoyable experience in SISC.
Thank you.